March Madness is one of the biggest events in college basketball, drawing in millions of fans each year. If you're eager to catch all the excitement of the 2025 tournament without breaking the bank, you're in the right place.

Learn more: When is March Madness 2025? Full Schedule of NCAA Tournament, Selection Sunday, and More

How to Watch March Madness Live
How to Watch March Madness Live

1. Take Advantage of Free Trials from Streaming Services

Many streaming platforms offer free trials, allowing you to watch March Madness games without paying a dime—at least temporarily. Be sure to time your trial period with the tournament schedule!

  • YouTube TV: YouTube TV offers a 7-day free trial. It includes CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, which are the channels broadcasting March Madness (YouTube TV).

  • FuboTV: FuboTV provides a 7-day free trial and has CBS for most of the games, although it lacks TBS, TNT, and truTV (FuboTV).

  • Sling TV: Sling TV offers a 50% discount on the first month. While it doesn't have CBS, it covers TBS, TNT, and truTV (Sling TV).

2. Watch Games for Free on NCAA's Official Website

The official NCAA March Madness Live website and app allow you to stream select games for free. However, access to some games might require signing in with a participating TV provider. Visit NCAA March Madness Live to start streaming.

3. Utilize Digital Antennas for Local CBS Games

If you have a digital antenna, you can catch all the games broadcast on CBS for free. Digital antennas are a one-time purchase that provides access to local channels, including CBS, in high definition.

4. Share Streaming Accounts with Friends and Family

Many streaming platforms allow multiple simultaneous streams. If you have friends or family with active subscriptions, consider sharing access. Just make sure it complies with the streaming service's terms of use.

5. Check Out College and Community Viewing Parties

Many colleges, bars, and community centers host free viewing parties during March Madness. These events can be a great way to enjoy the games with fellow fans without needing a streaming subscription.

6. Consider Low-Cost Streaming Options

  • Paramount+: This service offers live CBS streaming, which includes many of the March Madness games. Plans start as low as $5.99 per month (Paramount+).

  • ESPN+: While ESPN does not broadcast March Madness directly, ESPN+ might offer related coverage, analysis, and highlights (ESPN+).

7. Avoid Illegal Streaming Sites

It might be tempting to watch games on free streaming sites, but many of these are illegal and can expose you to malware. Stick to legitimate and safe options to ensure a quality viewing experience.

Final Tips

  • Set Reminders: Make sure to cancel free trials on time to avoid charges.

  • Compare Services: Some services might have better promotions closer to the tournament.

  • Stay Updated: Check official sources like NCAA.com for the latest broadcasting information.

By following these tips, you can enjoy March Madness 2025 without spending a fortune, all while staying safe and legal. Game on!

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