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4w ago

Men's NCAA Tournament Ratings Hit 32-Year High Through Sweet 16

The 2025 men's tournament averages 9.4 million viewers in early rounds, while the women's tournament remains strong despite a slight decline from 2024's record-breaking numbers.

Mar 22, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; A referee holds the game ball during the second half of the game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the UCLA Bruins in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Mar 24, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) exits the floor after defeating the South Dakota State Jackrabbits in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The 2025 men's NCAA basketball tournament has drawn its largest audience through the first two rounds since 1993, averaging 9.4 million viewers across CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV.
  • Viewership for the men's tournament is up 4% from the same stage in 2024, with the Kentucky-Illinois matchup drawing a peak of 15.3 million viewers.
  • The women's tournament, while down from 2024's historic highs, is maintaining strong ratings, outperforming every year since 2013.
  • The inclusion of out-of-home impressions in Nielsen ratings and the rise of virtual MVPDs have significantly boosted reported viewership despite declines in traditional TV habits.
  • The men's tournament has seen fewer upsets, with nearly all top-seeded teams advancing to the Sweet 16, a shift that has not dampened audience interest.