The Ultimate Guide to Men’s March Madness 2026: Bracket, Schedule, and How to Watch

The most wonderful time of the year for college basketball fans is finally here. The men’s March Madness tournament is underway, promising three weeks of buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and high-stakes basketball. Following a dramatic Selection Sunday on March 15, the 68-team field is set, and the road to Indianapolis has begun.

Whether you are filling out your bracket, planning a viewing party, or just trying to catch your favorite team’s games, we have you covered with everything you need to know about the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

The Road to Indianapolis: Tournament Schedule

The journey to the national championship is a whirlwind of basketball action. The tournament officially tipped off with the First Four in Dayton, Ohio, and will culminate with the crowning of a champion on Monday, April 6, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis .

Here is the full schedule of events for the men’s March Madness tournament to keep handy:

• First Four: March 17–18 (Dayton, OH)

• First Round: March 19–20

• Second Round: March 21–22

• Sweet 16: March 26–27

• Elite Eight: March 28–29

• Final Four: Saturday, April 4 (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)

• National Championship: Monday, April 6 (Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis)

Tournament Locations: From Coast to Coast

The madness isn’t confined to one city. In the opening weekend, games are spread across the country, giving fans across the nation a chance to experience the tournament live. After the First Four in Ohio, the action shifts to eight different cities for the first and second rounds .

First & Second Round Sites:

• Buffalo, NY (KeyBank Center)

• Greenville, SC (Bon Secours Wellness Arena)

• Oklahoma City, OK (Paycom Center)

• Portland, OR (Moda Center)

• Tampa, FL (Benchmark International Arena)

• Philadelphia, PA (Xfinity Mobile Arena)

• San Diego, CA (Viejas Arena)

• St. Louis, MO (Enterprise Center)

The regional action then moves to four major venues:

• South Regional: Houston, TX (Toyota Center)

• West Regional: San Jose, CA (SAP Center)

• Midwest Regional: Chicago, IL (United Center)

• East Regional: Washington, D.C. (Capital One Arena)

How to Watch: TV and Streaming

You won’t miss a single dunk or upset. Every game of the men’s March Madness tournament will be broadcast across the family of networks, including CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV . For the 2026 tournament, the Final Four and the National Championship game will be broadcast on TBS .

For cord-cutters, streaming options are plentiful. You can watch via Paramount+, or use the March Madness Live app, which allows you to stream every game, watch highlights, and follow multiple games at once .

If you are listening from the car or streaming the audio, the broadcast talent is stacked. The legendary Ian Eagle leads the main commentating team alongside analysts Bill Raftery and Grant Hill, with Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines. Other notable voices you will hear include Kevin Harlan, Brian Anderson, and analysts like Candice Parker and Chris Webber .

Betting Favorites and Storylines

As the first round gets underway, oddsmakers and fans are keeping a close eye on the title favorites. According to BetMGM, the teams with the best odds to cut down the nets in Indianapolis are:

1. Duke (+320)

2. Michigan (+325)

3. Arizona (+475)

4. Florida (+675)

There is an interesting historical twist this year. Indianapolis has been a lucky city for several of these favorites. Duke has won three of its five national titles in Indy (1991, 2010, 2015), while Arizona (1997) and Florida (2006) also claimed championships in the Circle City .

Don’t Forget Your Bracket

Of course, no men’s March Madness experience is complete without a bracket. If you haven’t filled one out yet, there is still time (before the first round tips off on March 19). You can download a printable PDF bracket to use in your office pool .

When filling out your bracket, remember these quick tips:

• The Deadline: Brackets are typically due before the first round game on Thursday, March 19 at 12:15 p.m. ET .

• Scoring: Most pools award 1 point for first-round picks, 2 for second-round, and increase the points as you go deeper, with the championship pick usually being worth 32 points .

• Don’t Overthink: History suggests you should include a lot of “chalk” (higher seeds) in your Final Four, but don’t be afraid to pick one or two mid-major Cinderellas to make things interesting .

Beyond the Games: Where to Watch in Style

For fans looking for a premium viewing experience, especially those in Las Vegas, the tournament is a spectacle in itself. With an estimated $3.3 billion expected to be wagered legally on the men’s and women’s tournaments this year, casinos are going all out .

In Las Vegas, resorts like the Cosmopolitan, Resorts World, and Fontainebleau are transforming their ballrooms and theaters into massive viewing parties with massive LED screens, betting stations, and food and drink packages . It’s the ultimate destination for fans who want to immerse themselves in every game of the men’s March Madness tournament.

Enjoy the games, may your bracket be perfect, and get ready for the Madness