when does ncaa tournament start

The 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament (March Madness) starts with the First Four on March 17–18, 2026, with the main first round beginning March 19, 2026.

When does the NCAA Tournament start?

Key dates for 2026

• Selection Sunday: March 15, 2026.

• First Four (opening “play‑in” games): March 17–18, 2026.

• First Round (when most brackets really get going): March 19–20, 2026.

So if you’re wondering “when does NCAA tournament start?” in the sense of when actual games tip off, circle March 17, 2026 for the very first games, and March 19, 2026 for the big bracket action.

Quick Scoop

• The tournament runs from mid‑March to early April each year, earning the nickname “March Madness.”

• The 2026 men’s Final Four and title game will be held April 4 and April 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

• Bracket reveals and Selection Sunday TV special happen on March 15, which is when fans officially start going all‑in on predictions.

If you’re planning watch parties or bracket pools, have everything ready by Selection Sunday so you’re set before the First Four tips off.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.