The 2025-26 college basketball season will begin in the opening week of November.
While next season doesn’t have confirmed schedule dates yet and likely won’t until the fall, the season traditionally begins in the first few days of November. Watch for the season to begin on Monday, Nov. 3.
Generally speaking, the nonconference portion of the college basketball season stretches from the first week of November through the last week of December. After that, conference play begins.
Conference tournaments that determine March Madness automatic bids usually start at the end of February or the beginning of March.
NCAA Tournament betting lines are finally released once the tournament is revealed on Selection Sunday.
NCAA Basketball Season
| Event | 2025-26 Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Regular Season Begins | Early November 2025 |
| Conference Season Begins | Late December 2025 |
| Conference Tournaments Begin | Early March 2026 |
| Selection Sunday | March 15, 2026 |
| First NCAA Tournament Game | March 17, 2026 |
| Men's National Championship | April 6, 2026 |
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