Where to Watch NCAA Men's March Madness 2026 Live Online, Livestream
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - MARCH 22: A general view of the March Madness logo see in the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the UCLA Bruins in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Rupp Arena on March 22, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky.
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
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With the highest ratings in eight years with nearly 21 million viewers, the NCAA Men’s March Madness returns for the 2026 season. The top teams in college basketball competing against each in a one-and-done tournament to win the national championship, while the Duke Blue Devils are considered the favorite to win it all.
However, Michigan, Arizona and Florida (who are the reigning champions) are all considered contenders, so it’s going to be something special, if there’s an upset this year.
On Thursday, Mar. 19, you can watch a full day of the First Round of play starting with the No. 9-ranked TCU Horned Frogs vs. the No. 8-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes at 9:15 a.m. PT/12:15 p.m. ET. The game broadcast on CBS and livestream on Paramount+. Check out a complete 2026 NCAA Men’s March Madness schedule and bracket here.
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At a Glance: How to Stream 2026 NCAA Men’s March Madness Online
- When: Mar. 17 to Apr. 6
- Channels: CBS, TNT, TBS and truTV
- Stream online: DirecTV, Paramount+, HBO Max, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV
Watch 2026 NCAA Men’s March Madness on Directv
Want to watch online? If you want to catch all of the college basketball action, keep reading to find out how to watch the Men’s March Madness with and without a cable subscription, including ways to watch for free.
How to Watch the 2026 NCAA Men’s March Madness Without Cable
The 2026 Men’s March Madness airs on CBS, TNT, TBS and truTV, while games livestream on Paramount+ and HBO Max. Moreover, networks CBS, TNT, TBS and truTV are also available via web-based cable alternative services, including DireTV, Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV — some of which offer free trials.
Ahead, find out how to watch tournament games with and without a cable subscription.
DirecTV
get directv free trial
One of the best ways to watch games is on DirecTV.
The cable alternative’s “MySports” package offers CBS, TNT, TBS and truTV, plus more than 20 other channels, such as NBC, ABC, FOX, FOX Sports, TNT and more. In addition, the streamer has a five-day free trial available, while you can either cancel or keep the service after the free trial is over, with prices starting at $44.99 for the first two months of service ($69.99 per month afterwards).
Meanwhile, DirecTV is offering three months of Paramount+ and HBO Max for free when you signup for one of its signature packages with prices starting at $89.99 per month — after a five-day free trial. In fact, you can add up to three months of MGM+, Starz and other premium services at no additional cost.
Paramount Global
Paramount+
Get Paramount+ Free Trial
Starting at just $2.99 per month for the first two month, Paramount+ features NCAA Men’s March Madness games.
Watch NCAA Men’s March Madness games starting at $2.99 per month for the first two month ($8.99 per month afterwards) for the Paramount+ Essential ad-supported plan. Aside from live sports from NFL, UFC and NCAA March Madness, subscribers can access hundreds of movies and TV series with Paramount+, such as Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Mayor of Kingstown, 1883, Special Ops: Lioness and much more.
Additionally, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial for Walmart+, which comes with Paramount+. Learn more about Walmart+ and its benefits here.
Courtesy of WBD
HBO Max
Sign up via Prime Video
Get HBO Max
HBO Max has the B/R Sports add-on for free, as part of its streaming service.
Available through Prime Video, HBO Max’s sports hub has access to NCAA Men’s March Madness games starting at $10.99 per month; note that a Prime Membership ($14.99 monthly or $139 annually) or Prime Video subscription ($8.99 monthly) is required.
In addition, HBO Max includes NHL on TNT, U.S. Soccer, MotoGP and other sports leagues. The service also has hit movies like Sinners, One Battle After Another, Barbie, The Zone of Interest, Wonka, Avatar: The Way of Water and others, as well as award-winning series, such as The Last of Us, Hacks, The White Lotus