News

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

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

Latest Headlines

8 hours ago in Local

Maine Lawmakers Pass Bill to Let Jails Turn Away Some ICE Detainees

Governor Mills has indicated she will sign the bill.

9 hours ago in Local

Two Arrested in Gardiner for Drug Dealing, Gun Charges

Officers say they saw what looked like illegal drugs at the residence.

12 hours ago in Local

New Hampshire Man Dead in I-95 Crash in Newport

Maine State Police say they were on their way to assist a stopped car in the travel lane of I-95.

12 hours ago in Local

Casco Bay Lines considers another fare hike for passengers

Riding the ferry in Casco Bay could get more expensive as the ferry line considers a 21 percent increase for passenger fares.

12 hours ago in Local

Sen. Collins’ office says remark about not seeking another term after November was an “off-hand comment”

Sen. Susan Collins is walking back her comment that she would only serve one more term if elected in November.