When Does College Basketball Season Start? 2025 Dates

By Sarah Miller · October 3, 2048

The NCAA college basketball season typically starts in early November each year, with the 2025-26 season scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This date applies to both men's and women's Division I basketball, marking the official start of regular-season games following preseason practices known as 'Midnight Madness.' Conference play usually begins in late December, leading up to conference tournaments in March and culminating with the NCAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournaments, commonly known as March Madness.

When Does College Basketball Season Start?

The start of the college basketball season follows a predictable annual timeline. For the 2025-26 academic year, the regular season is set to begin on November 4, 2025. This date aligns with recent trends established by the NCAA, which consistently schedules tip-off for the first full week of November.

Key Dates in the College Basketball Calendar

Midnight Madness: Held in late October, this event marks the first legal team activity and is celebrated with fan festivals and scrimmages.
Regular Season Start: Early November (November 4, 2025, for the upcoming season).
Conference Play Begins: Typically late December after non-conference matchups.
Conference Tournaments: Held in March, determining automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament.
NCAA Tournament (March Madness): Begins mid-March, concluding with the Final Four in early April.

What Is the Structure of the College Basketball Season?

The NCAA college basketball season is divided into three main phases: the preseason, regular season, and postseason. Each phase plays a crucial role in player development, team rankings, and tournament qualification.

Preseason Activities

The official practice period begins in early October, culminating in Midnight Madness events around October 12–18. These are not games but ceremonial openings that energize fanbases and signal the approaching season.

Regular Season Format

Teams generally play 30–35 games during the regular season. Schedules include:

Non-conference games (November–December)
Conference games (December–February)
Season-ending tournaments like the ACC Tournament or Big 12 Championship

Postseason Overview

The postseason includes conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA Men's and Women's Championships feature 68 teams selected based on win-loss records, strength of schedule, and performance metrics like NET rankings.

Season	Regular Season Start	Final Four Date	Champion	Runner-Up
2022-23	November 6, 2022	April 3, 2023	UConn (Men), LSU (Women)	San Diego State, Iowa
2023-24	November 6, 2023	April 7, 2024	UConn (Men), South Carolina (Women)	Purdue, Iowa
2024-25	November 4, 2024	April 6, 2025	TBD	TBD
2025-26	November 4, 2025	April 5, 2026	TBD	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows consistent scheduling patterns across recent and upcoming seasons. Tip-off dates cluster around November 4–6, indicating NCAA’s effort to standardize the calendar. Final Four events are typically held on the first Sunday of April, with minor variations due to venue availability and broadcast agreements.

How Do Conferences Impact the Schedule?

Each NCAA Division I conference sets its own conference game schedule, though most align with the national timeline. Major conferences like the Big Ten, SEC, and ACC begin league play in late December, often with marquee matchups scheduled around holidays to boost viewership.

Notable Early-Season Tournaments

Empire Classic – Features top programs in mid-November.
Maui Invitational – Held in Hawaii, typically the second week of November.
Phil Knight Invitational – Rotating multi-team event honoring Nike co-founder.
ACC/Big Ten Challenge – Annual series in late November.

These tournaments provide high-level competition early in the season and influence AP Poll and NCAA Tournament seeding.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Basketball Season Start

When does the 2025 college basketball season start?

The 2025-26 college basketball season is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This date applies to NCAA Division I men's and women's basketball regular-season games.

Why does college basketball start in November?

College basketball starts in November to allow a full regular season before March Madness. Starting in November provides time for approximately 30+ games, conference tournaments, and selection processes, ensuring the NCAA Tournament concludes before spring semester ends.

What is Midnight Madness in college basketball?

Midnight Madness is an annual event held in mid-October that marks the official start of preseason practices. Teams host events at midnight to celebrate the beginning of training, featuring scrimmages, player introductions, and fan engagement activities.

Do all college basketball teams start on the same day?

While most teams begin their regular season on or around the first Tuesday of November, exact start dates can vary slightly. Some teams participate in exempt tournaments (e.g., Maui Invitational) that may allow earlier start dates under NCAA rules.

How long is the college basketball season?

The college basketball season lasts approximately five months, starting in early November and ending with the NCAA Championship game in early April. Teams that advance deep into the tournament may play into early April, while others conclude in March.