When Do March Madness Brackets Come Out?

March Madness brackets are officially released on Selection Sunday, which falls on the second Sunday in March each year. This date is when the NCAA unveils the 68-team tournament field, including matchups, seedings and regions.

Upcoming Bracket Release Dates:

• 2025: March 16
• 2026: March 15
• 2027: March 14

As soon as the bracket drops, fans and analysts go into overdrive—breaking down matchups, predicting Cinderella runs and filling out their brackets before the tournament starts just a few days later.

How Can You Get a March Madness Bracket?

Once the bracket is released, you can find it:

• On the NCAA's official website
• In major sports media outlets (ESPN, CBS Sports, etc.)
• Via printable PDFs and interactive online tools, such as Dimers’ printable tournament bracket predictions

If you’re planning to fill one out, make sure to check our guide on how to fill out a March Madness bracket for tips on making smart picks.

Key Deadlines to Remember

• Brackets must be submitted before the first round begins (typically by Thursday at noon ET after Selection Sunday).
• Play-in games (aka the First Four) happen Tuesday and Wednesday, but most bracket pools don’t require picks for these.

So, if you want a shot at the perfect bracket—or just want bragging rights over your friends—be ready when Selection Sunday rolls around.

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