2026 March Madness Broadcast Teams Announced, Featuring Chris Webber's Return

CBS Sports and TNT Sports reveal the announcing crews for the 2026 NCAA Tournament, including the comeback of former Fab Five star Chris Webber as a game analyst.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 4:38am

The broadcasting teams for the 2026 NCAA Tournament have been announced by CBS Sports and TNT Sports. Among the notable changes is the return of former Michigan star Chris Webber, who will serve as a game analyst after previously working NCAA Tournament games from 2015-19. Webber will be paired with Brandon Gaudin and Andy Katz to call first and second round matchups. Other familiar faces like Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, and Dick Vitale will also be part of the coverage, which begins with the First Four on March 17-18 and culminates with the Final Four on April 4-6 in Indianapolis.

Why it matters

The NCAA Tournament broadcast teams are closely watched by college basketball fans, as the announcers and analysts play a major role in shaping the viewing experience. Webber's return as a game analyst is particularly noteworthy, as he was a star player in the early 1990s and has previous experience calling Tournament games. The overall lineup of talent reflects CBS and TNT's efforts to provide comprehensive coverage and analysis for one of the most anticipated events in sports.

The details

In addition to Webber, the broadcast teams will feature familiar faces like Adam Zucker and Nate Burleson hosting studio coverage from New York, while Adam Lefkoe will host from Atlanta alongside Bruce Pearl, Jamal Mashburn, Jalen Rose and Seth Davis. Legendary broadcaster Dick Vitale will call his first NCAA Tournament game, paired with Brian Anderson and Charles Barkley. The March Madness Live app will also serve as a hub for fans to follow all the action.

  • The 2026 NCAA Tournament begins with the First Four on March 17-18.
  • The Final Four takes place on April 4-6 in Indianapolis.

The players

Chris Webber

A former Michigan All-American and NBA star, Webber is returning as a game analyst for the NCAA Tournament after previously working in that role from 2015-19.

Dick Vitale

The legendary college basketball broadcaster will call his first NCAA Tournament game in 2026, paired with Brian Anderson and Charles Barkley.

Ernie Johnson

The veteran host will lead studio coverage for the Final Four.

Charles Barkley

The NBA Hall of Famer will be part of the studio coverage team alongside Adam Zucker and Nate Burleson.

Brandon Gaudin

The play-by-play announcer will work with Chris Webber and Andy Katz to call first and second round games.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The NCAA Tournament Selection Show will air on Sunday, March 15 at 6 p.m. ET, revealing the full 68-team field and matchups for the First Four.

The takeaway

The return of Chris Webber and other familiar faces to the NCAA Tournament broadcast team signals CBS and TNT's commitment to providing viewers with a high-quality and engaging viewing experience for one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year.