|

March Madness 2025: Complete Schedule, Locations, and Key Details

ByCoach

March Madness, the annual US college basketball tournament, continues to captivate the nation, growing in both coverage and revenue. Since 2016, the NCAA has secured audiovisual rights for the tournament until 2032 for nearly $20 billion. This excludes ticket sales, sponsorships, and advertising. The tournament began in 1939 with just eight teams. Now, it features 68 teams in a single-elimination format, culminating in a national championship. This blog post delves into the history, structure, and economic impact of March Madness, as well as the schedules and favorites for the 2025 men’s and women’s tournaments.

The Evolution of March Madness

March Madness has a rich history that dates back to 1939, when it was first coined by Illinois high school official Henry V. Porter. The term gained prominence in the NCAA tournament in 1982, thanks to CBS broadcaster Brent Musburger. The tournament’s format has evolved significantly, expanding from eight teams to 68, which has increased the number of matches and overall revenue.

Historical Milestones

Since its inception, March Madness has grown exponentially. Here are some key milestones:

  • 1939: The first tournament with eight teams.
  • 1982: Brent Musburger popularizes the term March Madness.
  • 1985: Expansion to 64 teams.
  • 2016: NCAA secures audiovisual rights for $20 billion.
  • 2022: Players allowed to earn money through sponsorships and advertising.

Economic Impact

March Madness is a financial juggernaut, generating around 90% of the NCAA’s annual revenue. This revenue comes from various sources, including:

  • Broadcast Rights: Nearly $20 billion from 2016 to 2032.
  • Ticket Sales: Significant revenue from both men’s and women’s tournaments.
  • Sponsorships and Advertising: Major brands invest heavily in the tournament.

For the first time in 2022, players were allowed to earn money through sponsorships and advertising, adding a new dimension to the financial landscape of the tournament.

2025 Men’s March Madness Schedule

The 2025 men’s tournament promises to be an exciting event, with 68 teams competing in a single-elimination format. Key dates include:

  • Selection Sunday: March 16
  • First Four: March 18-19
  • First Round: March 20-21
  • Second Round: March 22-23
  • Sweet 16: March 27-28
  • Elite Eight: March 29-30
  • Final Four: April 5 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas
  • National Championship: April 7 at 8:50 p.m. ET, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on CBS

Broadcasting and Tickets

All games in the men’s tournament will be broadcast on CBS, TBS, TNT, or TruTV, and their respective digital platforms, including Paramount+. Ticket prices for the National Championship game range from $102 to over $6,000.

2025 Women’s March Madness Schedule

The women’s tournament also features 68 teams, with the following key dates:

  • Selection Sunday: March 16
  • 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 in Tampa, Florida
  • National Championship: April 6 at 3 p.m. ET, at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on ABC

Broadcasting and Tickets

The Women’s March Madness games will be broadcast through ESPN and all its channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, and ABC. The games will also be available on ESPN+ through services like YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV. Ticket prices for the women’s National Championship game range from $156 to nearly $3,000.

Betting Favorites

As the tournament approaches, betting favorites have emerged:

  • Men’s Tournament: Florida is favored over Houston.
  • Women’s Tournament: UConn is favored over South Carolina.

Bracketology

For those eager to fill out their brackets, the official NCAA bracket for 2025 can be downloaded from the NCAA website as a .JPG or filled out interactively. Understanding key terms and metrics used by the NCAA Division I Basketball Committee can improve your ability to make strategic predictions.

Prizes and Events

The winner of the men’s tournament will receive a four-night getaway to the semifinals and grand final of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four, along with $750 in cash. Additionally, the NCAA March Madness Music Festival will take place from April 4-6 at Tower Park in Hemisfair.

Historical Success

UCLA stands as the most successful program in NCAA Men’s Basketball history. This is a testament to the long-standing tradition and competitive spirit of March Madness.

March Madness continues to be a cornerstone of American sports culture. It draws millions of viewers and generates substantial revenue. For more detailed information, you can read the full article on Marca.

Related Posts