You know what they say, March basketball brings April championships. Or something like that…
The best tournament in sports is around the corner, and it’s sure to bring blood, sweat, tears and upsets galore. March Madness is must-watch television, even for those unfamiliar with college basketball.
Once again, broadcast and televising duties goes to the newly rebranded TNT Sports, the home of channels like TNT, TBS and truTV.
Before rejoicing in your favorite team’s glory (or least favorite’s misery), you need to tune in. It all starts on truTV.
SN’s MARCH MADNESS HQ
Live NCAA bracket news | TV schedule | Printable PDF
Here’s everything to know to catch NCAA tournament games on truTV.
What channel is truTV?
The NCAA agreed to a multi-billion dollar deal with CBS and Turner Sports in April of 2010 regarding the rights to the men’s NCAA tournament. That deal worked out for everybody, so it’s now been extended through 2032.
Fans wanting to watch the excitement of March Madness can find games on CBS, TNT, TBS and truTV.
Here’s how to find truTV on every cable provider.
| Provider | Channel (SD/HD) |
| AT&T UVerse | 164/1164 |
| Verizon FIOS | 183/683 |
| DISH Network | 242 |
| DirecTV | 246 |
| Spectrum | Varies by location (area code search) |
| Xfinity | Varies by location (area code search) |
How to live stream March Madness games for free online
With the rise in streaming popularity, cord-cutters certainly have a fair share of options when it comes to streaming March Madness games. All NCAA Tournament games will be available on Sling, as well as handful of other services.
Below is a full rundown (not every option includes TNT Sports channels):
| Streaming option | Cable subscription needed? | Free? | Cost | Free trial? |
| Paramount+ | No | No | $11.99/month | Yes |
| NCAA March Madness live | No | Yes | — | — |
| Fubo | No | No | $64.99/month | Yes |
| DirectTV Stream | No | No | $69.99/month | No |
| Hulu Plus Live TV | No | No | $69.99/month | Yes |
| YouTube TV | No | No | $64.99/month | Yes |
| Sling | No | No | $35/month | Yes |
When does March Madness start in 2024?
- Date: Tuesday, March 19
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
The 2024 NCAA men’s basketball tournament officially kicks off Tuesday, March 19 with the First Four. The true first round of games begins two days later on Thursday, March 21, when half of the field of 64 take the stage.
March Madness concludes Monday, April 8.
| Round | Dates |
| First Four | March 19-20 |
| First Round | March 21-22 |
| Second Round | March 23-24 |
| Sweet 16 | March 28-29 |
| Elite Eight | March 30-31 |
| Final Four | April 6 |
| National championship | April 8 |
NCAA Tournament games on truTV
Between the First Four and first round of games, 12 matchups will be broadcast on truTV. One second-round game will be on truTV, as well.
First Four
Tuesday, March 19
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| (16) Wagner vs. (16) Howard | 6:40 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
| (10) Colorado State vs. (10) Virginia | 9:10 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
Wednesday, March 20
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| (16) Grambling vs. (16) Montana State | 6:40 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
| (10) Colorado vs. (10) Boise State | 9:10 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
First Round
Thursday, March 21
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| (6) BYU vs. (11) Duquesne | 12:40 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
| (3) Illinois vs. (14) Morehead State | 3:10 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
| (2) Iowa State vs. (15) South Dakota State | 7:35 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
| (7) Washington State vs. (10) Drake | 10:05 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
Friday, March 22
| Game | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| (3) Baylor vs. (14) Colgate | 12:40 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
| (6) Clemson vs. (11) New Mexico | 3:10 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
| (4) Alabama vs. (13) College of Charleston | 7:35 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
| (5) Saint Mary’s vs. (12) Grand Canyon | 10:05 p.m. | truTV, Sling |
