Where to Watch March Madness 2025: Your Viewing Guide

March Madness 2025 is right around the corner, with Selection Sunday marking the start of this eagerly-anticipated tournament.

College basketball fans across the U.S. - from dedicated bracketologists to casual college hoops enthusiasts - are gearing up for one of the most exciting NCAA tournaments in sports. Whether you’re chasing a Cinderella story or analyzing upsets in your March Madness bracket, knowing where to watch live game streams and cable broadcasts is essential.

This comprehensive guide will break down your TV and streaming options, including where to watch online, in high-definition (HD) and with real-time live score updates, so you don’t miss a second of the action.

Contents

1. March Madness 2025 TV Broadcast Schedule
2. Streaming Options for March Madness 2025
3. Where to Watch March Madness Without Cable
4. Key Dates and Broadcast Information
5. Tips for a Top March Madness Viewing Experience
6. How to Max Your Winnings This March Madness

1. March Madness 2025 TV Broadcast Schedule 

The NCAA Tournament will be broadcast across four major sports networks in the U.S.: CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. These networks have exclusive rights to air all 67 games—from the First Four to the National Championship—in HD. Here’s how the coverage breaks down:

• CBS: A longstanding and primary broadcaster for the NCAA Tournament, CBS will air key matchups including the Final Four and National Championship game. Make sure to check the game times as this network offers a front-row seat to college hoops excitement.
  
  
• TBS: TBS will televise several high-profile games, including Final Four matchups on a rotating basis, sharing coverage responsibilities throughout the tournament. They hold the rights to show the final two rounds in even-numbered years, making it a must-watch for any bracket fanatic.
  
  
• TNT & truTV: Together, these networks will provide additional game coverage, primarily focusing on early-round games and key upsets, ensuring that all teams battling through the bracket are televised so fans can follow every buzzer-beater moment. TruTV, in particular, will host many of the First Four and early-round games, so verify your local listings to catch these exclusive moments.

If you’re flipping through channels looking for a game, truTV is often the hardest to find, but it will host many of the First Four and early-round games. Check your local listings in advance to avoid missing out.

2. Streaming Options for March Madness 2025

For fans who prefer to stream games rather than watch on traditional cable, there are plenty of options for live streaming and HD viewing:

• NCAA March Madness Live: This official platform allows fans to stream every game live, complete with live score updates and on-demand replays. Note that cable authentication is required for full access.
  
  
• Paramount+: CBS games can be streamed live with the Paramount+ platform,, making it a great option for those who want to catch the tournament’s biggest moments, complete with bracket insights and real-time stats.
  
  
• Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream: These streaming services offer live TV packages that include CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, providing full tournament coverage in HD. Enjoy the flexibility of free streaming trials and a seamless viewing experience without cable.
  
  
• Max (formerly HBO Max) with the Bleacher Report Sports Add-On: This newer option offers access to TBS, TNT, and truTV games, plus additional sports analysis and behind-the-scenes features for the ultimate March Madness bracket experience.

Most of these services offer free trials so if you’re not subscribed already, you may be able to catch some of March Madness 2025 at no cost via free streaming trial offers.

3. Where to Watch March Madness Without Cable

If you don’t have a cable subscription, don’t worry—you still have plenty of options to watch your favorite college basketball games live and in HD:

• Use a Digital Antenna: Since CBS airs many of the tournament’s top games, a digital antenna can help you catch all the live action in HD for free, making it a great alternative to cable TV.
  
  
• Sign Up for a Free Trial: Streaming services like Paramount+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV often provide free trials for new users, letting you stream March Madness for free for a limited time—perfect for testing different streaming platforms.
  
  
• Check Out Sports Bars: Many sports bars and restaurants will be showing all the games on large screens, providing a lively atmosphere and some good libations. This is an excellent way to enjoy the NCAA Tournament with fellow college hoops fans.

4. Key Dates and Broadcast Information

• Selection Sunday (March 16): The tournament field will be announced at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, providing essential insights for your March Madness bracket.
  
  
• First Four (March 18-19): These initial games determine the final entrants into the main bracket and will be broadcast on truTV.
  
  
• First and Second Rounds (March 20-23): Games during these rounds will be split across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Specific channel assignments and times, including HD game streams and live game score updates, will be announced closer to the dates.
  
  
• Sweet 16 and Elite Eight (March 27-30): CBS and TBS will share broadcasting duties for these pivotal rounds, so make sure to verify your local game times.
  
  
• Final Four (April 5) and National Championship (April 7): CBS will exclusively broadcast these concluding games live from the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, ensuring an unforgettable finish.
  
  

5. Tips for a Top March Madness Viewing Experience

1. Verify Channel Lineups: Before the tournament begins, confirm that your chosen TV or streaming service includes CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. This ensures uninterrupted access to all live streams and cable broadcasts.
   
   
2. Utilize Free Trials: Many streaming services offer free trial periods. If you’re considering a new streaming platform, this might be the ideal time to take advantage of offers that allow for free streaming.
   
   
3. Check Local Listings: Game times, channel assignments, and real-time live score updates can vary based on your location. Regularly consult local listings and digital streaming guides to stay updated on the broadcast schedule.
   
   

6. How to Max Your Winnings This March Madness

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