ESPN Announces Massive March Takeover with 650+ Hours of NCAA Winter Championships

Network to provide extensive coverage of 20 NCAA winter championships across its platforms

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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ESPN is rolling out more than 650 hours of live coverage across 20 NCAA winter championships this March, including women's basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, hockey, and more. The network will utilize its full suite of channels, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, and ESPN+, to provide fans with comprehensive access to the championship moments. The ESPN app will serve as the central hub for fans to follow all the action.

Why it matters

This massive programming slate from ESPN highlights the network's continued commitment to college sports beyond just the marquee men's basketball tournament. By providing extensive coverage of a wide range of NCAA winter championships, ESPN is catering to fans who want to follow mid-major, Division II/III, women's, and other less-prominent college sports storylines.

The details

The coverage will include selection specials, documentary-style features, synchronized studio shows, and on-demand replays to ensure fans don't miss any of the defining championship moments. Key events include the inaugural NCAA Women's College Wrestling Championship, the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship, the NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Championship, and more.

  • The coverage begins with the NCAA Women's College Wrestling Championship on March 6-7.
  • The NCAA Women's Basketball Selection Special airs on March 15 at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
  • The NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Selection Special airs on March 22 at 3 p.m. on ESPNU.
  • The NCAA Women's Gymnastics Selection Special airs on March 23 at 12 p.m. on ESPNU.
  • The NIT Preview Show airs on March 17 at 5:30 p.m. on ESPN2.

The players

ESPN

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The takeaway

ESPN's massive programming commitment to the 2026 NCAA winter championships underscores the network's continued efforts to expand its college sports coverage beyond the marquee men's basketball tournament. This comprehensive slate of events across its linear and streaming platforms provides fans with unparalleled access to a wide range of NCAA winter sports, catering to diverse interests and showcasing the depth of college athletics.