March Madness 2025: TV Channels, How to Stream Online, and Which Games to Watch or Skip

March Madness is one of the most exciting times for sports fans. The NCAA basketball tournament brings together the best college teams in the nation, delivering thrilling games, buzzer-beaters, and Cinderella stories. As March Madness 2025 heats up, fans are eager to know where to watch the games, how to stream them online, and which matchups are must-watch versus skippable. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to stay on top of the action.

What is March Madness?

March Madness is the single-elimination NCAA basketball tournament that takes place every spring. It features 68 teams from Division I men’s and women’s basketball, competing for the national championship. The tournament is divided into rounds, including the First Four, Round of 64, Round of 32, Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, and the National Championship Game.

The 2025 edition promises to be as exciting as ever, with powerhouse programs, underdog stories, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or a casual viewer, March Madness has something for everyone

How to Watch March Madness 2025 on TV

For those who prefer watching games on traditional TV, here’s a breakdown of the channels broadcasting March Madness 2025:

1. CBS

   
   CBS is the primary broadcaster for March Madness, airing many of the tournament’s biggest games, including the Final Four and the National Championship.

Key games to watch: Elite Eight, Final Four, and Championship Game.

2. TBS

   
   TBS shares broadcasting rights with CBS and will air a mix of early-round games and later-stage matchups.

Key games to watch: Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.

3. TNT

   
   TNT will broadcast select games, particularly during the early rounds.

Key games to watch: Round of 64 and Round of 32.

4. TruTV

   
   truTV focuses on the First Four and early-round games.

Key games to watch: First Four and Round of 64.

5. ESPN (Women’s Tournament)

   
   ESPN and its family of networks (ESPN2, ESPNU) will broadcast the women’s NCAA tournament games.

Key games to watch: Women’s Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four.

How to Stream March Madness 2025 Online

If you’re cutting the cord or prefer streaming, there are plenty of options to catch every game live.

Here’s how to stream March Madness 2025:

1. Paramount+

   Paramount+ is the go-to streaming service for CBS games. You can watch all the games aired on CBS, including the Final Four and Championship Game.

2. NCAA March Madness Live App

   The official NCAA March Madness Live app is a must-have for fans. It allows you to stream every game live, regardless of the network.

Availability: Free with a cable subscription or through participating TV providers.

3. Hulu + Live TV

   Hulu + Live TV includes CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, making it a great option for streaming all March Madness games.

Subscription: $76.99/month.

4. YouTube TV

   YouTube TV offers access to CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, along with unlimited DVR storage to record games.

Subscription: $72.99/month.

5. Sling TV

   Sling TV’s Orange + Blue package includes TBS, TNT, and truTV. However, CBS is not available, so you’ll need an antenna or Paramount+ for CBS games.

Subscription: $55/month.

6. ESPN+ (Women’s Tournament)

   ESPN+ will stream select women’s tournament games, though most games will be available on ESPN’s main networks.

Which Games to Watch in March Madness 2025

With so many games happening during March Madness, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to watch. Here’s a breakdown of the must-watch games and those you can skip:

Must-Watch Games

1. First Four

   • The First Four games are often underrated but can be incredibly exciting. These matchups determine the final teams in the Round of 64 and often feature bubble teams fighting for survival.

2. Round of 64 (Day 1 and Day 2)

   • The first two days of the Round of 64 are packed with action, featuring 32 games. Look for matchups involving lower-seeded teams that could pull off upsets.

3. Sweet 16

   • By this stage, the field has narrowed to 16 teams, and every game is high-stakes. The Sweet 16 often features powerhouse programs and Cinderella stories.

4. Elite Eight

   • The Elite Eight determines which teams will advance to the Final Four. These games are intense and often come down to the wire.

5. Final Four and Championship Game

   • The pinnacle of March Madness, the Final Four and the Championship Game are must-watch events. These games showcase the best teams in the nation competing for the title.

Games You Can Skip

1. Blowouts in the Round of 64

   • While upsets are thrilling, some games in the Round of 64 can turn into blowouts, especially when a top seed faces a low seed. If the score gets out of hand early, you might want to switch to a closer game.

2. Early-Round Games with Low-Stakes Matchups

   • Some early-round games between mid-seeded teams may lack the drama of other matchups. Use your discretion to prioritize more exciting games.

Tips for Enjoying March Madness 2025

1. Fill Out a Bracket

   • Whether you’re a casual fan or a basketball expert, filling out a bracket is a fun way to engage with the tournament. Compete with friends, family, or coworkers to see who can predict the most games correctly.

2. Follow Social Media

   • Stay updated on the latest highlights, upsets, and buzzer-beaters by following NCAA March Madness on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

3. Host a Watch Party

   • March Madness is more fun with friends and family. Host a watch party for key games and enjoy the excitement together.

4. Keep an Eye on Cinderella Teams

   • Every year, a lower-seeded team makes a surprising run in the tournament. Keep an eye on potential Cinderella teams that could shake up your bracket.

Conclusion

March Madness 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable tournament. With games airing on CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, and streaming options like Paramount+, Hulu + Live TV, and the NCAA March Madness Live app, you’ll have no trouble catching all the action. Whether tuning in for the must-watch games or skipping the blowouts, March Madness offers something for every basketball fan.

So grab your bracket, settle in, and get ready for the madness!