March Madness 2025 Begins with Thrilling NCAA Tournament Action

SEATTLE, Wash. — The 2025 NCAA Tournament kicked off its first full day of competition on March 21, continuing into Friday as 68 teams vie for their place in the coveted Final Four. The tournament promises intense action, showcasing notable upsets and electrifying finishes as teams are narrowed down to 32 heading into the weekend.

Broadcasting across CBS Sports and TNT Sports, the first round features a staggering 32 games, a lineup that encapsulates what fans consider one of the most exhilarating periods in American sports. The ongoing games will conclude early Saturday morning on the East Coast, ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the action.

This year, a total of 67 games will be televised through CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, allowing fans numerous options to tune into their favorite matchups. Ian Eagle will lead the play-by-play for CBS Sports, continuing his role from last season. He returns alongside analysts Bill Raftery, Grant Hill, and reporter Tracy Wolfson. Joining the announcer ranks is former Michigan standout Jalen Rose, who takes on the role of analyst for early rounds.

CBS leads the coverage with 24 tournament games, including critical matchups in the Final Four and Sweet 16. TBS will present 18 games, while truTV covers 21, and TNT rounds out the broadcast with 12 games. For those wishing to stream the action, Max subscribers can access TBS, TNT, and truTV, while other games are available through NCAA March Madness Live.

As anticipation builds for each of the games, Eagle expressed his excitement about the tournament, remarking, “Each game brings its own unique story, and I can’t wait to share in moments of triumph and heartache this March.”

The tournament began with the selection of teams on March 16 and will continue until the championship is decided on April 7, with the Final Four set to take place in San Antonio.

Breakdowns of the upcoming games include the March 21 match-ups at various venues across the country, such as Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and Rocket Arena in Cleveland. Key games showed the No. 9 seed Baylor narrowly defeating No. 8 Mississippi State, while No. 2 Alabama emerged victorious over No. 15 Robert Morris.

The remaining schedule is packed, with major matchups planned daily through March 30, setting the pace as the tournament progresses. Announcers for the weekend include notable figures like Spero Dedes and Kevin Harlan, ensuring quality coverage throughout.

As teams look to leave their mark, analysts will track performances close throughout the tournament. Gene Steratore will provide rules insights, a position highly regarded for its significance during high-stakes scenarios. Ernie Johnson is set to host studio coverage, bringing insight from analysts like Charles Barkley and Candace Parker.

With the tournament in full swing and an array of talented teams competing, fans are encouraged to follow along for what promises to be a riveting NCAA season, where every game can alter the trajectory of a team’s journey. The excitement surrounding March Madness is palpable, drawing in audiences eager to witness the unfolding drama.