Selection Sunday: Your Guide to the 2024 March Madness Bracket Reveal

The anticipation has reached a fever pitch. After months of nail-biting games, stunning upsets, and dominant performances, the college basketball regular season has drawn to a close. Conference tournaments have crowned their champions, and the air crackles with the electric energy of March Madness. The question that has been on every fan’s mind – "Did my team do enough?" – will finally be answered on Selection Sunday.

For weeks, bracketologists have dissected resumes, analyzed metrics, and debated the merits of countless teams. Now, the wait is almost over. The NCAA Tournament selection committee will soon unveil the 68-team brackets for both the men’s and women’s tournaments, setting the stage for weeks of exhilarating basketball.

The journey to the Final Four officially begins with the First Four games, a play-in round that features the lowest-ranked automatic qualifiers and the last four at-large teams selected. The men’s First Four tips off on March 18th, immediately followed by the women’s First Four on March 19th. Before the madness truly erupts, however, all eyes will be on Selection Sunday.

What is Selection Sunday?

Selection Sunday is the day when the NCAA Tournament selection committee reveals the official brackets for the men’s and women’s NCAA Division I Basketball Tournaments. It’s a highly anticipated event for college basketball fans, coaches, and players alike, marking the beginning of March Madness. The committee, comprised of athletic directors and conference representatives, meticulously evaluates each team’s performance throughout the season, taking into account factors such as record, strength of schedule, quality of wins, and overall performance metrics.

The selection process is shrouded in secrecy, and the committee’s decisions are often the subject of intense debate and scrutiny. Bracketology – the art and science of predicting the tournament field – has become a popular pastime, with fans and analysts alike attempting to anticipate the committee’s selections. While many teams earn automatic bids by winning their conference tournaments, others must rely on the committee’s at-large selections, leading to a tense and uncertain atmosphere in the days leading up to Selection Sunday.

When and Where to Watch Selection Sunday

Mark your calendars! Selection Sunday is on March 16th. The men’s bracket will be revealed first, beginning at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. The women’s bracket unveiling will follow at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

However, there is a slight caveat. The announcement of the men’s bracket could be delayed, contingent on the conclusion of the final men’s conference championship game that Sunday. So, be prepared for a possible slight adjustment to the schedule.

For those who prefer to watch on television, the men’s bracket reveal will be broadcast nationally on CBS, while the women’s bracket unveiling will be shown on ESPN. Gather your friends and family, prepare your favorite snacks, and settle in for an evening of bracket-building excitement.

Live Streaming Options for Selection Sunday

If you’re unable to access a television, fear not! There are several live streaming options available to ensure you don’t miss a single moment of the Selection Sunday action.

• Paramount+: This streaming service offers live access to CBS, allowing you to watch the men’s bracket reveal.

• Sling TV: Sling TV is another popular streaming platform that carries CBS and ESPN, providing access to both the men’s and women’s bracket reveals.

• DirecTV Stream: DirecTV Stream is a comprehensive streaming service that includes CBS and ESPN, offering a convenient way to watch Selection Sunday.

• ESPN App: The ESPN app will stream the women’s bracket unveiling live. You’ll need a valid cable or satellite subscription to access the stream.

• Fubo: Fubo is a sports-centric streaming service that carries both ESPN and CBS, making it an ideal choice for watching Selection Sunday. Fubo also offers a free trial to potential subscribers, allowing you to test out the service before committing to a subscription.

With so many options available, there’s no excuse to miss out on the excitement of Selection Sunday. Choose the streaming platform that best suits your needs and get ready to fill out your brackets!

The Importance of Bracketology

While the selection committee ultimately decides which teams make the tournament, bracketology provides fans with a fun and engaging way to participate in the March Madness experience. By analyzing team statistics, evaluating performance trends, and considering factors such as strength of schedule and quality of wins, bracketologists attempt to predict the tournament field and anticipate the committee’s decisions.

Creating a bracket is a quintessential March Madness activity, and it adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament. Whether you’re participating in an office pool, competing against friends and family, or simply trying to prove your basketball knowledge, filling out a bracket is a great way to get involved and cheer on your favorite teams.

However, it’s important to remember that even the most sophisticated bracketology models are not foolproof. The NCAA Tournament is known for its unpredictability, and upsets are a common occurrence. That’s part of what makes March Madness so captivating. Underdog stories, buzzer-beaters, and unexpected twists are all part of the tournament’s charm.

Get Ready for March Madness

Selection Sunday is the starting gun for March Madness. After the brackets are revealed, the real fun begins. Research the teams, analyze the matchups, and carefully consider your picks. Be prepared for the unexpected, and don’t be afraid to take a few risks. Most importantly, embrace the madness and enjoy the ride!

Download the USA TODAY app for comprehensive coverage of March Madness, including expert analysis, game previews, live scores, and breaking news. Whether you’re a seasoned bracketologist or a casual fan, the USA TODAY app will keep you informed and entertained throughout the tournament.

So, gather your friends, prepare your snacks, and tune in to Selection Sunday. The road to the Final Four is about to begin!