March Madness 2026: Selection Sunday Guide, Bracket Reveal, and Tournament Dates
The excitement of March Madness is building as the NCAA Tournament approaches. Selection Sunday, scheduled for March 15, 2026, will unveil the 68-team field and set the stage for the thrilling competition. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the bracket reveal, tournament dates, and key information for fans.
When is the 2026 NCAA Tournament Selection Show?
The 2026 NCAA Tournament selection show will be broadcast nationally on CBS on Sunday, March 15. The show will initiate at 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT.
How to Watch the Bracket Reveal
Fans can tune in to CBS to watch the selection show live. Streaming options include the CBS Sports app and FUBO, which offers a free trial for potential subscribers.
2026 NCAA Tournament Key Dates and Locations
- First Four: March 17-18, Dayton, Ohio
- First and Second Rounds:
- March 19 and 21: Buffalo, Greenville, Oklahoma City, Portland
- March 20 and 22: Tampa, Philadelphia, San Diego, St. Louis
- Sweet 16 and Elite Eight:
- March 26 and 28: Houston and San Jose
- March 27 and 29: Washington D.C. And Chicago
- Final Four and National Championship: April 4 and 6, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
SEC Tournament Impact on NCAA Tournament Bids
At least 10 teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) are expected to receive bids to the 2026 NCAA Tournament. Vanderbilt and Tennessee are both projected to be included in the field. Tennessee State will also make its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994.
Vanderbilt’s Momentum
Vanderbilt has emerged as a team opponents will want to avoid in March, having recently overcome a significant weakness against Florida in the SEC Tournament. Analysts suggest Vanderbilt is a dangerous opponent heading into the tournament.
Recent SEC Tournament Results
Tennessee’s SEC Tournament run ended with a 75-68 loss to Vanderbilt on March 13, 2026. Duke Miles led Vanderbilt with a season-high 30 points, even as Ja’Kobi Gillespie led Tennessee with 21 points. Vanderbilt advanced to the SEC Tournament semifinals, where they will face Florida.
Tennessee finished the season with a 22-11 record and awaits its seeding for the NCAA Tournament.