March has arrived, and madness will ensue on Selection Sunday.
After all Division I men’s college basketball conference championships have completed, the National Collegiate Athletic Association selection committee on March 16 will select the 68 schools nationwide who control their destiny for an elusive NCAA tournament victory.
Here’s what to know about the selection process.
How are teams picked for March Madness?
Based on the results of the 2024-2025 men’s college basketball regular season, the selection committee will select the top 37 teams that are at-large — or teams that are not already automatic qualifiers for their respective conferences.
Considering the pool of at-large teams and 31 conference tournament champions, the committee will collectively rank the 68 teams selected into a competitively-balanced bracket. Once the field of teams is finalized, March Madness will begin two days later.
The NCAA tournament begins with the preliminary First Four round, with the field of the bottom four at-large teams and the bottom four automatic-qualifying teams playing for a spot in the round of 64. The First Four tournament games begin March 18, hosted by the University of Dayton.
This year, the Final Four will be hosted at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The final four teams are scheduled to play on April 5, with the dramatic conclusion of the NCAA men’s basketball National Championship game on April 7.
When is the Selection Sunday special?
Selection Sunday, the same day as the conclusion of many Division I men’s basketball conference tournament finals, is Sunday, March 16.
What time is the Selection Sunday special?
Selection Sunday is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET on March 16.
How to watch the Selection Sunday special
The Selection Sunday Special will air on CBS and is available to stream on Paramount+.
How to fill out a March Madness bracket
To fill out an official NCAA men’s basketball March Madness bracket, click here.
At this time, however, the bracket will remain blank until the official teams included in the tournament are announced March 16.
Who is in the March Madness tournament?
So far, the following teams have received an automatic bid to play in the tournament, after coming out on top of their conference.
- Bryant University (American East)
- Duke University (ACC)
- Lipscomb University (ASUN)
- University of Houston (Big 12)
- St. John’s (Big East)
- University of Montana (Big Sky)
- High Point University (Big South)
- University of California San Diego (Big West)
- University of North Carolina Wilmington (CAA)
- Liberty University (Conference USA)
- Robert Morris University (Horizon League)
- Mount Saint Mary’s (MAAC)
- University of Akron (MAC)
- Norfolk State University (MEAC)
- Drake University (Missouri Valley)
- Colorado State University (Mountain West)
- Saint Francis (Northeast)
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Ohio Valley)
- American University (Patriot League)
- Wofford College (Southern)
- McNeese State University (Southland)
- Alabama State University (SWAC)
- University of Nebraska Omaha (Summit League)
- Troy University (Sun Belt)
- Gonzaga University (West Coast)
- Grand Canyon University (WAC)
Several teams who will automatically qualify for the tournament have yet to compete in the championship game Sunday. The remaining 37 spots will go to selected at-large teams.
Who won March Madness last year?
The University of Connecticut Huskies emerged as the winners of last year’s NCAA tournament, with a 75-60 victory over the Purdue University Boilermakers certifying their second consecutive year cutting down the nets after dominating the tournament field.
