Final Four TV Schedule Released As March Madness Reaches Climax
Final Four TV Schedule Released As March Madness Reaches Climax...
The 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four TV schedule has been finalized, with Saturday's semifinals and Monday's championship game airing live on CBS. The highly anticipated matchups tip off April 5 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, as the tournament reaches its dramatic conclusion.
This year's Final Four features [TEAM 1] vs. [TEAM 2] at 5:09 PM ET and [TEAM 3] vs. [TEAM 4] at 7:49 PM ET on Saturday, with the national championship scheduled for 7:20 PM ET Monday. All games will be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ and NCAA March Madness Live.
The schedule release comes as millions of basketball fans finalize their viewing plans for the tournament's climax. Office pools, bracket challenges, and sports bars across the country are preparing for the weekend's events, making this one of the most searched sports topics today.
CBS Sports will provide comprehensive coverage beginning with pregame shows at 4 PM ET Saturday and 6 PM ET Monday. Jim Nantz, Bill Raftery, and Grant Hill return as the lead broadcast team for their final tournament together before Nantz's planned retirement from college basketball coverage.
Viewership is expected to surpass last year's numbers, with early estimates suggesting over 15 million viewers for Monday's championship game. The NCAA reports ticket sales have already set a new record for the Glendale venue, reflecting growing excitement as the tournament concludes.
For cord-cutters, streaming options include Paramount+, NCAA March Madness Live, and participating TV provider apps. Mobile viewers should note the NCAA app will provide alternate camera angles and in-game highlights throughout the broadcasts.
The schedule announcement comes after weeks of intense tournament action that saw several major upsets. Sports analysts are calling this year's Final Four field one of the most competitive in recent memory, with all four teams entering the weekend ranked in the AP Top 10.
Local watch parties are being organized nationwide, with many bars and restaurants offering special promotions for the games. In Glendale, officials expect over 70,000 fans to attend the games in person, with thousands more visiting the surrounding Fan Fest activities.
As tipoff approaches, social media engagement around #FinalFour has spiked 320% compared to last week. The NCAA reports its official March Madness app has been downloaded over 8 million times during this year's tournament, setting a new record.
With perfect timing for sports fans, the Final Four coincides with the opening weekend of MLB season and NHL playoff races, creating what broadcasters are calling "the most crowded sports weekend of the year." CBS will cross-promote its coverage during Thursday night's MLB opener between the Yankees and Red Sox.
