How many days until NCAA March Madness?
NCAA March Madness is on Tuesday, March 16, 2027. There are 185 days left until NCAA March Madness. NCAA March Madness is observed on Begins with the NCAA basketball tournament opening round.
Date & Planning Details
NCAA March Madness is observed on Begins with the NCAA basketball tournament opening round.
The listed countdown date uses the scheduled start of the 2027 men’s NCAA tournament opening round. Women’s tournament play begins on March 17, 2027.
Usually treated as an observance, not a day off.
NCAA March Madness Calendar (2027)
| Year | Date | Day | Days Left | Weekend? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | March 16 | Tue | 185 days | No |
What is NCAA March Madness?
March Madness is the nickname for the NCAA Division I basketball tournament season, when college teams compete in a single-elimination national championship bracket. The 2027 men’s tournament is scheduled to begin with the opening round on March 16, 2027, after Selection Sunday on March 14. Women’s March Madness begins its opening round on March 17, 2027, so fans should check the specific men’s or women’s bracket when planning games, travel, or viewing schedules.
How People Observe It
Fans follow the bracket reveal, fill out tournament picks, watch games across each round, attend regional and Final Four events, and track schools as they move through the tournament.
Planning note
Use Selection Sunday on March 14, 2027 for bracket planning, and check the final NCAA schedule before booking travel or organizing viewing plans.
Broadcast note
Game times, TV channels, streaming details, and bracket matchups are released closer to the tournament after teams are selected.
History and Background
March Madness grew from a small national college basketball tournament into one of the most watched annual sports events in the United States. The phrase is now widely used for the NCAA men’s and women’s Division I basketball tournaments.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does March Madness start in 2027?
The 2027 men’s NCAA tournament is scheduled to start on March 16, 2027. The women’s tournament opening round is scheduled to begin on March 17, 2027.
Is March Madness the same date every year?
No. It usually takes place in March and early April, but the exact start date changes with the NCAA calendar.
What is Selection Sunday?
Selection Sunday is the day when the NCAA announces the tournament field, seedings, and bracket matchups.
Does this countdown cover men’s or women’s March Madness?
The countdown date uses the men’s tournament opening round. The description notes the women’s 2027 start date because the two tournaments can begin on different days.
Is March Madness a public holiday?
No. It is a sports tournament, not a public holiday.
When is the 2027 Final Four?
The 2027 men’s Final Four is scheduled for April 3 and April 5 in Detroit. The 2027 women’s Final Four is scheduled for April 2 and April 4 in Columbus.
March Madness Timeline
These milestones show how the NCAA tournament developed into its current national bracket format.
The first NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament was held.
The men’s tournament expanded to 16 teams.
The NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament began.
The men’s tournament expanded to a 64-team bracket.
The men’s tournament expanded to 68 teams with the First Four round.
The NCAA began using the March Madness branding for the women’s tournament.
The men’s and women’s tournaments are scheduled to expand to 76 teams.
More Upcoming Days
This countdown uses the selected timezone to keep the live timer and date table consistent.