What time does the NCAA championship start? TV schedule, channel for 2026 college basketball title game
admin_news
What time does the NCAA championship start? TV schedule, channel for 2026 college basketball title game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With just two teams standing atop the collegiate basketball sphere, the 2026 national championship matchup is set.
UConn is back in the title game for the third time in four years after holding Illinois to just 62 points in Saturday's semifinal. The Huskies didn't enter the NCAA Tournament with the same kind of expectations as two years ago, but their personal expectations never wavered. Dan Hurley expects to win championships, and he is one win away from a third that would put him in rare territory in college basketball history.
In a shift from UConn's first two championship game appearances under Hurley, the Huskies are considerable underdogs. Michigan looks like a juggernaut after dismantling Arizona in the national semifinals, even as Yaxel Lendeborg battled injuries and early foul trouble. Lendeborg's health is a story entering Monday's game, but the Wolverines looked fully capable of playing championship basketball with him at less than 100 percent.
A UConn win would cement a dynasty in Storrs, but Michigan has a chance to win its first national championship since 1989 and the first for the Big Ten since 2000. For Dusty May, the opportunity to start building a historic legacy is on the line.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 NCAA Championship from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., and when to tune in to watch the game, including TV channel and timing for the highly-anticipated final matchup.
What time does the NCAA championship game start?
- Date: Monday, April 6
- Time: 8:50 p.m. ET
UConn vs. Michigan will tip off at 8:50 p.m. ET from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
What channel is UConn vs. Michigan on today?
- TV channel: TBS, TNT, and truTV
- Live stream: DIRECTV
UConn vs. Michigan will air on TBS, along with TNT and truTV also carrying coverage. Ian Eagle, Bill Raftery, and Grant Hill are calling the games with reporter Tracy Wolfson. Gene Steratore will serve as rules analyst.
Fans looking to stream the NCAA championship game can watch live on DIRECTV.
Catch every game of March Madness – try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live Soccer, MLB, and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network—all included with DIRECTV.
Start your FREE trial now and never miss a moment of the action. No contracts, no hassle, just wall-to-wall sports and entertainment.
UConn vs, Michigan radio coverage
- Radio station: SiriusXM channel 84
Fans who want to tune into the national championship game via SiriusXM can do so on channel 84.
UConn NCAA Tournament 2026 record
| Date | Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 20 | First round | Furman | W, 82-71 |
| March 22 | Second round | UCLA | W, 73-57 |
| March 27 | Sweet 16 | Michigan State | W, 67-63 |
| March 29 | Elite Eight | Duke | W, 73-72 |
| April 4 | Final Four | Illinois | W, 71-62 |
Michigan NCAA Tournament 2026 record
| Date | Round | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 19 | First round | Howard | W, 101-80 |
| March 21 | Second round | Saint Louis | W, 95-72 |
| March 27 | Sweet 16 | Alabama | W, 90-77 |
| March 29 | Elite Eight | Tennessee | W, 95-62 |
| April 4 | Final Four | Arizona | W, 93-71 |
