San Diego, February 7, 2026

March Madness returns with a spectacular showcase of talent as 68 teams compete for championship glory. This thrilling tournament will take place in multiple locations, including Indianapolis and San Diego, providing a boost to local economies through increased tourism and commerce. Fans can look forward to exciting matchups, streaming options, and a celebration of collegiate athletics that unites sports enthusiasts across the nation.

The Excitement of March Madness 2026: A Deep Dive

Get ready for an exhilarating tournament as March Madness returns to Indiana and beyond!

Indianapolis, Indiana – As the NCAA prepares for another thrilling season of March Madness in 2026, the excitement is palpable among sports fans across the nation. Scheduled to kick off with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026, this year’s tournaments will feature 68 teams competing for glory across the men’s and women’s divisions. This annual event has not only become a staple of American sports culture but holds significant economic potential for host cities, including San Diego, California.

March Madness represents an incredible opportunity for local businesses to engage with visitors and residents alike while promoting sports tourism. The prospect of increased foot traffic and sales is particularly advantageous for restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues in San Diego. As the local economy makes strides to grow and rebound, events like March Madness underscore the importance of reducing regulation and fostering an atmosphere of entrepreneurship that can benefit all communities.

Men’s Tournament Details

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will feature a competitive slate of 68 teams participating in a single-elimination format. Selection Sunday will air at 6 p.m. ET on CBS, unveiling the much-anticipated 68-team bracket. The tournament schedule is as follows:

• First Four: March 17-18, 2026, at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio.
• First and Second Rounds: March 19-21, 2026, across various locations, including San Diego, CA.
• Sweet 16 and Elite Eight (Regionals): March 26-28, 2026, at Toyota Center in Houston, TX, and SAP Center in San Jose, CA.
• Final Four and Championship Game: April 4-6, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.

Women’s Tournament Details

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will also assemble 68 teams in a fierce competition. The Selection Sunday show, which will air at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, will present the bracket for fans eagerly awaiting the matchups. Here’s the schedule for the women’s tournament:

• First Four: March 18-19, 2026, at various locations.
• First and Second Rounds: March 20-23, 2026, at multiple sites.
• Sweet 16 and Elite Eight (Regionals): March 27-30, 2026, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX, and Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA.
• Final Four and Championship Game: April 3-5, 2026, at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, AZ.

Streaming Options

In today’s digital age, fans can catch all the action from the comfort of their own devices through various streaming options:

• March Madness Live App: This app offers extensive features like real-time bracket tracking and multi-game viewing, requiring login through a participating TV provider.
• Paramount+: Subscribers can stream CBS-broadcasted games, including key matchups and the Final Four.
• HBO Max: Covers games on TBS, TNT, and TruTV, making it a great option for early-round action.
• Live TV Streaming Services: Platforms such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV provide access to all necessary channels through one convenient subscription.
• Digital Antenna: An excellent option for accessing CBS games for free within broadcast range.

For fans traveling outside their home areas, utilizing a VPN can be an effective way to securely access home subscriptions and ensure legal use of streaming services.

Background

March Madness has become a hallmark of American collegiate athletics, with the Men’s tournament dating back to 1939 and the women’s tournaments beginning in 1982. Both have evolved into highly-anticipated events featuring thrilling matchups, surprising upsets, and unforgettable moments that captivate millions of viewers nationwide. As people cheer for their favorite teams, the tournaments also contribute significantly to local economies and showcase emerging talent within the sports industry.

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