News

Men’s NCAA tournament averaging 10.3 million viewers, its most-watched since 1993

UConn guard Braylon Mullins (24) reacts with teammates after scoring the winning basket against Duke in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Photo: Associated Press


NEW YORK (AP) — The men’s NCAA tournament is averaging 10.3 million viewers through the Elite Eight, according to Nielsen. That is the tournament’s best audience since 1993 and a 9% increase over last year.
UConn’s last-second 73-72 victory over Duke in the East Region final averaged 13.4 million on CBS. The audience peaked at 18.9 million when Braylon Mullins sank a desperation 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left.
Friday’s early window with Duke-St.John’s on CBS and Michigan-Alabama on TBS/truTV averaged 14.2 million, the most-watched Friday regional early window since 1992.
The Final Four and title game will be on TBS, TNT and truTV.
The women’s NCAA tournament on ESPN’s networks and ABC is averaging 789,000 viewers through Saturday’s Sweet 16 games. That is a 1% decrease from last year.
Ratings for Sunday and Monday’s regional finals are expected to be available on Wednesday.
___
AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness

Recent Headlines

16 hours ago in Entertainment, Trending

Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce getting married at Madison Square Garden? What we know

Are Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce really getting married at Madison Square Garden? Frenzied speculation surrounding the superstar singer and football player's upcoming wedding has spiked over the past few days as reports swirl that the two are getting married the first week in July at one of New York's iconic landmarks.

4 days ago in Sports, Trending

Serena Williams draws 20-year-old Maya Joint in first Wimbledon singles match in 4 years

Serena Williams will face an opponent less than half her age when she plays 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round at Wimbledon for her first singles match in nearly four years.

5 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Usher says tour with Chris Brown is about more than 2 stars. He makes the case for R&B in stadiums

As Usher prepares to launch a stadium tour with Chris Brown, he says the criticism and legal troubles surrounding the singer never factored into his decision to embark on the tour.

5 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending

When a rip current sucks you out to sea, try not to panic

To someone who is getting sucked out to sea by a rip current, "Don't panic!" may be difficult to heed, even if that's exactly what you should do. But lifeguards say to not only relax but flip over and float out of the danger.

7 days ago in Sports, Trending

Giannis Antetokounmpo getting traded to Heat in blockbuster deal, AP source says

Giannis Antetokounmpo wants more championships. So do the Miami Heat. Their interests are officially aligned — and the Heat finally have another superstar.