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

5 hours ago in Local

Gov. Mills vetoes moratorium on new data centers in Maine

Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a first-in-the-nation moratorium on new data centers in Maine.

5 hours ago in Local

Judge gives Maine 30 days to review signatures for transgender student referendum

A judge on Friday gave the Maine Secretary of State's Office 30 days to review signatures gathered for a referendum concerning transgender students.

1 day ago in Local

Two Arrested in Months-Long Maine Drug Enforcement Investigation

Both were taken to the Somerset County Jail.

1 day ago in Local

All Residents Displaced from Biddeford Apartment Fire

The Red Cross is working with the building owner and tenants to find temporary housing.

1 day ago in Local

Missing teens found after traffic stop in Portland

Portland Police say they located two missing teenagers from the Augusta area during traffic stop overnight Thursday morning.