Quick Scoop

The 2026 Men’s Sweet 16 (regional semifinals) of March Madness is scheduled for Thursday, March 26 and Friday, March 27, 2026.

📅 Key Dates & Tips

  • First games tip: 7:10 p.m. ET on both days (broadcast on CBS and TBS).
  • What it is: The Sweet 16 narrows the 64-team field down to just eight teams that avan ce to the Elite Eight.
  • Where: Four regional sites host the eight matchups:
    • South Region: Toyota Center, Houston, TX
    • West Region: SAP Center, San Jose, CA
    • Midwest Region: United Center, Chicago, IL
    • East Region: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C..

Why fans are buzzing

Forum discussions and trending threads highlight a few storylines already:

  • Second-round drama just wrapped: The final eight Sweet 16 spots were decided Sunday, March 22, with eight compelling second-round matchups.
  • Cinderella watch: Early upsets were surprisingly light this year, leaving a slate heavy with marquee programs and top-25 favorites.
  • Final Four path: Winners advance to the Elite Eight (March 28–29), then to Indianapolis for the Final Four on April 4 and the championship on April 6.

How to watch

  • TV: CBS and TBS carry all Sweet 16 games; truTV may simulcast select tip-offs.
  • Streaming: Live on March Madness Live (the official NCAA streaming platform) and via sports bundles on Sling, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, etc..

“The madness of the opening weekend is over—only the 16 best teams remain.” That’s the exact moment every college basketball fan has been waiting for.

Mark your calendar: March 26–27, 2026 is when the Sweet 16 chaos begins! Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.