When Is College Basketball Season? Key Dates Explained

By Sarah Miller · February 27, 2027

The NCAA college basketball season typically runs from early November to early April, with the regular season starting in November and concluding in March, followed by conference tournaments and the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament (March Madness), which ends in early April.

When Does the College Basketball Season Start and End?

The college basketball season follows a structured timeline each year, beginning with practices and exhibition games in October, leading into the official regular season in November. The competitive calendar culminates in April with the conclusion of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

Key Dates in the College Basketball Calendar

October: Teams begin practice and play exhibition games.
November 4, 2025: First official day of the regular season (projected for 2025-26 season).
November - February: Regular season games, including non-conference and conference matchups.
Early March: Conference tournaments begin.
Mid-March to Early April: NCAA Tournament (March Madness), Final Four, and National Championship Game.

NCAA Tournament: The Highlight of the Season

The NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, commonly known as "March Madness," is the most anticipated event in college basketball. It features 68 teams selected through automatic bids (conference champions) and at-large selections by the NCAA Selection Committee.

How the NCAA Tournament Works

Selection Sunday: Held on the second Sunday in March, when the tournament bracket is revealed.
First Four: Play-in games in Dayton, Ohio, to narrow the field to 64 teams.
Rounds: Six rounds total—Round of 64, Round of 32, Sweet 16, Elite Eight, Final Four, and National Championship.
Championship Game: Typically held on the first Monday in April.

Season	Regular Season Start	Final Four	National Championship	Champion
2021-22	November 9, 2021	April 2, 2022	April 4, 2022	Kansas
2022-23	November 7, 2022	April 1, 2023	April 3, 2023	UConn
2023-24	November 6, 2023	April 6, 2024	April 8, 2024	UConn
2024-25 (Projected)	November 4, 2024	April 5, 2025	April 7, 2025	TBD
2025-26 (Projected)	November 4, 2025	April 4, 2026	April 6, 2026	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The table above outlines recent and projected key dates for the college basketball season. Over the past few seasons, the regular season has consistently started in early November, with the championship game scheduled for the first Monday of April. The 2023-24 season saw UConn repeat as national champions, highlighting program consistency at the highest level.

Conference Schedules and Non-Conference Play

College basketball teams play a mix of non-conference and conference games during the regular season. Non-conference matchups allow teams to build their resume for NCAA Tournament consideration, while conference games determine seeding in the conference tournament and automatic qualification paths.

Major Conferences in NCAA Basketball

Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC)
Big Ten Conference
Big 12 Conference
Pacific-12 Conference (Pac-12)
Southeastern Conference (SEC)
American Athletic Conference (AAC)

Each conference hosts its own postseason tournament, typically held in the first week of March. Winning the conference tournament guarantees an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

Frequently Asked Questions About College Basketball Season

When does the 2025-26 college basketball season start?

The 2025-26 NCAA college basketball season is expected to begin on November 4, 2025, with official games commencing after preseason practices and exhibition matches in October.

What is March Madness?

March Madness is the popular name for the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, a 68-team single-elimination tournament held annually in March and early April to determine the national champion.

How long is the college basketball season?

The college basketball season lasts approximately five months, from early November to early April, including the regular season, conference tournaments, and the NCAA Tournament.

When is Selection Sunday 2026?

Selection Sunday for the 2026 NCAA Tournament is projected for March 15, 2026, when the 68-team bracket will be announced live on CBS.

Do all college teams play in March Madness?

No, only 68 teams are selected for the NCAA Tournament. Most teams do not qualify, as spots are limited to conference champions (automatic bids) and top-ranked teams chosen by the selection committee (at-large bids).