Top TV Markets for College Basketball in 2025-26 Season

Louisville, Indianapolis, and Hartford/New Haven lead the way in college hoops viewership.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Nielsen ratings are in for the 2025-26 college basketball season, and Louisville tops the list as the top TV market for college hoops. Indianapolis and Hartford/New Haven round out the top 3, with several other Ohio markets also cracking the top 10. The data reflects strong interest in men's and women's college basketball across the country, especially in basketball-centric regions.

Why it matters

College basketball is a major driver of viewership and engagement, especially during the high-profile NCAA Tournament. Understanding which markets are most invested in the sport year-round can help networks, advertisers, and the NCAA better target their content and marketing efforts.

The details

Louisville claimed the top spot, likely due to the success of both the men's (No. 24) and women's (No. 12) Cardinals teams this season. Indianapolis came in at No. 2, reflecting the state of Indiana's deep passion for college basketball, even with so-so seasons for Indiana and Purdue. The Hartford/New Haven market, home to the dominant UConn basketball programs, rounded out the top 3.

  • The Nielsen ratings for the 2025-26 college basketball season were released on March 10, 2026.

The players

Louisville

The top TV market for college basketball, likely due to the success of both the men's and women's Cardinals teams.

Indianapolis

Ranked No. 2, reflecting Indiana's deep passion for college basketball, even with so-so seasons for Indiana and Purdue.

Hartford/New Haven

Ranked No. 3, home to the dominant UConn basketball programs.

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The takeaway

The data shows that college basketball continues to be a major driver of viewership and engagement, especially in regions with strong basketball traditions and successful programs. This information can help networks, advertisers, and the NCAA better target their content and marketing efforts to reach the most passionate college hoops fans.