It’s one of the most exciting times of year again as March Madness returns. One of the biggest annual sporting events is back, featuring 134 games across the men’s & women’s full tournament.
What is March Madness?
March Madness is a single-elimination tournament across men’s and women’s basketball, bringing together the best men’s and women’s college basketball teams in the country. There’s Selection Sunday, when teams find out what side of the knock-out bracket they’re on, followed by corresponding rounds including Sweet 16 (the last 16 teams), Elite Eight and Final Four before concluding with the men’s NCAA championship game on April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis – home of NFL team the Indianapolis Colts. The women’s final, on April 5, takes place at the Mortgage Matchup Centre, home of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns.
When did March Madness begin?
The first ever tournament men’s tournament was held in 1939 and was held every year until the 2019-20 season. The event was canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. In 1939 it started out with just eight teams, before going to 16 in 1951 – it help expanding until 1985 to the full 64 teams which is the format we have now. The women got underway in 1982 with an inaugural 32 teams – now there’s 68 teams for the 2026 event.
Where can I read more about March Madness?
ESPN, of course. Joe Lunardi’s Bracketology is tracking the current projection of the field, while Neil Paine’s Bubble Watch predicts the state of the bubble. Find the full schedule for Champ Week — including when tickets are punched — here, in the lead-up to Selection Sunday.
How to watch
In the UK and across Europe (excluding Netherlands) Disney+ will be bringing you the action from all 134 games live across the men’s and women’s tournament. There’s also an option to live replay the games back within 48 hours. Games will also stream on Disney+ in the Philippines, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
Disney+ is available from £5.99 per month.
Key details including start times and venues
Start time: Tip off is at 11.40pm (men’s) & 2.10am (women’s) GMT on March 15
End time: Men’s final takes place on April 7 (1.50am), Women’s final on April 6 (2.20am)
Venue: Various venues across the United States
For full dates, schedule and more you can go here.
Don’t forget your bracket!
Sign up to create a bracket for 2026 Men’s and Women’sTournament Challenge! Compete with friends and family to show off your skills! Create or join a group now!
