March Madness 2026: How to watch the Final Four
Let’s face it: your bracket was probably busted a long time ago. The 2026 NCAA basketball tournaments, affectionately known as March Madness , is ending soon. The Final Four for both the men’s and women’s tournaments starts this weekend. Both the men’s and women’s tournaments are available to stream through various apps and services, but navigating the web of broadcasters and TV channels can be confusing. We’ve broken down when all the games are happening, where to watch and the best options for saving some cash doing so. What does the Final Four start? The men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Final Four begins on Saturday, April 4 with two games. The first game begins at 6:09PM ET with the second following at 8:49PM ET. The winners will then face each other for the national championship on Monday, April 6 at 8:30PM ET. On the women’s side, everything is offset by a day. The Final Four starts Friday, April 3 at 7:00PM ET. The second game follows at 9:30PM ET. The women’s national championship will see the Final Four winners face each other on Sunday, April 5 at 3:30PM ET. Here’s the full schedule for each tournament: 2026 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament First Four: March 17-18 First round: March 19-20 Second round: March 21-22 Sweet 16: March 26-27 Elite Eight: March 28-29 Final Four: April 4 Championship game: April 6 2026 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament First Four: March 18-19 First round: March 20-21 Second round: March 22-23 Sweet 16: March 27-28 Elite
As the 2026 NCAA basketball tournaments, or March Madness, draw to a close, fans who have likely seen their brackets busted early are left to enjoy the Final Four games. Both the men’s and women’s tournaments are nearing their conclusion, with the Final Four matches set to take place this weekend. While the excitement of predicting the outcomes may have waned, the chance to watch the remaining games is still a highlight for basketball enthusiasts. However, navigating the various broadcasters and streaming services can be confusing, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you catch the action.
The men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament Final Four kicks off on Saturday, April 4, with two games. The first matchup begins at 6:09 PM ET, followed by the second game at 8:49 PM ET. The winners of these games will then face off in the national championship on Monday, April 6, at 8:30 PM ET. On the women’s side, the Final Four starts a day earlier, on Friday, April 3, with the first game at 7:00 PM ET and the second at 9:30 PM ET. The women’s championship game will take place on Sunday, April 5, at 3:30 PM ET.
To provide a complete picture, here’s the full schedule for both tournaments:
**2026 Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament:**
- First Four: March 17-18
- First round: March 19-20
- Second round: March 21-22
- Sweet 16: March 26-27
- Elite Eight: March 28-29
- Final Four: April 4
- Championship game: April 6
**2026 Women’s NCAA Basketball Tournament:**
- 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 3
- Championship game: April 5
Now, let’s dive into the details of how to watch these games. For the men’s tournament, CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery hold the broadcast rights, meaning that TV coverage will be spread across multiple networks. Throughout March Madness, games will air on CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV, with the final rounds and championship game airing on TBS.
If you have a traditional cable or satellite TV plan, you can watch the games on these networks as part of your existing subscription. However, if you prefer a more cost-effective option, there are streaming services available. For instance, CBS Sports has a streaming package that allows you to watch CBS and CBS Sports Network games, including some March Madness matches, for $14.95 per month. Similarly, Warner Bros. Discovery’s TBS and TNT can be accessed through their respective streaming services, though these may require separate subscriptions.
For those looking to save money, there are also options to watch the games through platforms like Sling TV or YouTube. Sling TV offers a package that includes TBS, TNT, and truTV, among others, for $25 per month. YouTube, on the other hand, may offer free livestreams of some games, though the quality and reliability can vary.
In the case of the women’s tournament, ESPN holds the broadcast rights. This means that games will air on ESPN networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN+. If you have a traditional cable plan, you can watch the games on these networks. For streaming options, ESPN+ offers a monthly subscription of $6.99, which includes access to all games, as well as additional content and analysis.
In conclusion, while the 2026 NCAA basketball tournaments may have left many brackets in shambles, the Final Four games offer a chance to reconnect with the excitement of March Madness. With multiple broadcast networks and streaming services, there are plenty of ways to watch the remaining matches. Whether you prefer traditional TV, a streaming package, or a cost-saving option, there is a way to enjoy the action. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for the thrilling conclusion of this year’s NCAA tournaments.
