March Madness is Here: Your Ultimate Guide to Selection Sunday and Tournament Timelines

March Madness has officially arrived! The excitement of college basketball peaks with "Selection Sunday," taking place on March 16, 2025. On this day, the highly anticipated 68-team fields for both the NCAA Division I men's and women's tournaments will be unveiled, marking the beginning of a thrilling journey filled with nail-biting moments and unforgettable upsets.

As the regular season and various conference tournaments wrap up, countless athletes have been fighting to secure their place in the tournament brackets. The NCAA selection committee holds the power to shape the future of these hopeful teams, setting the stage for a rollercoaster of emotions and rivalry.

How to Watch Selection Sunday

If you want to catch all the action from Selection Sunday, here’s how: - The men’s tournament selection will kick off at **6 p.m. ET** on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+. - For the women’s tournament, tune in at **8 p.m. ET** on ESPN, which can also be streamed on ESPN+. - Additionally, the NCAA will provide live coverage through NCAA March Madness Live, ensuring you won't miss a moment.

Hosts and Analysts: What to Expect

The men’s selection show will be hosted by CBS’s Adam Zucker, accompanied by analysts Clark Kellogg, Jay Wright, and Seth Davis. Bubba Cunningham, the chair of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, will also share insights during a live interview discussing the bracket formation.

The women’s selection show features ESPN’s Elle Duncan as host, alongside analysts Andraya Carter, Rebecca Lobo, Carolyn Peck, and reporter Holly Rowe. The show will also include insights from "bracketologist" Charlie Creme, who will offer predictions and commentary on the teams.

Men's Tournament Schedule

The action for the men’s tournament kicks off with the "First Four," happening on March 18 and 19 at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio. Here’s a detailed timeline of the men's tournament: - **First Four:** March 18-19 - **First Round:** March 20-21 - **Second Round:** March 22-23 - **Sweet 16:** March 27-28 - **Elite Eight:** March 29-30 - **Final Four:** April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas - **NCAA Championship Game:** April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas

Women’s Tournament Schedule

For the women’s tournament, the "First Four" will take place on March 19 and 20, with the exact location still to be confirmed. Here’s the timeline for the women's tournament: - **First Four:** March 19-20 - **First Round:** Dates and locations to be announced - **Second Round:** Dates and locations to be announced - **Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Championship Game:** Specific dates and venues will be confirmed closer to the event, with the championship game scheduled for April 6 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

With Selection Sunday just around the corner, basketball fans are eagerly preparing for the thrilling journey of March Madness. Will your favorite team make the cut? Make sure to tune in and experience the excitement, heartbreak, and triumph of college basketball at its finest! Don’t forget to mark your calendars and get ready to fill out those brackets!