March Madness 2025: Get Ready for the Brackets, Upsets, and Tournament Schedule

The air is buzzing with anticipation. The energy is palpable. The college basketball world is about to be consumed by the annual spectacle known as March Madness. The 2025 NCAA Tournament is just around the corner, promising weeks of thrilling games, bracket-busting upsets, and unforgettable moments. From seasoned college basketball aficionados to casual observers, everyone is preparing to be swept up in the drama and excitement that only March Madness can deliver.

Selection Sunday, the day when the fates of 136 teams are revealed, is rapidly approaching. On this pivotal day, the men’s and women’s tournament brackets will be unveiled, meticulously outlining the path each team must navigate to reach the ultimate goal: a national championship. Two 68-team fields will be meticulously laid out, showcasing the best college basketball programs from across the nation.

March Madness is unlike any other sporting event. It’s a whirlwind of non-stop action, where season-defining games unfold at a breakneck pace. Every possession matters, every shot is crucial, and every game carries the weight of a team’s hopes and dreams. The tournament is a crucible where Cinderella teams emerge from obscurity, potential dynasties are unexpectedly dethroned, and dramatic storylines unfold with each passing round. It is a captivating blend of skill, strategy, and sheer luck, making it one of the most unpredictable and exciting events in the sports world.

For some teams, particularly those on the "bubble" – the teams teetering on the edge of earning a tournament bid – and those who achieved surprise victories in their conference tournaments, the madness has already begun. These teams have spent weeks anxiously awaiting their fate, dissecting bracket projections, and hoping for a favorable nod from the selection committee. The tension and uncertainty surrounding their tournament aspirations add an extra layer of intrigue to the lead-up to Selection Sunday.

For the rest of us, the anticipation continues to build. We are counting down the days until we can finally pore over the brackets, analyze matchups, and make our predictions. We’ll be hoping for a major upset that throws the tournament into chaos, or perhaps nervously fretting over the prospects of our favorite team as they embark on their quest for glory. Whether you’re a seasoned bracketologist or a casual fan, March Madness offers something for everyone.

So, as we eagerly await the start of the tournament, let’s take a closer look at the key dates and details you need to know about the 2025 March Madness schedule.

March Madness Schedule: Key Dates and Details

The journey to the Final Four and the national championship begins with Selection Sunday, the day when the tournament fields are officially announced.

• Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 16, 2025

The brackets for both the men’s and women’s tournaments will be revealed during special selection shows broadcast on national television.

• Men’s Selection Show: CBS, 6 p.m. ET
• Women’s Selection Show: ESPN, 8 p.m. ET

For those who prefer to stream the selection shows online, Fubo is offering a free trial to new subscribers, providing a convenient way to watch the brackets unveiled live.

Once the brackets are revealed, the action begins almost immediately. The "First Four" games, a play-in round featuring teams vying for a spot in the main tournament bracket, kick off the tournament.

• Men’s First Four Games: March 18-19, 2025, at the University of Dayton’s UD Arena
• Women’s First Four Games: March 19-20, 2025, at various higher-seeded team host sites.

Following the First Four, the tournament progresses through several rounds, with teams battling it out in regional matchups until the field is whittled down to the Final Four. The dates and locations for the subsequent rounds will be announced closer to the tournament.

The First Round then begins. For the men’s teams it will be March 20-21, 2025. The women’s first round games will be March 21-22, 2025.

The Second Round for the men’s teams will be March 22-23, 2025. The second round for women’s teams will be March 23-24, 2025.

The Sweet Sixteen for men’s teams will be March 27-28, 2025. The women’s teams will play in the sweet sixteen round March 28-29, 2025.

Elite Eight games for men’s teams will be March 29-30, 2025. Women’s elite eight games will be March 30-31, 2025.

The Men’s Final Four games will be April 5, 2025, and the championship game will be April 7, 2025. The Women’s Final Four games will be April 4, 2025 and the championship game will be April 6, 2025.

Beyond the Bracket: The Essence of March Madness

While the brackets and the games themselves are the focal point of March Madness, the tournament’s appeal extends far beyond the court. It’s a cultural phenomenon that brings people together, sparking conversations, debates, and friendly rivalries. From office pools to family gatherings, March Madness provides a shared experience that transcends demographics and geographical boundaries.

The tournament also offers a unique opportunity to witness the rise of unexpected stars. Players who may have been relatively unknown before March suddenly find themselves thrust into the national spotlight, showcasing their talent and determination on the biggest stage. These breakout performances often become defining moments of the tournament, creating lasting memories for players and fans alike.

Furthermore, March Madness embodies the spirit of college athletics, celebrating the dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship of student-athletes. The tournament provides a platform for these athletes to represent their universities and compete for a national championship, embodying the values of hard work, perseverance, and camaraderie.

As we gear up for the 2025 NCAA Tournament, let’s embrace the madness, celebrate the spirit of competition, and prepare for another unforgettable chapter in college basketball history. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, March Madness is an experience that is not to be missed. So, mark your calendars, fill out your brackets, and get ready for the rollercoaster ride that is March Madness!