When does March Madness start? Full schedule for First Four, Round 1 games in 2026 NCAA Tournament

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The NCAA Tournament begins with the First Four on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The first round starts on Thursday, March 19, once the field is finalized on Wednesday night, officially starting the three-week sprint toward the national championship in Indianapolis. Games will air across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV, with the Final Four and national championship game exclusively on TBS.

Why it matters

March Madness is one of the most exciting times of the year for college basketball fans, with buzzer-beaters, bracket-busters, and high-stakes drama. The complete schedule allows fans to plan their viewing and follow along with the tournament from start to finish.

The details

The NCAA Tournament field has expanded to 68 teams, with the First Four games taking place on March 17-18 at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio. The first round begins on March 19, with games airing across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV. The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight will be played March 26-29, leading up to the Final Four on April 4 and the national championship game on April 6, both of which will air exclusively on TBS.

• The NCAA Tournament begins with the First Four on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
• The first round starts on Thursday, March 19, 2026, once the field is finalized on Wednesday night.
• The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight will be played March 26-29, 2026.
• The Final Four is on April 4, 2026.
• The national championship game is on April 6, 2026.

What’s next

The NCAA Tournament selection show on Sunday, March 16, 2026 will reveal the full 68-team field, setting the stage for the First Four games to begin on March 17.