March Is Madness For NCAA Basketball Fans: Women’s Tournament Bracket Reveal Approaches
As the calendar flips to March, basketball fans across the nation know it’s time for the excitement and unpredictability of the NCAA tournament, fondly known as March Madness. This year, the culminative event will unveil its much-anticipated brackets on Selection Sunday, which takes place on March 16, 2025. The women’s tournament bracket will make its debut at 8 p.m. ET, following the reveal of the men’s bracket at 6 p.m. ET.
Viewing and following both the men’s and women’s tournaments can be a bit of a challenge this season, as they will be broadcast on separate networks. While the men’s games will air primarily on CBS, the women’s tournament will be showcased on the ESPN family of channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC, among others. This offers viewers plentiful options but requires a bit of planning to catch all the action.
How to Watch Selection Sunday
If you’re eager to catch the women’s bracket reveal, here’s the essential information you need.
- Date: March 16, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN
- Streaming Options: The reveal will be accessible through various streaming platforms, including Sling, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream.
What to Expect on Selection Sunday
On Selection Sunday, the NCAA Selection Committee will announce the complete tournament bracket, determining which teams will compete in the championship. As always, this will lead to speculation and anticipation regarding the matchups. Will top seeds prevail, or will there be shocking upsets reminiscent of past tournaments? Basketball fans are sure to be glued to their screens, discussing potential pairings and predicting outcomes.
When Do the Games Start?
After the brackets are unveiled, the First Four games for the women’s tournament kick off on March 19, followed by the first round on March 21 and 22. This aspect of the tournament allows underdog teams a chance to join the fray, making for some thrilling matchups.
What About the Men’s Tournament?
Just as the women’s tournament garners excitement, the men’s NCAA tournament shares the spotlight. Following the Selection Sunday announcements, the First Four games for the men’s tournament are set for March 18, leading to the initial rounds kicking off on March 20 and 21.
A Comprehensive Viewing Guide
Here are key dates for the women’s NCAA tournament to keep in mind:
- Selection Sunday: 8 p.m. ET, March 16 (ESPN)
- First Four: March 19-20
- First Round: March 21-22
- Second Round: March 23-24
- Sweet 16: March 28-29
- Elite Eight: March 30-31
- Final Four: April 4 at Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
- Championship Game: April 6 at Amalie Arena, Tampa, FL
The men’s tournament aligns closely, providing ample opportunities for fans to see their favorite teams in action.
Viewing Options
Fans without cable need not worry. Various streaming services will have coverage of the tournament. Platforms like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, and others will give you access to games across the major networks. Also, while CBS does not stream through Sling, you can still catch many games through networks such as TBS, TNT, and TruTV for the men’s games or through the ESPN family for the women’s tournament.
Conclusion
March Madness continues to be one of the most thrilling periods for college basketball fans, bringing together athletes, schools, and supporters in a celebration of competitive spirit and sportsmanship. As Selection Sunday approaches, anticipation builds, and fans eagerly look forward to another unforgettable adventure in NCAA basketball. Make sure to mark your calendars and prepare for the highs and lows that come with tournament play. Let the games begin!