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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

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