YouTube TV ($83 per month): Subscribing to YouTube TV feels akin to having access to live television across almost every channel you desire, featuring content from over 100 channels including CBS, ABC, and the cable networks that cover March Madness. With this package, you can stream every televised game for both men and women. YouTube TV also offers a unique multiview option that allows you to arrange four streams on your TV simultaneously, enabling you to catch multiple games at once. If you sign up now, until March 31, you can enjoy a $13 monthly discount for the first six months, bringing the price down to just $70 per month. A one-week free trial is available. Additionally, subscribing to the 4K Plus add-on allows you to try it free for 30 days.
Sling ($23 per month): This service enables you to stream March Madness coverage on ESPN, TNT, and TBS. Currently, Sling’s basic plan, named Orange, is available at a 50% discount for $23 per month. With this plan, you can stream Men’s and Women’s College Basketball whether at home or on the move, and even auto-record games using DVR. For avid sports enthusiasts, there is an option to add the Sports Extra package for an additional $11 per month. This add-on includes customizable channel lineups, coverage from conference networks like the BIG 10, PAC-12, and SEC, among over 40 channels including ESPN. No free trial is offered.
DirecTV (starting at $75 per month): DirecTV provides various packages that start at $75 and go up to $155 per month. The $75 Entertainment package grants you access to TBS, TNT, CBS, ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and FOX Sports 1 among others, allowing you to watch nearly all men’s and women’s games. (The cheapest tier doesn’t include TruTV, but higher-tier plans do, enabling you to watch all the March Madness games.) Dedicated college sports fans might prefer the Choice package, currently available at a discounted rate of $80 per month, which includes the Big Ten Conference, live NCAA college football, and additional collegiate regional networks. The DirecTV Sports Central hub also provides a personalized viewing experience with real-time stats, pregame odds, game time alerts, and more. Some plans come with a five-day free trial.
How to Watch on Cable TV
If you prefer a traditional approach to catch the men’s games live, you can watch on four cable networks: CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. Games will be available on local CBS affiliates, and those with an antenna can view the games without needing any cable or streaming service subscriptions. Check with those providers for specific game schedules.
The NCAA website will also livestream the games, but you’ll need to log in using the same credentials associated with your TV provider to gain access. While this might be a bit inconvenient, it is certainly useful if you find yourself at work.
For the women’s tournament, select games will be aired on ABC, with all ESPN networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, etc.) broadcasting games as well. (Fubo also provides streaming for women’s basketball throughout the season and offers a free trial.) Here’s a complete schedule of programming for the women’s tournament to help you plan ahead.
