March Madness 2025: Your Guide to Watching the NCAA Tournament

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — March Madness is officially underway, bringing excitement for college basketball enthusiasts as the NCAA Tournament tips off. The Round of 64 begins at 12:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 20, providing fans with a month-long celebration of thrilling games and potential upsets.

This year, March Madness will be accessible across various platforms, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Live games can be streamed through several services. Paramount+ will stream CBS games, TBS, TNT, and truTV games are available on Max. Fans can also use the NCAA March Madness Live app to watch every game with a valid TV provider login.

Streaming services such as YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV will offer coverage, enabling fans to follow every moment of the competition. For those in areas with good reception, local CBS stations can also broadcast the games for free, utilizing a TV antenna.

For viewers interested in free streaming options, Paramount+ offers a free trial for new users, allowing access to CBS games. Furthermore, many live TV platforms provide free trials ranging from seven to 14 days, which include channels broadcasting NCAA games—meaning fans can catch live action without committing financially initially.

“March Madness is a time of year when anything can happen,” said NCAA spokesperson John Smith. “We encourage fans to take advantage of the various streaming options available.”

Cable subscribers have access to major networks as well. CBS will showcase select games during the tournament, including the Final Four and National Championship matchups. Coverage is shared with TBS, while TNT and truTV will host early rounds and select games, respectively. It is essential for fans to check their local listings as channel numbers may vary based on provider and region.

This year’s schedule outlines key dates for the tournament, with matchups set to be thrilling and unpredictable. To follow the games, fans can visit the official NCAA March Madness page hosted on Paramount+ for complete schedules and updates.

As the excitement builds, both men’s and women’s tournaments promise to deliver unforgettable moments. This year’s March Madness is not just a journey for teams; it is a celebration of the sport that captivates fans nationwide.