The ultimate guide to streaming March Madness
Editorial note: This post may contain links to offers and services from which Allconnect receives a commission. The partners and associated compensation do not affect our editorial integrity. Read more about our advertising policy.
SrdjanPav, Getty Images
This year marks the 85th run of March Madness, the annual NCAA basketball tournament where 68 teams face off to narrow the competition to the Final Four, then the ultimate champion.
For 2024, the March Madness bracket is determined on March 17 (Selection Sunday), and the games run from March 19 through April 8. The March Madness tournament is held for men’s and women’s Division I athletes.
When does March Madness start?
March Madness starts on March 19 in Dayton, OH, in the UD Arena. The First Four games of March Madness start at 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET on truTV both Tuesday and Wednesday.
Streaming the Sweet 16 and Elite 8
Stream the Sweet 16 on Thursday, March 28 and Friday, March 29, 2024. Watch the Elite 8 on Saturday, March 30 and Sunday, March 31. These March Madness games are broadcast live on CBS and TBS and are available for streaming with a subscription to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®.
Where to watch March Madness online
You don’t need cable TV to watch March Madness live. You can stream all the matchups on your smart TV, tablet, laptop or phone with an internet connection. Read on to find out which streaming platforms are broadcasting March Madness live, what internet speed is best for watching the action without any interruptions, and which is the best internet plan for the ultimate March Madness experience.
Who broadcasts March Madness?
You will find the Men’s NCAA Tournament Bracket live on CBS Sports, TNT, TBS and truTV. Watch any of the March Madness games live on all four networks, with the following exceptions:
- The NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday show is only on CBS on March 17, 2024.
- The First Four is only on truTV on March 19 & 20, 2024.
- The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight are only on CBS and TBS from March 28–31, 2024.
- The Final Four is only on TBS on April 6 & 8, 2024.
The Women’s Final Four is available with ESPN+, but to watch the rest of the women’s brackets, you need access to ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews and ESPNU. These networks are available in packages with YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, FuboTV (must add Sports Lite package) or DirecTV Stream (ChoiceTM package and above).
How to watch March Madness online
- Watch March Madness without cable: If you want to watch March Madness live without cable, a Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® subscription for $11.99/mo. is the cheapest option. (The Paramount+ Essentials plan does not include March Madness games).
- Watch March Madness for free: If you only want to watch the Final Four, you can sign up for the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® seven-day free trial to watch the live stream free.
- March Madness live apps: Download the corresponding app of the stations that broadcast March Madness. All CBS games are streamed live on Paramount+ and the CBS Sports app. The following table has all the apps from Google Play and the App Store to watch March Madness.
Android | iPhone |
---|---|
CBS Sports | CBS Sports |
TNT | TNT |
TBS | TBS |
truTV | truTV |
What internet speed do you need to stream March Madness?
To stream March Madness live, you need a minimum internet speed of 2–5 Mbps, depending on your streaming platform.
- Paramount+ needs a minimum of 2 Mbps.
- CBS Sports needs a minimum of 4 Mbps.
- TNT, TBS and truTV need a minimum of 5 Mbps.
Virtually any high-speed internet provider works for streaming March Madness. Watch March Madness online with all internet connection types, including cable, fiber, DSL or 5G. As long as you aren’t using dial-up internet, you can stream all the March Madness brackets.
What to consider when streaming March Madness
While your internet technology won’t stop you from watching March Madness, a few internet plan features could hamper your streaming. Find out what to do to get the most out of your home Wi-Fi plan.
Data caps
Internet plans with a data limit could cause an issue for watching March Madness online due to the high amount of data used. Satellite internet and fixed wireless plans are two connection types that typically have a data cap. If you go over your monthly data amount, you may be charged extra or have your speed temporarily throttled. Check with your internet provider about your options for additional data or consider changing to an unlimited internet plan.
Reliability
Uninterrupted streaming without buffering is key to watching March Madness online. Fiber internet is the most reliable technology because it is a single, dedicated internet connection. Verizon Fios, AT&T and Frontier are a few companies that offer fiber internet.
Cable internet, offered by providers like Spectrum or Xfinity, and 5G home internet from providers like T-Mobile are shared connections. Your internet is shared with other people in your neighborhood who use the same provider. When more people are online, network congestion can cause temporary lag. Cut down on outside interference by making sure your Wi-Fi is secure and password-protected.
Wi-Fi range
The area in your home where you stream March Madness could affect your internet connectivity. The farther your streaming device is from your internet modem, the slower Wi-Fi you get. If you’re having issues with slow Wi-Fi, move your device closer to the modem or use Wi-Fi extenders to boost the signal to the parts of your home with a weak connection. If you can’t connect to the internet, try these tips to fix Wi-Fi that is not working.
Number of connected devices
The minimum speed requirements for streaming are based on having just one connected device. If other connected devices are simultaneously online in your household, a faster internet speed is necessary. If you have a fast internet plan but aren’t getting optimal speeds in your home, try these tips to fix slow internet.
Use these guidelines to decide on the best internet speed for you:
- Five or fewer devices need at least 100 Mbps.
- 6–20 devices can use 200–800 Mbps.
- More than 20 devices should consider 1+ GB speeds.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection with sufficient speeds as you watch March Madness online this season so you can enjoy uninterrupted basketball action.
This content is produced through an alliance between USA TODAY and Allconnect.com. Under the alliance, Allconnect publishes articles about broadband-related topics upholding strict editorial integrity standards in line with USA TODAY’s Principles of Ethical Conduct. The opinions, analyses, reviews and recommendations expressed are those of the Allconnect editorial staff alone. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Read more about our Allconnect Advertising Disclosure.
Secure your vote: Internet tips for National Voter Registration Day
National Voter Registration Day is on September 17 this year. If you’ve been meaning to register for the first time or update your voter regi
T-Mobile vs. Verizon: Which home internet is best for you?
Not sure if T-Mobile 5G or Verizon 5G Home Internet is the best internet provider for you? Compare all the pros and cons of each home internet serv
T-Mobile vs. AT&T: Which internet provider is better for you?
When considering service between AT&T and T-Mobile 5G Home Internet, our research and comparisons of speed, pricing, plans and more can help yo
Best RV internet options to support your traveling needs
There are many reasons you need the best internet for your RV, including navigating with your GPS, finding restaurants and attractions near your lo
AT&T vs. Spectrum: Which internet provider should you choose?
Deciding between AT&T vs. Spectrum internet can be a difficult choice since they are both top internet providers with competitive rates and a r
Find and compare internet providers in North Carolina
North Carolina is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing easy access to the ocean and the mountains, plus plenty of lush green woods to explore
Find and compare internet providers in Oklahoma
Made famous by the musical that shares its name and its history of domination in the oil industry, Oklahoma is home to more than 4 million resident
Find and compare internet providers in Illinois
The political home of Abraham Lincoln. The birthplace of deep-dish pizza. The origin of the Italian beef sandwich and the Chicago hot dog. Illinois