2026 NCAA Tournament: TV ratings surge across first, second rounds of March Madness
Through two rounds of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, TV ratings are surging. CBS Sports and TNT Sports announced record viewership for the Rounds of 64 and 32 in March Madness. TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV are averaging 10.
1 million viewers through the first weekend, the networks announced . That’s a 7% increase from last year and comes on the heels of a surge in TV ratings for the First Four of the 2026 NCAA Tournament in Dayton. The Round of 64 averaged 9.
5 million viewers across the four networks on Thursday and Friday – a 9% increase. Then, the Round of 32 averaged 11. 0 million viewers on Saturday and Sunday, which is up 7% and the most-watched second round since 1993.
CBS Sports & TNT Sports continue record-setting viewership for NCAA Tournament Most-watched NCAA Tournament in history with 10. 1 million viewers through Second Round Record-breaking 19. 7 million viewers for Sunday’s early primetime window led by St.
John’s win over Kansas pic. twitter. com/D0MPs0bNFh — March Madness Men’s Basketball TV (@MM_MBB_TV) March 24, 2026 Sunday’s “early primetime” window led the charge with three games on the schedule.