Selection Sunday is the highlight of the year for college basketball fans and sports bettors alike, as it marks the official commencement of March Madness 2025.
On this day, the NCAA Selection Committee unveils the 68-team brackets for the men's and women’s tournaments, setting the stage for three weeks of excitement and high-stakes basketball action.
Contents
- When is March Madness Selection Sunday 2025?
- Understanding the Selection Process
- Key Dates of March Madness
- How Are Tournament Locations Selected?
- Where to Watch March Madness 2025
- Tips for Sports Bettors
- How Can I Max My Winnings This March Madness?
1. When is March Madness Selection Sunday 2025?
This year’s Selection Sunday falls on March 16, 2025.
The men's bracket will be revealed at 6 p.m. ET on CBS. The women's bracket announcement follows at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
2. Understanding the Selection Process
The Selection Committee evaluates teams based on their performance throughout the season, considering factors like:
- Win-loss records
- Strength of schedule
- Quality wins
Of the 68 spots in each tournament, 31 are automatic bids awarded to conference champions. The remaining 37 are at-large bids extended to teams deemed worthy of inclusion.
3. Key Dates for Men’s March Madness
- Selection Sunday: March 16
- First Round: March 20-21
- Second Round: March 22-23
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
As the NCAA tournament progresses, the competition intensifies, with the final teams battling it out in the climactic stages.
These teams have demonstrated exceptional skill and endurance to reach this point. Every game can lead to either triumph or heartbreak.
The excitement peaks as fans eagerly anticipate which final teams will secure their spot in the championship game:
- National Championship: April 7 at the Alamodome
4. How Are Tournament Locations Selected?
The NCAA selects tournament locations years in advance, considering a number of factors including:
- Venue capacity
- Geographic diversity
- Ability to accommodate large crowds
This strategy ensures a broad representation of teams and fans across the country.
5. Where to Watch March Madness 2025
There are lots of ways to make sure you don't miss out on the madness. All tournament games will be broadcast on streaming services, so take a look to find out where to watch March Madness.
For those who prefer to stream, platforms like Paramount+, Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, and the NCAA's March Madness Live offer comprehensive round the clock coverage.
6. Tips for Sports Bettors
Selection Sunday offers a prime opportunity to analyze matchups and identify potential upsets. Here are a few things to keep an eye on:
- Seed Disparities: Historically, lower-seeded teams often outperform expectations.
- Injury Reports: Player availability can significantly impact game outcomes.
- Team Momentum: Squads entering the tournament on winning streaks may have a competitive edge.
As Selection Sunday approaches, you can get ready by reviewing the schedule, taking a deep dive into team analyses, and studying bracketology to finalize your brackets.
It’s time to prepare yourself for the crazy ride that is March Madness!

7. How Can I Max My Winnings This March Madness?
With 67 games, 10 million+ viewers and $2.7 billion+ wagered each year, who doesn’t love March Madness? But while you may be a fan of backing a bracket and cracking a cold one, you may be missing out.
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