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The NCAA College Basketball 2025-2026 Season: Full Calendar Breakdown

The NCAA College Basketball 2025-2026 Season: Full Calendar Breakdown
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College basketball is one of the most thrilling sporting events in the U.S., filled with high-energy games, dramatic upsets, and a path to the ultimate prize: the NCAA Championship. For fans and players alike, understanding the calendar helps track the season’s highlights, from preseason training to the NBA Draft. Here’s a detailed look at what’s in store for the 2025-2026 college basketball season.

NCAA College Basketball Calendar 2025-2026

PhaseDatesDetails
Preseason TrainingSeptember – October 2025Teams engage in practice sessions and exhibition games to prepare for the upcoming season.
Regular Season StartNovember 3, 2025The NCAA allows schools to begin regular-season games 22 weeks before the start of the Division I Championship finals, kicking off the season.
Non-Conference PlayNovember – December 2025Teams compete against opponents outside their conferences, influencing national rankings and tournament selections.
Conference PlayJanuary – March 2026Teams face off against conference rivals, with outcomes determining conference standings and seeding for conference tournaments.
Conference TournamentsEarly March 2026Conferences hold tournaments to crown champions, with winners typically receiving automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament.
Selection SundayMarch 15, 2026The NCAA Selection Committee announces the 68-team field for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, setting the stage for March Madness.
NCAA TournamentMarch – April 2026Known as "March Madness," this single-elimination tournament determines the national champion.
- First Four: March 17-18, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio.
- First Round: March 19-20, 2026.
- Second Round: March 21-22, 2026.
- Sweet 16: March 26-27, 2026.
- Elite Eight: March 28-29, 2026.
- Final Four: April 4, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- National Championship: April 6, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Postseason TournamentsMarch – April 2026Additional tournaments include the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) and the College Basketball Invitational (CBI), giving more teams postseason opportunities.
NBA Draft DeclarationApril – May 2026Eligible college players declare for the NBA Draft, with underclassmen choosing whether to remain or return to school based on feedback.
NBA Draft CombineMay 2026Prospects showcase their skills at the Combine, attended by NBA scouts and executives, helping solidify draft rankings.
NBA DraftJune 2026Held in New York, the NBA Draft marks the transition for top college players into professional basketball.
North American Basketball Calendar 2025

Season Highlights

  • Preseason Preparation
    Starting in September, teams refine strategies and develop chemistry through intense training sessions and exhibition games, setting the stage for the season.

  • Conference Rivalries
    The regular season builds anticipation for January, where conference play intensifies. Teams battle for pride, playoff seeding, and automatic bids to March Madness.

  • March Madness
    March Madness is the season’s pinnacle, captivating fans with upsets, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories. The road to the Final Four is packed with drama.

  • NBA Draft Path
    After the season concludes, the spotlight shifts to individual players preparing for the NBA Draft, where dreams of a professional career become reality.

Looking Ahead

The 2025-2026 college basketball season promises a packed schedule of heart-pounding action and unforgettable moments. From the camaraderie of preseason training to the grandeur of the National Championship and the NBA Draft, the journey is a celebration of talent, perseverance, and the love of the game.

Stay tuned for updates and enjoy the season! For official announcements and schedules, visit NCAA.com.

NCAA College Basketball Schedule FAQ's

Where can I watch the NCAA championship game?

The NCAA Championship game is typically broadcast on major networks and streaming platforms. Here are some common options where you can watch the game:

Television Broadcast
  • CBS: The NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship is usually aired on CBS, a long-time partner of the NCAA.
  • TBS, TNT, and truTV: During the tournament, including the Final Four, some games may also be broadcast on Turner Sports networks.
Streaming Platforms
  • NCAA March Madness Live: This is the official streaming platform for the tournament. You can watch the games live on your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
  • CBS Sports App: Stream the game through the app on various devices.
  • TBS App: If the game is on TBS, you can watch via their app by logging in with your TV provider credentials.
  • YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV: These platforms often include CBS and Turner Sports networks in their packages, allowing you to stream the game live.
In-Person
  • The 2026 NCAA Championship game is scheduled to take place on April 6, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. If you’re nearby or willing to travel, tickets will be available closer to the event via official NCAA channels or trusted resellers.
Check Local Listings

Your local cable provider may carry CBS or Turner Sports networks as part of its package, so check your TV guide closer to the game date.

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, also known as “March Madness,” typically spans three weeks from mid-March to early April. Here’s a breakdown of the weeks for the 2026 tournament:

WeekDates (2026)Round
Week 1March 17–20, 2026First Four (March 17-18) and First Round (March 19-20)
Week 2March 21–27, 2026Second Round (March 21-22) and Sweet 16 (March 26-27)
Week 3March 28 – April 4, 2026Elite Eight (March 28-29) and Final Four (April 4)
Championship WeekApril 6, 2026National Championship Game

The specific matchups and times will be determined during Selection Sunday (March 15, 2026), when the tournament bracket is officially announced.

March Madness is incredibly popular for several reasons, combining excitement, unpredictability, and cultural significance. Here’s a breakdown of why it captivates millions of fans every year:

1. The Thrill of Unpredictability

March Madness is known for its surprises, upsets, and Cinderella stories. Lower-seeded teams often defeat heavily favored opponents, making the tournament unpredictable and exciting. Fans love watching underdog teams achieve historic victories.

  • Memorable Moments: Buzzer-beaters and clutch performances are frequent, adding to the drama.
  • Cinderella Teams: Smaller schools like Florida Gulf Coast (2013) or Loyola-Chicago (2018) making deep runs inspire fans.
2. Bracket Challenges

The tradition of filling out tournament brackets is a massive part of March Madness’ appeal. Fans, even those who don’t follow basketball closely, participate in bracket pools with friends, family, and coworkers.

  • Engagement: The quest for the perfect bracket keeps people invested in every game.
  • Community: Bracket challenges foster camaraderie and competition among participants.
3. The Single-Elimination Format

Unlike other sports leagues, March Madness is a “win or go home” tournament. This high-stakes format means every game matters, and there’s no room for error.

  • Intensity: Teams play with unmatched urgency, making games more exciting.
  • Immediate Impact: One bad game can end a team’s championship dreams, raising the stakes.
4. Showcase of Talent

The tournament provides a platform for college athletes to shine on a national stage. Many future NBA stars first capture public attention during March Madness.

  • Rising Stars: Players like Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, and Kemba Walker had breakout performances in the tournament.
  • Team-First Spirit: Fans love the passion and teamwork displayed by players representing their schools.
5. National and Cultural Significance

March Madness is more than a basketball tournament—it’s a cultural event that unites fans across the country.

  • School Pride: Alumni, students, and fans rally behind their favorite schools.
  • Shared Experience: With games broadcast nationally, it becomes a communal experience for millions of viewers.
6. Wall-to-Wall Coverage

The tournament’s extensive coverage ensures fans can catch every moment of the action.

  • Multiple Platforms: Games are aired across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with streaming options like NCAA March Madness Live.
  • Nonstop Action: With multiple games happening simultaneously, fans can immerse themselves in the excitement.
7. Tradition and Nostalgia

For many fans, March Madness is an annual tradition that brings back memories of past tournaments, creating a deep emotional connection to the event.

March Madness isn’t just about basketball; it’s about stories, competition, and the magic of sports. The combination of high-stakes games, emotional connections, and unforgettable moments ensures its enduring popularity year after year.

The NCAA Tournament includes 68 teams to balance tradition, fairness, and expansion in the competition. Here’s a detailed explanation of why this structure exists:

1. Historical Context

The NCAA Tournament began in 1939 with just 8 teams. Over the years, the field expanded to accommodate the growing number of Division I basketball programs and to make the tournament more competitive. Key milestones include:

  • 1975: Expanded to 32 teams.
  • 1985: Expanded to 64 teams.
  • 2011: Expanded to the current 68 teams format.
2. Introduction of the First Four

In 2011, the NCAA created the “First Four” games, which added 4 teams to the tournament, increasing the field from 64 to 68. This allowed for:

  • More Inclusion: It gives additional teams a chance to compete, including those from smaller conferences and teams on the “bubble” of qualifying.
  • Preservation of Automatic Bids: All 32 Division I conferences receive an automatic bid for their tournament champions. The First Four ensures these bids are honored while also including strong at-large teams.
3. The Breakdown of Teams

The 68 teams are divided into the following categories:

  • 32 Automatic Bids: Awarded to the champions of the 32 Division I conferences.
  • 36 At-Large Bids: Given to teams selected by the NCAA Selection Committee based on their season performance, strength of schedule, and other metrics.

The First Four games determine:

  1. The final two at-large teams that join the main field of 64.
  2. The final two automatic qualifiers from lower-seeded conferences.
4. Competitive Balance

The 68-team format provides:

  • Opportunities for Smaller Schools: Teams from smaller conferences, which might not receive at-large bids, have a chance to prove themselves in the tournament.
  • Reward for Strong Teams: High-performing teams that don’t win their conference tournaments can still qualify through at-large bids.
5. Increased Excitement

The First Four adds an extra layer of drama and excitement to March Madness, with these early games serving as a “mini-tournament” before the main event.

6. Logistical Considerations

The 68-team format works well logistically, as it allows the First Four games to be played early in the week, followed by the traditional 64-team bracket structure.

In summary, the NCAA Tournament expanded to 68 teams to include more schools, honor conference champions, and ensure a fair and exciting competition for both powerhouses and underdogs. This structure maintains the integrity of the tournament while embracing the spirit of inclusivity.

Teams That Went Undefeated in NCAA Men's Basketball
WeekDates (2026)Round
Week 1March 17–20, 2026First Four (March 17-18) and First Round (March 19-20)
Week 2March 21–27, 2026Second Round (March 21-22) and Sweet 16 (March 26-27)
Week 3March 28 – April 4, 2026Elite Eight (March 28-29) and Final Four (April 4)
Championship WeekApril 6, 2026National Championship Game
Why Is It So Rare?

Going undefeated is extraordinarily difficult due to several factors:

  1. Tough Schedules: Teams face strong competition in non-conference play, regular-season conference matchups, and the NCAA Tournament.
  2. Depth of Talent: College basketball has grown more competitive over the years, with more parity among teams.
  3. Pressure: Staying undefeated creates immense pressure on teams as they progress deeper into the season.
Near Misses

Some teams have come close but fell short of perfection:

  • UNLV (1990-91): The Runnin’ Rebels were 34-0 before losing to Duke in the Final Four.
  • Kentucky (2014-15): The Wildcats were 38-0 before losing to Wisconsin in the Final Four.
The Legacy

The 1975-76 Indiana Hoosiers hold a unique place in history as the most recent team to achieve perfection. As of now, their record remains unmatched in the modern era of NCAA basketball, highlighting just how difficult it is to go undefeated.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) holds the record for the most NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships, with 11 titles. Here’s a breakdown of their championship wins and some context about their dominance:

UCLA's Championship Wins:
YearCoachKey PlayersNotable Details
1964John WoodenWalt Hazzard, Gail GoodrichUCLA's first championship, marking the start of their dynasty.
1965John WoodenGail GoodrichBack-to-back titles with a high-scoring offense.
1967John WoodenLew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar)The beginning of Lew Alcindor's dominance and UCLA's incredible streak.
1968John WoodenLew AlcindorA legendary rematch win against Houston in the Final Four after losing to them earlier in the season.
1969John WoodenLew AlcindorAlcindor capped his college career with his third championship.
1970John WoodenSidney WicksDespite losing Alcindor, UCLA continued to dominate under Wooden's leadership.
1971John WoodenSidney WicksStart of an unprecedented streak of seven consecutive titles.
1972John WoodenBill WaltonBill Walton's era begins, leading the Bruins to another undefeated season (30-0).
1973John WoodenBill WaltonWalton scored 44 points in the championship game, solidifying his legendary status.
1975John WoodenRichard Washington, Marques JohnsonWooden's final championship before retiring, a fitting end to a remarkable career.
1995Jim HarrickEd O’Bannon, Tyus EdneyUCLA returned to glory after two decades, led by a talented and determined roster.
Other Programs with Multiple Titles

While UCLA is the leader, several other programs have had significant success:

TeamTitlesNotable Periods of Dominance
Kentucky8Success under Adolph Rupp (1940s-50s) and more recently under John Calipari.
North Carolina6Championships under Dean Smith, Roy Williams, and Frank McGuire.
Duke5Dominance under Coach Mike Krzyzewski ("Coach K").
Indiana5Most recently won in 1987 under Bob Knight, including the last undefeated season in 1976.
Connecticut (UConn)5Emerging powerhouse with titles under Jim Calhoun and Dan Hurley.

Yes, a team with a losing record has made the NCAA Tournament, and this rare occurrence happened once in men’s basketball history. The team was the 2011-2012 Northwestern State University Demons.

2011-2012 Northwestern State Demons
  • Record: 18-14 overall, 7-9 in conference play.
  • Tournament Appearance: The Demons made the NCAA Tournament as a 16th seed.
  • How They Made It: Northwestern State qualified for the tournament by winning the Southland Conference Tournament, despite having a losing record overall during the regular season. The team’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament was secured by winning their conference championship, which is the pathway for smaller schools to make the tournament, even with an imperfect season.
Why This Is Rare

Typically, only teams with a strong regular-season performance and a good overall record are considered for at-large bids into the NCAA Tournament. However, teams that win their conference tournaments, regardless of their regular-season record, are granted automatic bids. In this case, Northwestern State’s championship run in the Southland Conference Tournament gave them a chance to compete in the tournament.

Other Notable Examples
  • While a team with a losing overall record has made the tournament once, it is a very unusual and unlikely scenario. Teams with losing records typically don’t get invited unless they win their conference tournament or have a truly unique set of circumstances that might otherwise give them a chance.

Takeaway

Northwestern State’s appearance in the 2012 NCAA Tournament as a team with a losing record is a testament to the unpredictable and exciting nature of March Madness, where anything can happen, and teams from lower conferences can make their mark through unexpected championship runs.

The lowest-seeded team to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is the #8 seed, which has won the tournament twice in history:


1. Villanova (1985)
  • Seed: 8th
  • Record: 26-10
  • Coach: Rollie Massimino
  • Key Players: Ed Pinckney, Dwayne McClain
  • Notable Achievement: Villanova’s 1985 championship win is often considered one of the biggest upsets in March Madness history. The Wildcats defeated the Georgetown Hoyas (a powerhouse led by Patrick Ewing) in the final, winning 66-64. Villanova shot an incredible 79% from the field in that game, one of the best shooting performances in NCAA history.
  • Significance: As a #8 seed, Villanova’s win was shocking because lower-seeded teams are not expected to make a deep run in the tournament. They became the first #8 seed to win the national championship.

2. Kansas (1988)
  • Seed: 6th
  • Record: 27-11
  • Coach: Larry Brown
  • Key Players: Danny Manning
  • Notable Achievement: While not a #8 seed, Kansas’ 1988 title run is another historic low-seed victory. Kansas, as a #6 seed, defeated Oklahoma in the championship game, with Danny Manning leading the way. Manning’s legendary performances during the tournament earned him the Most Outstanding Player award.
  • Significance: Kansas’ win is significant because they were not a top seed and had to overcome several challenges throughout the tournament to claim the title.

While #8 seed Villanova’s 1985 title win remains the most famous instance of a “low seed” winning the tournament, there are also other notable lower-seed teams that have made deep runs, but none have surpassed the #8 seed in securing the national championship.

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