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March Madness 2026: Selection Sunday and Tournament Dates Revealed

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 NCAA March Madness tournaments will start with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026.
The men's bracket will be revealed at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by the women's bracket at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The men's tournament will begin with the First Four games on March 17, while the women's tournament starts on March 18.
A total of 68 teams will compete, with 31 receiving automatic bids and the rest selected by the NCAA selection committee.
The men's championship game is set for April 6, 2026, in Indianapolis.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA expanded its men's basketball tournament to 64 teams in 1985, up from 53, significantly increasing competition and viewership. This change allowed 30 teams to earn automatic bids, fostering inclusivity. The 1985 tournament culminated in Villanova's historic upset over Georgetown, marking a pivotal moment in college basketball's evolution, which will see 68 teams competing in 2026.

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Story summary

The 2026 NCAA March Madness tournaments will start with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026.
The men's bracket will be revealed at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by the women's bracket at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The men's tournament will begin with the First Four games on March 17, while the women's tournament starts on March 18.
A total of 68 teams will compete, with 31 receiving automatic bids and the rest selected by the NCAA selection committee.
The men's championship game is set for April 6, 2026, in Indianapolis.

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