March Madness is entering its most thrilling phase, and with the Sweet 16 set to begin, the pressure is mounting for teams and fans alike. The early rounds delivered plenty of surprises, including Kentucky’s decisive win over Illinois, officially wiping out the last remaining perfect bracket. Now, with underdogs like Arkansas and BYU still in the mix, the stakes have never been higher.
Cinderella Stories Keep the Tournament Unpredictable
Every year, March Madness brings unforgettable upsets, and 2025 is proving to be no different.
No. 10 Arkansas stunned No. 2 St. John’s in a dramatic finish, while BYU pulled off an impressive victory over Wisconsin. These surprise wins have set the stage for more unpredictability as the Sweet 16 unfolds.
Historically, teams with momentum entering this stage have made deep runs. If Arkansas and BYU continue their strong performances, they could follow in the footsteps of past Cinderella teams like Florida Gulf Coast and Loyola Chicago.
Where and When to Catch the Sweet 16 Action
The Sweet 16 games are scheduled to take place over two action-packed days, with regional winners advancing swiftly to the Elite 8. Here’s how the schedule is shaping up:
- Elite 8: March 29-30 – Games will air on TBS (Saturday) and CBS (Sunday).
- Final Four: April 5 – The semifinals will be broadcast exclusively on CBS.
- NCAA Championship Game: April 7 – The ultimate showdown is set for 9:20 p.m. ET on CBS.
With high-profile matchups lined up, fans won’t want to miss a single moment.
Free and Paid Streaming Options for March Madness
Fans looking to catch the action live have several options, both free and paid.
Free Viewing Options:
- HD Antenna: CBS is airing several Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games, along with the Final Four and championship. A quality HD antenna ensures uninterrupted access.
- March Madness Live: The NCAA’s official streaming service provides coverage across multiple platforms but requires login credentials from a TV provider.
Paid Streaming Services:
| Service | Free Trial | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ | 7 days | $8 or $13 |
| Hulu + Live TV | 3 days | $77 ($90 ad-free) |
| YouTube TV | Varies | $73 |
| Max | No | $9.99+ |
| Sling TV | No | $40-$55 |
| DirecTV Stream | Yes | $80+ |
| Fubo TV | 7 days | $80+ |
Cable subscribers can also log in to TBS, TNT, or truTV’s websites and apps to stream games on those networks.
Why the Sweet 16 Is a Pivotal Moment
At this stage, teams face their toughest tests yet. Unlike the earlier rounds, where energy and surprise tactics can carry an underdog, the Sweet 16 is where experience, depth, and coaching adjustments become decisive.
Powerhouse programs will look to assert dominance, while the remaining Cinderella teams fight to keep their championship dreams alive. With the intensity at an all-time high, this phase of the tournament often delivers the most dramatic finishes.
