March Madness Begins: 2025 NCAA Tournament Kicks Off with Thrilling Matchups

DAYTON, Ohio — The 2025 NCAA Tournament has officially commenced, bringing with it two exhilarating days of First Four action. With the first-round games underway, fans can expect a whirlwind of excitement as teams vie for a chance to compete in the prestigious Final Four in San Antonio.

This year’s tournament features an extensive broadcasting lineup across CBS Sports and TNT Sports, providing viewers with 67 games to enjoy, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action. The tournament kicked off with 16 first-round games beginning at noon ET on Thursday, attracting basketball fans from across the nation.

Leading the broadcast team, Ian Eagle returns as the main play-by-play announcer for the NCAA Tournament, accompanied by analysts Bill Raftery, Grant Hill, and reporter Tracy Wolfson. Joining the ranks this year is former Michigan standout Jalen Rose, who adds his insights to the First and Second Round coverage.

Among the most anticipated matchups is a duel between legendary coaches John Calipari and Bill Self. Calipari’s No. 10 seed Arkansas faces Self’s No. 7 seed Kansas, with the winner advancing to the second round. This rivalry marks the third time Calipari and Self will compete in the NCAA Tournament, having previously met in the finals in 2008 and 2012.

The tournament schedule is jam-packed, with CBS airing 24 games including the Final Four, Elite Eight, and Sweet 16. TBS, truTV, and TNT will also contribute significantly, broadcasting 18, 21, and 12 games respectively. Fans can catch those games on various platforms, including subscription options through Max and the NCAA March Madness Live app.

During the broadcast, the teams’ tenacity and the stakes will be highlighted, creating an electric atmosphere for viewers. Eagle and his team described the tournament as “arguably the most exciting 48 hours on the American sports calendar,” and they are eager to showcase the thrill of March Madness.

As teams continue to fight for survival, upsets and buzzer-beaters are inevitable. One of the night’s late games features the No. 12 seed UC San Diego, making its tournament debut against No. 5 seed Michigan, raising the stakes for newcomers and veterans alike.

With matchups slated throughout the weekend culminating in a thrilling Final Four on April 5, the tournament promises to deliver heart-pounding moments and unforgettable highlights. For those watching, know that the magic of March is just beginning.

NCAA Tournament coverage will extend across CBS and TNT throughout the event, with a strong emphasis on coverage for fans tuning in from home. The Selection Show initiated the excitement on March 16, and the tournament will conclude with the national championship game on April 7 in San Antonio.