NCAA Tournament Scheduling Draws Backlash

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The college basketball world is calling for changes to the NCAA Tournament schedule after the release of Sunday's game times. Fans are upset that several games, including a matchup between Texas Tech and Alabama, are not expected to start until after 9:45 p.m. ET, with some games potentially being pushed back even later. The scheduling has been widely criticized on social media, with many arguing the late start times are unfair to teams and inconvenient for fans.

Why it matters

The NCAA Tournament is one of the most highly anticipated events in college sports, and the scheduling of games is a crucial logistical element. Fans expect a smooth, viewer-friendly experience, and the current schedule has drawn widespread backlash, potentially damaging the tournament's reputation and viewership.

The details

The NCAA took heat for scheduling a game on the East Coast that is expected to start at 9:45 p.m. ET at the earliest, and could be moved back if the game starting at 7:10 p.m. ET goes over its time slot. Fans rushed to social media to suggest the scheduling needs to be amended heading into next year's tournament, with many criticizing the late start times as ridiculous and inconvenient.

• The second round of the NCAA Tournament kicks off on Saturday, March 21.
• The schedule for Sunday's games was announced late Friday night.

What’s next

The NCAA has not yet commented on the scheduling backlash or indicated if any changes will be made for future tournaments.