What Time Is Selection Sunday? A Complete Guide

What Time Is Selection Sunday, you ask? It’s the day the brackets for March Madness are revealed, and WHAT.EDU.VN is here to give you the complete scoop. Get ready for March Madness bracket reveals and NCAA Tournament information! Let’s dive in.

1. Understanding Selection Sunday

Selection Sunday marks the day the NCAA reveals the 68 teams participating in the men’s and women’s Division I basketball tournaments. It is a highly anticipated event for college basketball fans, coaches, and players alike, as it officially kicks off the March Madness season.

The selection process involves the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Committees, who are responsible for selecting the teams and seeding them in the tournament brackets.

Automatic Qualifiers: 32 teams automatically qualify for the tournament by winning their respective conference tournaments.
At-Large Bids: The remaining 36 teams are selected at-large based on their regular season performance, strength of schedule, and other factors considered by the committee.

2. When Is Selection Sunday?

For the 2025 March Madness, Selection Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, March 16th. During the selection show, the 68-team brackets for both the men’s and women’s NCAA Division I basketball tournaments will be revealed.

Men’s Selection Show: 6 p.m. ET on CBS
Women’s Selection Show: 8 p.m. ET on ESPN

3. Where to Watch Selection Sunday

You can watch the Selection Sunday shows on CBS (for the men’s bracket) and ESPN (for the women’s bracket). You can also stream the shows online through the CBS Sports app, ESPN app, or other streaming services that carry these channels.

4. What to Expect on Selection Sunday

During the Selection Sunday shows, the NCAA selection committees will reveal the following information:

The 68 teams selected for the tournament
The seeding of each team in the bracket (1 through 16 in each region)
The matchups for the first round of the tournament
The location and dates of each game

5. Key Dates for the 2025 NCAA Men’s Tournament

Here’s a schedule for the 2025 men’s tournament:

Event	Date(s)	Location
Selection Sunday	March 16
First Four	March 18-19	Dayton, Ohio
First Round	March 20-21	Various Locations
Second Round	March 22-23	Various Locations
Sweet 16	March 27-28	Various Locations
Elite Eight	March 29-30	Various Locations
Final Four	April 5	Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
Championship Game	April 7	Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas

6. 2025 NCAA Men’s Tournament Locations

The 2025 NCAA Men’s Tournament games will be held at the following locations:

Round	City	Venue	Dates	Host
First Four	Dayton, OH	UD Arena	March 18-19	University of Dayton
First/Second	Lexington, KY	Rupp Arena	March 20-22	University of Kentucky
First/Second	Providence, RI	Amica Mutual Pavilion	March 20-22	Providence College
First/Second	Seattle, WA	Climate Pledge Arena	March 20-22	University of Washington
First/Second	Wichita, KS	Intrust Bank Arena	March 20-22	Wichita State University
First/Second	Cleveland, OH	Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse	March 21-23	Mid-American Conference
First/Second	Denver, CO	Ball Arena	March 21-23	Mountain West Conference
First/Second	Milwaukee, WI	Fiserv Forum	March 21-23	Marquette University
First/Second	Raleigh, NC	PNC Arena	March 21-23	NC State University
East Regional	Newark, NJ	Prudential Center	March 27-29	Seton Hall University
West Regional	San Francisco, CA	Chase Center	March 27-29	Pac-12 Conference
South Regional	Atlanta, GA	State Farm Arena	March 28-30	Georgia Institute of Technology
Midwest Regional	Indianapolis, IN	Lucas Oil Stadium	March 28-30	IU Indianapolis/Horizon League

7. Key Dates for the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament

Here’s a schedule for the 2025 women’s tournament:

Event	Date(s)	Location
Selection Sunday	March 16
First Four	March 19-20	Various Locations
First Round	March 21-22	Various Locations
Second Round	March 23-24	Various Locations
Sweet 16	March 28-29	Various Locations
Elite Eight	March 30-31	Various Locations
Final Four	April 4	Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida
Championship Game	April 6	Amalie Arena, Tampa, Florida

8. 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament Regional Round Sites

Round	City	Venue	Dates	Host
Sweet 16/Elite Eight	Birmingham, AL	Legacy Arena	March 28-31	SEC
Sweet 16/Elite Eight	Spokane, WA	Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena	March 28-31	University of South Florida/Tampa Bay Sports Commission

9. How the Selection Committee Works

The NCAA selection committees are composed of athletic directors and conference commissioners from various schools and conferences. The committees use a variety of criteria to evaluate teams, including:

Winning Percentage: Overall record and record against Division I opponents.
Strength of Schedule: Difficulty of the schedule played.
Ratings Percentage Index (RPI): A metric that combines a team’s winning percentage, its opponents’ winning percentage, and its opponents’ opponents’ winning percentage.
NET Ranking: The NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) is the primary tool used by the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee to rank teams. It relies on game results, strength of schedule, game location, scoring efficiency, and net efficiency.
Quality Wins: Wins against top-ranked teams.
Conference Tournament Performance: Performance in the conference tournament.

10. Predicting the Tournament Field

Predicting which teams will make the tournament and their seeding is a popular pastime for college basketball fans. Many websites and sports analysts offer bracketology predictions, which attempt to forecast the tournament field based on the criteria used by the selection committees.

11. Filling Out Your Bracket

Once the brackets are revealed on Selection Sunday, fans can start filling out their own brackets, predicting the winner of each game in the tournament. Millions of brackets are filled out each year, with many contests offering prizes for the most accurate brackets.

12. Understanding Seeding

Teams are seeded from 1 to 16 in each of the four regions of the tournament. The higher the seed, the better the team’s perceived ranking. Generally, higher-seeded teams are expected to win their early-round games, but upsets are a common occurrence in March Madness.

13. Common Terms Used During Selection Sunday

Bubble Teams: Teams that are on the borderline of making the tournament field.
At-Large Bid: An invitation to the tournament that is not earned by winning a conference tournament.
Automatic Qualifier: A team that automatically qualifies for the tournament by winning its conference tournament.
Bracket: The structure of the tournament, showing the matchups between teams.
Seed: The ranking of a team within its region of the bracket.

14. The Impact of Selection Sunday on Teams

Selection Sunday can have a significant impact on teams, especially those on the bubble. Teams that are selected for the tournament experience a sense of excitement and accomplishment, while those that are left out may feel disappointed. The seeding a team receives can also affect its chances of advancing in the tournament.

15. Why is it Called March Madness?

The term “March Madness” has a unique origin. Here’s a brief history:

Henry V. Porter: The term was first used in 1939 by Henry V. Porter of the Illinois High School Association. He used it to describe the Illinois high school basketball tournament.
Brent Musburger: Later, in the early 1980s, Brent Musburger, a sportscaster, popularized the term while covering the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Trademark: The NCAA eventually adopted the term and now owns the trademark for “March Madness.”

16. What Happens After Selection Sunday?

After Selection Sunday, the teams prepare for their first-round games. The First Four games take place a few days later, followed by the first and second rounds of the tournament. The tournament continues for several weeks, culminating in the Final Four and the national championship game.

17. Famous Upsets in March Madness History

March Madness is known for its upsets, where lower-seeded teams defeat higher-seeded teams. Some of the most famous upsets in tournament history include:

1985: Villanova, an 8 seed, defeated Georgetown, a 1 seed, in the championship game.
2018: UMBC, a 16 seed, defeated Virginia, a 1 seed, in the first round.
2011: VCU, an 11 seed, reached the Final Four.

18. How to Improve Your Bracket Predictions

While predicting the outcome of March Madness games is difficult, there are some strategies that can improve your chances of success:

Research Teams: Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of each team.
Consider Seeding: Higher-seeded teams are generally more likely to win.
Look for Potential Upsets: Identify lower-seeded teams that have the potential to upset higher-seeded teams.
Follow Expert Advice: Consult bracketology predictions and analysis from sports experts.

19. The Economic Impact of March Madness

March Madness has a significant economic impact, generating billions of dollars in revenue for the NCAA, participating schools, and host cities. The tournament attracts millions of viewers and generates significant advertising revenue.

20. The Future of Selection Sunday

Selection Sunday continues to evolve, with changes to the selection process and the format of the tournament. The NCAA is constantly evaluating ways to improve the tournament and ensure that it remains a premier event in college basketball.

21. Key Players to Watch in the 2025 Season

As the 2025 season approaches, here are some potential key players to watch:

Top College Players: Keep an eye on players who are projected to be high NBA draft picks.
Rising Stars: Look out for emerging talents who could make a significant impact.
Experienced Leaders: Pay attention to veteran players who can lead their teams to success.

22. Conference Breakdown: Which Leagues Will Dominate?

Several conferences are expected to be strong contenders in the 2025 NCAA Tournament:

Power Conferences: ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, and SEC.
Mid-Major Conferences: Conferences like the Mountain West, American Athletic Conference, and Atlantic 10 often produce strong teams.
One-Bid Leagues: Keep an eye out for teams from smaller conferences who could pull off upsets.

23. How Rule Changes Could Affect the Tournament

Any rule changes implemented by the NCAA could have an impact on the tournament:

Pace of Play: Changes to the shot clock or other rules could affect the pace of games.
Fouls and Free Throws: Modifications to foul rules could influence the number of free throws taken.
Player Eligibility: Changes to eligibility rules could affect which players are available to participate.

24. The Role of Analytics in Team Selection

Analytics play an increasing role in team selection and bracket predictions:

Advanced Stats: Metrics like offensive and defensive efficiency are used to evaluate teams.
Predictive Models: Algorithms are used to predict the outcome of games.
Data-Driven Insights: Teams and analysts use data to identify strengths, weaknesses, and potential matchups.

25. Notable Coaches to Watch During March Madness

Several coaches have a track record of success in the NCAA Tournament:

Hall of Fame Coaches: Keep an eye on coaches with multiple national championships.
Up-and-Coming Coaches: Look out for coaches who are building successful programs.
Tournament Veterans: Pay attention to coaches who have a history of making deep tournament runs.

26. The Importance of Team Chemistry and Leadership

Team chemistry and leadership are crucial factors in March Madness success:

Experienced Players: Teams with veteran players often perform well.
Strong Leadership: Coaches and players who can lead their teams through adversity are valuable.
Team Cohesion: Teams that play well together and have good chemistry are more likely to succeed.

27. How Injuries Can Impact Tournament Outcomes

Injuries can significantly impact a team’s chances in the tournament:

Key Player Injuries: Injuries to star players can be devastating.
Depth and Resilience: Teams with good depth can better withstand injuries.
Timing Matters: Injuries that occur close to the tournament can be particularly disruptive.

28. Strategies for Hosting a Selection Sunday Party

Hosting a Selection Sunday party can be a fun way to celebrate the start of March Madness:

Invitations: Send out invitations to friends and family.
Food and Drinks: Provide snacks, drinks, and maybe a potluck.
Bracket Contests: Organize bracket contests with prizes.
Decorations: Decorate with basketball-themed decorations.

29. The Evolution of College Basketball Recruiting

Recruiting plays a crucial role in building successful college basketball programs:

High School Recruiting: Coaches scout high school players and offer scholarships.
Transfer Portal: The transfer portal allows players to transfer to other schools more easily.
International Recruiting: Coaches also recruit players from international locations.

30. How Social Media Amplifies the Selection Sunday Experience

Social media has transformed the way fans experience Selection Sunday:

Live Reactions: Fans share their reactions and opinions on social media platforms.
Bracket Challenges: Social media platforms host bracket challenges and contests.
Team and Player Updates: Teams and players use social media to share updates and engage with fans.

31. The Psychological Impact of Tournament Pressure

Tournament pressure can affect players and teams psychologically:

Anxiety and Stress: Players may experience anxiety and stress.
Focus and Concentration: Maintaining focus and concentration is crucial.
Mental Toughness: Teams with strong mental toughness are more likely to succeed.

32. The Role of Luck in March Madness Outcomes

Luck plays a significant role in March Madness outcomes:

Close Games: Close games can come down to luck.
Unexpected Performances: Players may have unexpected performances.
Bounces and Calls: Bounces of the ball and referee calls can influence outcomes.

33. How to Stay Informed About Tournament News

Staying informed about tournament news is essential for fans:

Sports Websites: Visit reputable sports websites for news and analysis.
Social Media: Follow teams, players, and analysts on social media.
TV and Radio: Watch TV and listen to radio for updates and commentary.

34. The Best Apps for Following March Madness

Several apps can help you follow March Madness:

NCAA March Madness Live: The official NCAA app.
ESPN: The ESPN app for news, scores, and streaming.
CBS Sports: The CBS Sports app for news, scores, and streaming.

35. How to Participate in Online Bracket Pools

Participating in online bracket pools can add excitement to March Madness:

Find a Pool: Look for online bracket pools to join.
Fill Out Your Bracket: Predict the winner of each game.
Track Your Score: Follow your score and compete against other participants.

36. The Debate Over Tournament Expansion

The possibility of expanding the tournament field is a topic of debate:

Arguments for Expansion: More teams would have the opportunity to participate.
Arguments Against Expansion: The tournament could become diluted.
Potential Formats: Various formats for an expanded tournament have been proposed.

37. Classic Selection Sunday Moments in History

Many memorable moments have occurred on Selection Sunday:

Surprise Selections: Unexpected teams being selected for the tournament.
Snubs and Controversies: Controversial teams being left out.
Emotional Reactions: Teams celebrating their selection.

38. The Importance of Strength of Schedule

Strength of schedule is a key factor in team selection:

Challenging Opponents: Playing against challenging opponents helps teams prepare for the tournament.
Quality Wins: Wins against top teams improve a team’s resume.
Committee Evaluation: The selection committee considers strength of schedule when evaluating teams.

39. Understanding the NET Ranking System

The NET ranking system is used by the NCAA to evaluate teams:

Components of NET: The NET relies on game results, strength of schedule, game location, scoring efficiency, and net efficiency.
Use in Selection: The selection committee uses the NET as one of the tools to select and seed teams.
Criticisms of NET: The NET has faced some criticism for its methodology and results.

40. What to Do if Your Bracket Gets Busted Early

It’s common for brackets to get busted early in March Madness:

Don’t Give Up: Continue to follow the tournament and enjoy the games.
Root for Underdogs: Support the underdog teams.
Start Planning for Next Year: Begin researching teams for next year’s tournament.

41. The Impact of COVID-19 on Recent Tournaments

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on recent tournaments:

Cancellations: The 2020 tournament was canceled due to the pandemic.
Bubble Environments: Recent tournaments have been held in bubble environments to protect players and staff.
Testing and Protocols: Strict testing and protocols have been implemented to prevent the spread of the virus.

42. The Role of Underdog Teams in Tournament Lore

Underdog teams play a crucial role in March Madness lore:

Cinderella Stories: Teams from smaller conferences often make unexpected runs.
David vs. Goliath: Underdog teams embody the David vs. Goliath narrative.
Fan Favorites: Fans often root for underdog teams.

43. How to Spot Potential First-Round Upsets

Identifying potential first-round upsets can improve your bracket:

Matchup Analysis: Analyze the matchups between teams.
Key Players: Identify key players who could have a big impact.
Team Momentum: Consider team momentum and recent performance.

44. The Best Strategies for Filling Out Multiple Brackets

Filling out multiple brackets can increase your chances of success:

Vary Your Picks: Vary your picks in each bracket.
Focus on Different Regions: Focus on different regions in each bracket.
Consider Different Scenarios: Consider different scenarios and potential outcomes.

45. How Conference Tournaments Affect Selection Sunday

Conference tournaments play a significant role in Selection Sunday:

Automatic Bids: Conference tournament winners receive automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament.
Bubble Team Impact: Conference tournament results can affect the fate of bubble teams.
Seeding Implications: Conference tournament results can impact seeding.

46. The Future of NIL Deals in College Basketball

Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals are changing college basketball:

Player Compensation: Players can now earn money from NIL deals.
Recruiting Impact: NIL deals can influence recruiting decisions.
Ethical Considerations: NIL deals raise ethical considerations for the NCAA.

47. How to Handle the Emotional Rollercoaster of March Madness

March Madness can be an emotional rollercoaster for fans:

Manage Expectations: Manage your expectations and accept that upsets happen.
Enjoy the Ride: Enjoy the excitement and unpredictability of the tournament.
Support Your Team: Continue to support your team through wins and losses.

48. The Best Sports Bars to Watch Selection Sunday

Watching Selection Sunday at a sports bar can be a fun experience:

Atmosphere: Enjoy the atmosphere and excitement of watching with other fans.
Food and Drinks: Enjoy food and drinks while watching the show.
Multiple Screens: Sports bars often have multiple screens to watch different games.

49. How to Avoid Common Bracket Pitfalls

Avoiding common bracket pitfalls can improve your chances of success:

Overreacting to Upsets: Don’t overreact to early upsets.
Ignoring Seeding: Don’t completely ignore seeding.
Picking Too Many Underdogs: Don’t pick too many underdog teams to advance.

50. Selection Sunday and Beyond: Your Complete Guide

Selection Sunday is just the beginning of March Madness. By understanding the selection process, key dates, and strategies for following the tournament, you can enhance your enjoyment of this exciting event. Remember, if you have any burning questions about college basketball, sports trivia, or anything else, WHAT.EDU.VN is here to provide free answers!

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What Time Is Selection Sunday? A Complete Guide

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