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When does the NCAA March Madness tournament start? Full schedule and key dates
Global Desk | March 5, 2026 12:19 AM CST

Synopsis

The 2026 NCAA March Madness tournament is set to electrify college basketball fans across the country with thrilling matchups and nonstop action. Starting with Selection Sunday on March 15 in Dayton, Ohio, the annual Division I men’s and women’s tournaments will showcase top teams competing in a high-stakes, single-elimination format. The event spans multiple U.S. venues for the opening and early rounds, progresses to regional stages for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, and culminates in the Final Four and National Championship in Indianapolis.


March Madness 2026 is set to ignite college basketball fans nationwide with thrilling games, upsets, and memorable highlights. The annual NCAA Division I men’s and women’s tournaments showcase 68 teams competing in single-elimination action, culminating in the Final Four and National Championship. From the initial selection to the championship, fans can anticipate nonstop excitement and must-watch matchups.

Selection Sunday: The Official Kickoff

The competition officially starts with Selection Sunday on March 15 at 6 p.m. in Dayton, Ohio, at UD Arena. This is the occasion when all participating teams are chosen, seeded, placed, and announced.

“The 68-team brackets for the men's and women's NCAA DI basketball tournaments will be revealed during selection shows,” the NCAA states.

First Four Games

The First Four games happen on Tuesday, March 17, and Wednesday, March 18 in Dayton. These opening play-in games decide which four teams will join the main 64-team bracket for the initial round.

First and Second Rounds

The initial complete round of games starts on Thursday, March 19, with matchups progressing into the second round. Early-round games are hosted at various arenas across the country:

  • Thursday, March 19 & Saturday, March 21
    • Buffalo, NY – KeyBank Center
    • Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
    • Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
    • Portland, OR – Moda Center


  • Friday, March 20 & Sunday, March 22
    • Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
    • San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
    • St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
    • Tampa, FL – Benchmark International Arena
No tournament games are slated in New Jersey. The nearest games are in Philadelphia and Buffalo in these early rounds.

Sweet 16 and Elite Eight (Regional Rounds)

Following the opening rounds, the tournament moves to regional matchups:

  • Thursday, March 26 & Saturday, March 28
    • South Regional: Houston, TX – Toyota Center
    • West Regional: San Jose, CA – SAP Center

  • Friday, March 27 & Sunday, March 29
    • Midwest Regional: Chicago, IL – United Center
    • East Regional: Washington, D.C. – Capital One Arena


Final Four and Championship

The climactic rounds, which includes the Final Four and National Championship match, will be hosted at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis:

  • Saturday, April 4 – Final Four semifinals
  • Monday, April 6 – National Championship game
Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, hosts the final rounds for the fourth time in 11 years, with the next Indiana-hosted Final Four planned for 2029.

A Brief NCAA History

The NCAA Division I men’s tournament first happened in 1939 with only eight teams. Oregon defeated Ohio State to claim the inaugural championship, according to NCAA research. The tournament extended over the years: 16 teams in 1951, 32 in 1975, and 64 in 1985. Opening-round games began in 2001, with the First Four launched in 2011 to reach today’s 68-team format.

The term “March Madness” was initially used by Illinois high school official Henry V. Porter in 1939, and became connected with the NCAA tournament when Brent Musberger used it during coverage of the 1982 tournament, according to the NCAA.

FAQs:

Q1: When does March Madness start?
 The tournament begins with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026, when the 68-team brackets are revealed. Games officially start with the First Four on March 17-18 in Dayton, Ohio.

Q2: How many teams participate?
 The NCAA Division I tournament includes 68 teams for both men’s and women’s brackets. This includes four First Four play-in games before the main 64-team field begins.

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