Sports
Countdown to Selection Sunday: March Madness Bracket Revealed March 16
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Selection Sunday, the highly anticipated moment that unveils the 68 teams for the 2025 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, is set for March 16, 2025. The selection committee will announce the teams at 6 p.m. ET on CBS for the men’s tournament and 8 p.m. ET on ESPN for the women’s.
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Tournament kicks off on March 18 with the First Four games in Dayton, Ohio, held at UD Arena. This is the starting point of an intense month-long competition culminating in the Final Four on April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The championship game is slated for April 7.
“It’s an exciting time for teams across the nation as they vie for a spot in this prestigious tournament,” said NCAA spokesperson Jessica Hollis. “We encourage fans to tune in and witness the thrill of Selection Sunday.”
Here’s a breakdown of the men’s tournament schedule:
- First Four: Dayton, Ohio, UD Arena, March 18-19
- First/Second Rounds: Various cities, March 20-23
- East Regional: Newark, NJ, Prudential Center, March 27-29
- West Regional: San Francisco, CA, Chase Center, March 27-29
- South Regional: Atlanta, GA, State Farm Arena, March 28-30
- Midwest Regional: Indianapolis, IN, Lucas Oil Stadium, March 28-30
The corresponding women’s tournament will begin on March 19 with the First Four and will also conclude with the Final Four on April 4 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, followed by the championship on April 6.
In preparation for the tournament, teams are currently competing in various conference championships, with 14 out of 31 automatic bids already secured, including spots for Gonzaga and UNC Wilmington.
The NCAA committee’s decisions will be watched closely as teams finalize their chances for at-large bids, salvage their seasons, or solidify their positions in the tournament.
As Selection Sunday approaches, basketball fans are gearing up with anticipation. For those looking to stream the events, CBS and ESPN will both offer live coverage, with streaming options available for subscribers.
“March Madness is a time when the unexpected becomes reality,” said analyst Mike Sullivan. “Every year, teams emerge that the world just isn’t ready for. Selection Sunday is where those stories begin.”
