The NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments are here! With the men’s First Round underway and upsets already shaking up brackets, and the women’s tournament kicking off this Friday, fans are eager to catch every game. But what if you’ve cut the cord? Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to stream March Madness without cable, covering both the men’s and women’s tournaments.
Men’s Tournament: Where to Watch
The men’s First Round games are spread across four major networks: CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV. Streaming options include HBO Max (with access to 46 tournament games, including the Final Four) and Paramount Plus (for select games on CBS).
- HBO Max: Offers multiview functionality, allowing simultaneous streaming of up to three games. Plans start at $18.50/month for live sports access.
- Paramount Plus Premium: A cost-effective option at $14/month, with new customers potentially getting two months for just $3/month.
Women’s Tournament: How to Tune In
The women’s tournament airs on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews, and streams on ESPN Unlimited (starting at $30/month). This service provides full coverage of all women’s March Madness games.
Live TV Streaming Services: The All-in-One Solution
For those who prefer a single subscription, several live TV streaming services carry the necessary channels:
- YouTube TV ($83/month): Includes TBS, TNT, TruTV, CBS, and ESPN’s suite of channels. Currently offering two months for $60/month with a free 21-day trial.
- Hulu + Live TV ($90/month): Features all key networks for both tournaments. Verify local channel availability using their ZIP code lookup tool.
- DirecTV MySports ($70/month): A comprehensive option with ABC, CBS, TBS, TNT, TruTV, and ESPN Unlimited. Use the channel lookup tool to confirm availability in your area.
- Fubo ($46/month for the first month): Carries ABC, CBS, and ESPN Unlimited, but notably lacks TBS, TNT, and TruTV for the men’s tournament.
Tournament Schedules: Key Dates
Men’s Tournament:
- First Four: March 17-18
- First Round: March 19-20
- Second Round: March 21-22
- Sweet Sixteen: March 26-27
- Elite Eight: March 28-29
- Final Four: April 4
- National Championship: April 6 (TBS, 8:30 PM ET)
Women’s Tournament:
- First Four: March 18-19
- First Round: March 20-21
- Second Round: March 22-23
- Sweet Sixteen: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 3 (7 PM ET)
- NCAA Championship Game: April 5 (ABC, 3:30 PM ET)
Final Thoughts
March Madness is a thrilling time for college basketball fans. Whether you prefer streaming services, subscription bundles, or sticking with traditional cable, there are plenty of options to follow the action. The key is to check channel availability in your area and choose a plan that fits your budget and preferences.
