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2026 NCAA Tournament: Bracket Reveal and Key Dates

3/15/2026

34 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 NCAA basketball tournament begins with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET, revealing a 68-team bracket.
The First Four games run March 17–18, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio, followed by the first round March 19–22, 2026.
The Final Four will take place in Indianapolis from April 4–6, 2026.
UConn and UCLA have strong seasons, while Michigan State's loss may affect seeding, and fans can download brackets.

History

Historical Context

The inaugural NCAA basketball tournament began on March 17, 1939, featuring eight teams and culminating in Oregon's victory over Ohio State on March 27. Initially organized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the tournament evolved significantly, expanding to 68 teams by 2011. This growth reflects the increasing popularity of college basketball, with programs like UCLA and UConn emerging as dominant forces.

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Story summary

The 2026 NCAA basketball tournament begins with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026 at 6 p.m. ET, revealing a 68-team bracket.
The First Four games run March 17–18, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio, followed by the first round March 19–22, 2026.
The Final Four will take place in Indianapolis from April 4–6, 2026.
UConn and UCLA have strong seasons, while Michigan State's loss may affect seeding, and fans can download brackets.

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