Michigan's NCAA Men's Basketball Title Game Draws 18.3 Million Viewers on TBS and Affiliates

NEW YORK -- The University of Michigan defeated the University of Connecticut 69-63 in the men's NCAA basketball national championship game on Monday night. 3 million viewers on TBS, TNT, truTV and HBO Max, according to Nielsen data. This figure represents the most-watched men's NCAA tournament final since 2019, when Virginia defeated Texas Tech in overtime on CBS.

m. EDT. The audience size marked a 23% increase from the 2024 final, which aired on TNT. CBS and TNT began alternating coverage of the Final Four in 2016, with this being the fifth time TNT broadcast the championship game.

The 2025 men's NCAA tournament averaged 10.

9 million viewers across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. This total is the second-highest for March Madness since 1994, when the event aired entirely on CBS. The viewership increased 7% compared to the previous year.

2 million viewers, an 11% increase from 2024. This year's tournament recorded the most-watched first round and second round since 1993. The event featured 68 teams competing over three weeks, culminating in the championship at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

secured its first national title since 1989 with the victory.

The NCAA men's basketball tournament, known as March Madness, generates significant interest due to its bracket format and underdog stories. Broadcasters CBS and TNT hold rights through 2031, ensuring continued alternation of Final Four coverage. Stakeholders including networks, sponsors and the NCAA benefit from high viewership, which supports revenue from advertising and media deals.

Affected parties encompass players, coaches, universities and fans, with the tournament's popularity influencing college basketball's visibility. Next, the 2026 tournament will follow the same broadcast rotation, potentially building on this year's audience trends.