Introduction — When does the NCAA tournament start?
If you ask one question around this time of year, it is likely when does NCAA tournament start. Fans, bracketologists, and casual viewers all want to know the exact start date, how the Selection Sunday process works, and when to watch the First Four and first round. This guide breaks down the schedule, explains how the start date is determined, covers the bracket release and TV schedule, and offers practical tips for following March Madness from tipoff to the championship game.
Why the start date matters: context and excitement
The question when does NCAA tournament start is more than calendar trivia. The start date sets the tone for conference tournaments, impacts the bracket release, and determines when fans can fill out their picks. Knowing the timeline helps you plan watch parties, understand seeding implications, and track automatic bids and at-large bids coming from conference play.
How the NCAA tournament start date is set
The NCAA tournament start date is influenced by a few predictable elements. Understanding these makes the whole timeline clear.
- Conference tournament end dates — Most conferences finish their tournaments the week before Selection Sunday. These championships conclude the regular season and award automatic bids.
- Selection Sunday timing — Selection Sunday has traditionally been scheduled on the second Sunday in March following conference tournament finals. That day determines the bracket release and seeding.
- First Four and First Round scheduling — The First Four play-in games usually occur on Tuesday and Wednesday after Selection Sunday, with the first full rounds following on Thursday and Friday.
In short, the tournament effectively starts with the First Four a couple of days after Selection Sunday, but fans often mark Selection Sunday itself as the moment the field is officially revealed.
Typical timeline: day-by-day schedule you can expect
Below is a common timeline to answer when does NCAA tournament start for most seasons. Use this as a planning guide; the NCAA releases the exact dates each year.
- Late February to early March — Conference tournaments ramp up; automatic bids are decided.
- Selection Sunday — Usually the second Sunday in March. The full 68-team field is revealed and brackets are released.
- First Four — The Tuesday and Wednesday after Selection Sunday. These play-in games determine which teams fill the final spots in the 64-team bracket.
- First and Second Rounds — Thursday and Friday for the first round, Saturday and Sunday for the second round. These are the classic March Madness days.
- Regional rounds — Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight take place the following week, typically Thursday through Sunday.
- Final Four Weekend — Held on the first weekend of April, culminating in the championship game on Monday or Wednesday depending on the schedule that year.
Example schedule snapshot for a typical season:
- Conference tournaments: early March
- Selection Sunday: mid-March
- First Four: Tuesday and Wednesday after Selection Sunday
- First Round: Thursday and Friday
- Second Round: Saturday and Sunday
- Sweet Sixteen/Elite Eight: following week
- Final Four and Championship: late March to early April
Selection Sunday: the official bracket release
Selection Sunday is central to the question when does NCAA tournament start. On this day the NCAA selection committee reveals the 68-team field, announces seeds, and releases the bracket. Key details about Selection Sunday:
- Automatic bids vs at-large bids — Automatic bids are awarded to conference champions. At-large bids are chosen by the committee based on strength of schedule, NET rankings, record, and other factors.
- Seeding process — Teams are seeded 1-16 in each region, and the committee places teams into the bracket to balance travel and competitive fairness.
- Bracketology — Experts and fans analyze the bracket immediately, debating seeding and potential matchups. Bracketology becomes a major part of the lead-up to the First Four and first round.
Even though the First Four games technically start the tournament on the court, many fans treat Selection Sunday as the official start because that is when the bracket is revealed and brackets are filled.
First Four and play-in games: small games, big impact
The First Four consists of play-in games that determine the final spots in the 64-team bracket. These games typically occur the Tuesday and Wednesday after Selection Sunday and include:
- Two games between the four lowest-seeded automatic bid teams
- Two games between the four lowest-seeded at-large teams
Why the First Four matters:
- Immediate drama — These are win-or-go-home matchups that often produce memorable moments.
- Impact on bracket strategy — Winning a First Four game means an extra game for a lower-seeded team, which can influence fatigue and matchup planning.
TV and streaming: where to watch once the tournament starts
When does NCAA tournament start is only half the question — you also need to know where to watch. Traditionally, the tournament has been split across several broadcast partners, including major networks and streaming platforms. Key viewing notes:
- Network partners — Games are typically shown across a combination of national networks, often including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, depending on the year.
- Streaming — Official streaming apps and networks offer live streams. Subscriptions may be required for some channel feeds.
- Regional coverage — Local affiliates may carry some first- and second-round games based on market and schedule.
- Tip — Check the official NCAA schedule and network listings after Selection Sunday for the exact TV schedule and streaming links.
Tips for following the tournament from start to finish
Here are practical tips for fans and bracket players once you know when does NCAA tournament start.
- Fill your bracket early but smart — Fill out your bracket soon after Selection Sunday, but consider researching seeding history and matchup styles before finalizing picks.
- Watch the First Four — These games can indicate momentum. Teams that survive the First Four sometimes make deep runs.
- Set alerts — Use mobile apps to get alerts for upset results, injury updates, and bracket changes.
- Plan viewing groups — The first weekend features many games at once. Plan which games to stream and where to gather with friends.
- Use consolation filters — If you manage multiple bracket pools, prioritize matchups where upsets yield higher points.
Common questions about the start date and schedule
To be prepared for the moment when does NCAA tournament start, here are common scenarios and what they mean for fans.
- If conference tournaments end late — The NCAA keeps the Selection Sunday timing consistent, so late conference tournaments usually just compress the turnaround for committee decisions.
- If weather disrupts travel — The NCAA and venue operators may adjust game times, but the bracket structure remains intact. Fans should monitor official updates.
- If a team faces eligibility issues — The committee addresses compliance and eligibility before the bracket is finalized, but last-minute rulings can occasionally affect the field.
Examples of how the start date affects teams and fans
Example 1: A mid-major conference finishes its tournament on Sunday night. That winner secures an automatic bid and immediately begins travel and scouting for a First Four or first-round matchup. The start date is crucial for arranging logistics.
Example 2: A top seed loses in a conference tournament. Selection Sunday seeding could drop that team to a different region, altering projected matchups and fan travel plans for later rounds like the Sweet Sixteen or Final Four.
Bracket strategy around the start date
When does NCAA tournament start frames your bracket choices. A few strategic pointers:
- Consider seed disparity — Higher-seeded teams historically advance more often, but upsets are common in the first weekend.
- Factor in play-in winners — First Four winners may be under-seeded in your eyes; decide whether to pick them for an upset or avoid early risk.
- Balance risk and reward — If your pool rewards upsets heavily, make bold choices early. If not, stick to safer picks through the first two rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When does NCAA tournament start each year?
A1: The tournament generally starts with Selection Sunday on the second Sunday in March, followed by the First Four on the Tuesday and Wednesday after Selection Sunday and the first round on the following Thursday and Friday. Exact dates are announced annually by the NCAA.
Q2: Is Selection Sunday the same as when the tournament starts?
A2: Selection Sunday is when the bracket is released and many fans consider that the start. The first on-court games, the First Four, typically begin a few days later. Both are key moments for the tournament.
Q3: What are the First Four play-in games?
A3: The First Four are four play-in games that determine the final spots in the 64-team bracket. Two games usually involve the lowest automatic qualifiers while two involve the lowest at-large teams.
Q4: How can I find the exact start date and TV schedule?
A4: Check the official NCAA website or the broadcast partners list released around late winter. Networks also publish detailed TV and streaming schedules after Selection Sunday.
Q5: Does the tournament start date change if conference tournaments run late?
A5: The NCAA maintains a consistent Selection Sunday and bracket release schedule. Even if some conference tournaments finish late, Selection Sunday timing typically remains the same.
Short conclusion
When does NCAA tournament start is a question with a simple rhythm: Selection Sunday in mid-March reveals the field, the First Four follows on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the first round begins on Thursday and Friday. Knowing this timeline helps fans track Selection Sunday, watch play-in games, plan for the first weekend action, and follow the TV and streaming schedule. Whether you follow bracketology, root for underdogs, or just enjoy March Madness with friends, understanding the start date and schedule ensures you won’t miss a moment of the excitement.
Now that you know when does NCAA tournament start, mark Selection Sunday on your calendar and get ready for the madness.