What's Happening?
CBS Sports has announced its 2025-26 college basketball schedule, which includes over 300 regular-season games across various platforms such as CBS Television Network, Paramount+, and CBS Sports Network.
The schedule features marquee matchups with top-ranked teams and 15 automatic bids to the 2026 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Tournaments. Notably, the Missouri Valley Conference Championship is set to be decided on Sunday, March 8, 2026. CBS Sports will also broadcast the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament in partnership with TNT Sports, providing exclusive live coverage of every game. The schedule includes appearances by AP Top 25 teams, with Purdue leading with six appearances. CBS Sports Network will feature an expansive slate of games, including 10 Conference Championship games.
Why It's Important?
The announcement of CBS Sports' comprehensive college basketball schedule is significant for fans and stakeholders in the sports industry. It highlights CBS Sports' continued commitment to providing extensive coverage of college basketball, which is crucial for maintaining viewer engagement and advertising revenue. The inclusion of the Missouri Valley Conference Championship and other key matchups ensures that fans have access to high-stakes games, potentially increasing viewership and interest in college basketball. Additionally, the partnership with TNT Sports for the NCAA Tournament underscores the importance of collaboration in broadcasting major sporting events, which can enhance the overall viewing experience and reach a broader audience.
What's Next?
As the college basketball season progresses, fans can anticipate exciting matchups and championship games that will be broadcast across CBS platforms. The Missouri Valley Conference Championship on March 8, 2026, will be a key event to watch, as it will determine one of the automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament. CBS Sports will continue to provide studio coverage throughout the season, offering analysis, highlights, and features. The Eye on College Basketball podcast and CBS Sports HQ will offer additional content, keeping fans informed and engaged. Stakeholders in the sports industry will likely monitor viewership trends and advertising opportunities as the season unfolds.