2026 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament
The NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament in 2026 will be an inspiring event in the world of collegiate sports. Las Vegas is the place to be to witness all the thrilling hard-court action. Who will make it to the Sweet Sixteen, the Elite Eight, and the Final Four? Will the champion teams be the favorites of college hoops, or will it be a Cinderella story? You can catch all the tournament excitement at various watch parties throughout Las Vegas. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy the live basketball championship runs of your favorite teams.
The 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments are set to take place in March and April. The Men’s tournament will begin on March 17, 2026, with the championship game scheduled for April 6, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Meanwhile, the Women’s tournament will start on March 18, 2026, and its championship game will be held on April 5, 2026, at the PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona.
2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Schedule (times are Pacific Standard/PST)
Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 15, 2026
First Four
- Dates: March 17 & 18, 2026
First and Second Rounds
- Dates: March 19 & 21, 2026
- Dates: March 20 & 22, 2026
Regional Semifinals and Finals (Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight)
- Dates: March 26 & 28, 2026
- Dates: March 27 & 29, 2026
National Semifinals (Final Four)
- Dates: Saturday, April 4, 2026 & Monday, April 6, 2026
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Game
- Date: Monday, April 6, 2026
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Schedule (times are Pacific Standard/PST)
Selection Sunday: Sunday, March 15, 2026
First Four
- Dates: March 18 & 19, 2026
First and Second Rounds
- Dates: March 20 & 22, 2026
- Dates: March 21 & 23, 2026
Regional Semifinals and Finals (Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight)
- Dates: March 27 & 29, 2026
National Semifinals (Final Four)
- Dates: Friday, April 3, 2026 & Sunday, April 5, 2026
- Location: PHX Arena, Phoenix, Arizona (Host: Arizona State University)
NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Game
- Date: Sunday, April 5, 2026
- Location: PHX Arena, Phoenix, Arizona (Host: Arizona State University)
Best Sportsbooks in Las Vegas to place bets during March Madness 2026
When you’re in Las Vegas during this magical season, your best bets for feeling like you are practically courtside for all the big matchups are the two Las Vegas resorts with the most ginormous sportsbooks. They are the
At these massive sportsbooks, you’ll have it all in spades: every betting option under the sun, giant high-definition TVs, promotions and giveaways, and food and beverage options from hot dogs and beer to Gametime gourmet.
Experience March Mayhem 2026 in style with Hoops & Hops at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, with non-stop basketball action. There’ll be a hardwood court and a regulation basketball hoop, along with complimentary bar games! The experience includes an open bar.
Some other sizeable full-service casino sportsbooks to consider for catching college hoops are Caesars Palace, The Linq Hotel + Experience, and The Mirage. Reserved seating will be the best way to go. Be sure to claim your spot as far in advance as possible so you won’t miss a play!
Best Sports Bars & Watch Party Packages for March Madness Season in Las Vegas 2026
If you love sports and want to catch all the action of March Madness in Las Vegas, you have plenty of options. Whether you prefer a lively Strip venue or a cozy neighborhood spot, you can find a sports bar that suits your taste and budget.
Some excellent places on the Strip to watch the college basketball tournaments are:
- Cabo Wabo Cantina and Flights, both at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops.
For a local experience with great food, drinks, service, and multiple TV screens, check out:
- Born and Raised (3 locations)
- Sporting Life (Southwest)
- Distill (9 spots)
These places are trendy during March Madness, so get there early to secure your seat before tip-off! Come enjoy fantastic food and drinks while watching College Basketball!
While you are in Las Vegas for March Madness, catch a game with one of our Local Sports Teams!