2026 March Madness: Men's NCAA Tournament schedule and dates

February 6, 2026 - 00:46

With the 2026 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament now visible on the horizon, the official schedule and dates have been finalized, giving fans a clear roadmap for the road to the Final Four. The three-week basketball spectacle will once again captivate the nation, culminating at a historic venue.

The tournament action begins with Selection Sunday on March 15, 2026, when the full 68-team field will be unveiled. The First Four games will tip off on March 17 and 18 in Dayton, Ohio. The first and second rounds, spread across eight cities, will follow from March 19 through March 22.

Regional semifinals and finals, also known as the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, are scheduled for March 26-29. The 2026 Final Four will then take center stage at the iconic Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on April 4, with the National Championship game set for Monday, April 6.

This marks a return to Indianapolis, which last hosted the entire tournament in a controlled environment in 2021. The city is a frequent and celebrated host, promising a memorable conclusion to the 2026 March Madness season. Fans and teams alike can now officially begin counting down to the opening tip-off.