College basketball fans are already looking ahead to the 2026 tournament season, and a detailed schedule of conference tournaments is now available. From the American athletic Conference to the Western Athletic Conference, teams are preparing for their bids to March Madness. Here’s a breakdown of key dates and locations, providing an early roadmap for the road to the Final Four.
Conference Tournament Schedules: A Coast-to-Coast Overview
Table of Contents
- 1. Conference Tournament Schedules: A Coast-to-Coast Overview
- 2. Key Tournament dates and Locations
- 3. Understanding College Basketball Tournament Dynamics
- 4. Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 college Basketball Tournaments
- 5. What impact do early-season tournaments like the Maui Invitational and Champions classic have on a team’s chances of receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament?
- 6. Enhanced 2025-2026 College Basketball Schedule: Printable and TV Lineups Overview
- 7. Key Dates & Tournament Structures for the 2025-2026 Season
- 8. Conference Championship Dates (Mark Your Calendars!)
- 9. Early Season Tournament Highlights (November & December 2025)
- 10. Finding Printable Schedules
- 11. 2025-2026 TV & Streaming Lineups: Where to Watch
- 12. Key Games & Rivalries to Watch
- 13. NCAA Tournament 2026: Dates & Broadcast Details
The action kicks off in early March with several conferences initiating their tournaments. the ASUN Tournament will begin on March 4th, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida, with initial rounds hosted at campus sites. The Big South Tournament is also slated to commence on March 4th in Johnson City,Tennessee.
As March progresses, the intensity builds, with numerous conferences crowning their champions. The Big Ten Tournament, a highly anticipated event, will take place from March 10th to March 15th, 2026, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The ACC Tournament is scheduled for march 10-14, 2026, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Several conferences will hold their tournaments between March 11th and march 15th, 2026, including the American, atlantic 10, Big 12, Big East, Big West, CUSA, MAC, MEAC, Mountain West, SEC, and WAC. These events will spread across the nation, from Birmingham, Alabama (American Tournament at Legacy Arena at the BJCC), to Las Vegas, Nevada (Mountain West and WAC Tournaments).
The Ivy League Tournament,affectionately known as “ivy Madness,” will run from March 13-15,2026,at Newman Arena in Ithaca,New york. The NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday is set for March 15, 2026, with the Final Four scheduled for April 4th and 6th, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at lucas Oil Stadium.
Key Tournament dates and Locations
| Conference | Dates | Location |
|---|---|---|
| American | March 11-15, 2026 | Legacy Arena at the BJCC, Birmingham, Alabama |
| ACC | March 10-14, 2026 | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina |
| ASUN | March 4-8, 2026 | VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville, Florida |
| Big Ten | March 10-15, 2026 | United Center, Chicago, Illinois |
| SEC | March 11-15, 2026 | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee |
Did You Know? The NCAA men’s Basketball Tournament generates over $1 billion in television revenue annually, showcasing its massive popularity and economic impact.
The Pac-12 Tournament schedule remains unknown as of today, October 6, 2025, due to the conference’s recent restructuring. However, based on historical data, it is likely to be held at T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pro tip: Bookmark this page for fast reference as the tournament season approaches! tournament schedules are subject to change,so checking official conference websites is always recommended.
The 2026 tournament season promises thrilling competition and unforgettable moments. Will we see a repeat champion,or will a new team rise to the top? This schedule sets the stage for an exciting spring of college basketball.
Understanding College Basketball Tournament Dynamics
College basketball tournaments are a critical component of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)’s yearly calendar. These events not onyl determine automatic bids to the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament – commonly known as March Madness – but also generate significant excitement and revenue for the universities and host cities.The structure of these tournaments typically involves a single-elimination bracket, where teams must win each game to advance. The higher-seeded teams often receive a bye in the early rounds, providing them with a more favorable path to the championship game.
The importance of these tournaments extends beyond the immediate competition. they serve as a showcase for emerging talent, attracting scouts from the National basketball Association (NBA) and other professional leagues. A strong performance in a conference tournament can significantly boost a player’s draft stock. Furthermore, the tournaments contribute significantly to the overall brand recognition and fundraising efforts of the participating universities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 college Basketball Tournaments
- What is the date of Selection Sunday for the 2026 NCAA Tournament? Selection Sunday is scheduled for March 15,2026.
- Where will the 2026 NCAA Final Four be held? The 2026 Final Four will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Which conference tournament is known as “Ivy Madness”? The Ivy League Tournament is affectionately called “Ivy Madness.”
- When does the 2026 ASUN Tournament begin? The ASUN Tournament starts on March 4, 2026.
- Where is the 2026 Big Ten Tournament being hosted? The Big Ten tournament is being hosted at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
- Is the Pac-12 Tournament schedule confirmed for 2026? No, the Pac-12 Tournament schedule is currently unknown due to conference changes, but is expected to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- How can I stay updated on the latest tournament schedules? Check official conference websites and reliable sports news sources for the most up-to-date information.
What conference tournament are you most excited to watch in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow basketball fans!
What impact do early-season tournaments like the Maui Invitational and Champions classic have on a team’s chances of receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament?
Enhanced 2025-2026 College Basketball Schedule: Printable and TV Lineups Overview
Key Dates & Tournament Structures for the 2025-2026 Season
The 2025-2026 college basketball season promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with adjustments to scheduling and increased TV coverage. Here’s a breakdown of what fans need to know, including printable schedule resources and a comprehensive TV lineup overview. We’ll cover everything from early-season tournaments to the NCAA March Madness bracket.
Conference Championship Dates (Mark Your Calendars!)
* ACC Tournament: March 9-13, 2026 – Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
* Big 12 Tournament: March 10-13, 2026 – T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, MO
* Big East Tournament: March 11-14, 2026 – Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
* Big Ten Tournament: March 11-14, 2026 – Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
* pac-12 Tournament: March 11-14, 2026 – T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, NV
* SEC tournament: March 10-14, 2026 – Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
Thes dates are crucial for tracking automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. Keep an eye on conference standings throughout the season to anticipate potential upsets and exciting championship games.
Early Season Tournament Highlights (November & December 2025)
Early-season tournaments are vital for teams to gauge their strengths and build resumes for NCAA consideration. Here are some of the premier events:
* Maui Invitational (November 24-26, 2025): Traditionally features a strong field of contenders. Expect top-25 teams.
* Champions Classic (november 18, 2025): Duke vs.Kansas and Michigan State vs.Kentucky. A showcase of college basketball powerhouses.
* Battle 4 Atlantis (November 26-28, 2025): Held in the Bahamas, this tournament attracts competitive programs seeking early-season wins.
* Jimmy V Classic (December 16, 2025): A nationally televised doubleheader honoring the late Jim Valvano.
* Diamond Head Classic (December 22-25, 2025): A holiday tournament in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Finding Printable Schedules
Several resources offer printable college basketball schedules:
- NCAA.com: The official NCAA website provides comprehensive schedules,tho printable options may be limited. (https://www.ncaa.com/)
- Team-Specific Athletic Websites: Most university athletic departments offer printable schedules for their teams.
- Sports Illustrated: Often provides downloadable schedules and bracket facts. (https://www.si.com/college-basketball)
- ESPN: Offers customizable schedules and bracket printouts.(https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/)
2025-2026 TV & Streaming Lineups: Where to Watch
College basketball fans have more viewing options than ever. Here’s a breakdown of the major networks and streaming services carrying games:
* ESPN & ESPN2: Continue to be the primary broadcast partners, covering a wide range of games from major conferences.
* CBS & CBS Sports Network: Feature select games, including the NCAA Tournament.
* fox & FS1: Expanding their college basketball coverage, particularly within the Big East and Big Ten.
* NBC & Peacock: increased coverage of Big East games, leveraging Peacock for streaming options.
* Streaming Services:
* ESPN+: Offers a significant number of live games, replays, and original content.
* Peacock: Streams Big East games and provides on-demand access.
* Paramount+: Features CBS Sports Network coverage.
* YouTube TV/Hulu + Live TV/Sling TV: Offer access to ESPN, Fox, and CBS channels.
Key Games & Rivalries to Watch
* Duke vs. North Carolina: Always a highly anticipated matchup.
* Kentucky vs. Louisville: A fierce in-state rivalry.
* Kansas vs. Missouri: The Border War, renewed with intensity.
* UCLA vs. USC: A classic California rivalry.
* Michigan State vs. Michigan: A battle for state supremacy.
NCAA Tournament 2026: Dates & Broadcast Details
* Selection Sunday: March 14, 2026
* First Four: March 16-17, 2026 – University of Dayton Arena, Dayton, OH
* Round of 64 & Round of 32: March 18-21, 2026 – Various locations
* Sweet Sixteen & Elite eight: March 25-28, 2026 – Various locations
* final Four: April 3,
