When Does College Basketball Season Start? 2025-26 Dates

By Sarah Miller · February 14, 2037

The NCAA college basketball season for 2025-26 begins with practices in early October 2025, followed by the official regular season games starting November 7, 2025. The schedule includes conference play from December through March, culminating in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament (March Madness) beginning mid-March 2026.

When Does the College Basketball Season Start?

The start of the college basketball season follows a predictable annual timeline. For the upcoming 2025-26 season, teams begin organized practices in early October 2025. These are known as "Midnight Madness" events, signaling the unofficial kickoff. The first official NCAA-sanctioned games commence on Friday, November 7, 2025, marking the start of the regular season.

Key Dates in the College Basketball Calendar

Early October: Teams open fall practices; Midnight Madness celebrations held.
November 7, 2025: First official games of the regular season.
December – February: Non-conference and early conference matchups.
January – March: Peak of conference play and rivalry games.
Mid-March 2026: Selection Sunday and start of NCAA Tournament.
April 5, 2026: National Championship Game at Chase Center, San Francisco.

NCAA Tournament Structure and Timeline

The climax of the college basketball season is the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness. This single-elimination tournament features 68 teams selected based on performance during the regular season and conference tournaments.

Phases of March Madness

First Four: Play-in games held in Dayton, Ohio.
First and Second Rounds: Hosted across eight regional sites.
Regional Semifinals (Sweet 16) and Finals (Elite Eight): Four regional hubs.
Final Four: National semifinals and championship game.

Season	First Games	Selection Sunday	Championship Game	Champion	Head Coach
2022–23	Nov 6, 2022	Mar 12, 2023	Apr 3, 2023	UConn	Dan Hurley
2023–24	Nov 6, 2023	Mar 17, 2024	Apr 1, 2024	UAB	Andy Kennedy
2024–25	Nov 7, 2024	Mar 16, 2025	Apr 7, 2025	Tennessee (Projected)	Rick Barnes (Projected)
2025–26	Nov 7, 2025	Mar 15, 2026	Apr 5, 2026	TBD	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows consistency in scheduling, with the regular season consistently launching the first week of November. Selection Sunday typically falls on the third or fourth Sunday in March, aligning with the traditional bracket reveal. The championship game rotates among major U.S. venues, with San Francisco set to host in 2026.

Conference Schedules and Key Matchups

College basketball’s excitement builds through conference play. Powerhouse leagues like the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, Big 12, and Pac-12 (before realignment) schedule marquee inter-conference games in December, often part of the ESPN Champions Classic or CBS Sports Classic.

Notable Early-Season Tournaments

Kentucky Invitational (November)
Empire Classic (Mid-November)
Phil Knight Invitational (Late November)
Big East-Big 12 Battle (December)
SEC/ACC Challenge (December)

Frequently Asked Questions About College Basketball Season Start

When do college basketball practices start?

Official team practices for NCAA Division I programs typically begin in early October. Many schools celebrate "Midnight Madness" events on October 1st or the first Friday of October, marking the ceremonial start of the season with scrimmages and fan festivities.

What date does the 2025 college basketball season start?

The 2025-26 college basketball regular season officially begins on Friday, November 7, 2025. This is when NCAA-sanctioned games can be played following preseason practices.

How long is the college basketball season?

The college basketball season spans approximately six months. It starts in early November with regular-season games and concludes in early April with the NCAA Championship. Teams that participate in March Madness may play into early April, depending on their tournament run.

Does the college basketball season start in the fall?

Yes, the college basketball season begins in the fall semester. While games start in November, team activities including practices and exhibition games begin in October, making it a fall sport academically and athletically.

When is March Madness 2026?

March Madness 2026 is scheduled to begin with the First Four games on March 17, 2026, in Dayton, Ohio. Selection Sunday will be on March 15, 2026, followed by the First and Second Rounds from March 19–22. The Final Four will take place on April 4, 2026, with the National Championship Game on April 5, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco.