The brackets were busted, the buzzer-beaters were bananas, and the remote? Firmly in hand. If your TV was on in March, chances are it was tuned in to college hoops. This year’s March Madness wasn’t just madness—it was a ratings monster. Both the men’s and women’s tournaments brought in serious viewership, proving that when it comes to college basketball, we’re all fans in March.
So just how many people were watching? Let’s break it down.
All Eyes on the Men’s Final Four
This year’s men’s Final Four was prime-time gold. Fast national ratings from Nielsen showed that the two semifinal games averaged 15.3 million viewers—the best Final Four viewership since 2017. And here’s the kicker: that 2017 stat doesn’t even count people watching in bars, restaurants, or their friend’s basement because Nielsen didn’t start tracking out-of-home viewing until 2020. So yeah, big deal.
(Source: The Hollywood Reporter)
Compared to last year? Viewership was up 19%. Compared to CBS’s last Final Four broadcast in 2023? Try 24% higher.
Game Breakdown:
- Florida vs. Auburn (a 79-73 thriller): 14.6 million viewers, up from 11.4M last year
- Houston vs. Duke (an epic comeback): 16 million viewers, making it the most-watched game of this year’s tournament—and yes, it even beat every game from 2024
- CBS coverage peaked at 20.4 million viewers
That’s not just good. That’s madness.
The Women’s Tournament: Still Reigning, Still Rising
Let’s talk about the women’s bracket—because it’s not just riding last year’s wave, it’s carving its own path.
Sure, this year didn’t match the insane numbers from 2024 (because, let’s be honest, Caitlin Clark broke the internet), but millions still tuned in. The women’s championship game between UConn and South Carolina brought in 8.5 million viewers, making it the third-most watched women’s title game ever.
(Source: New York Post)
The Final Four games drew 3.9 million viewers on ESPN—not quite last year’s 11 million, but still the third-highest average since 1995, when ESPN first got the exclusive rights. Not bad for two lopsided wins by dominant teams.
Moral of the story? The women’s game is still pulling serious numbers. And with more stars rising and more fans paying attention, it’s only going up from here.
March Madness Was Everywhere
Forget TikTok trends—March Madness was the original main character. This wasn’t just about who made the Final Four. It was about:
- People streaming games on their phones under the dinner table
- Packed sports bars roaring with every three-pointer
- Group chats lighting up with “DID YOU SEE THAT?!”
From tip-off to trophy, this year proved that March Madness is more than a tournament—it’s an American ritual.
Looking Ahead: The Madness Is Just Getting Started
The takeaway? Fans are watching, and they’re watching hard. The growth in Final Four numbers on the men’s side and the staying power of women’s basketball—despite natural viewership corrections—show that there’s a real appetite for college hoops on every screen.
As we look toward 2026, one thing is for sure: March Madness isn’t just alive and well—it’s thriving. And whether you’re in it for the Cinderella stories, the power plays, or just the thrill of yelling at your TV, next year’s madness can’t come soon enough.