March Madness 2026 + Free Bracket Maker

Picture this: 68 teams, three weeks of nonstop basketball, and millions of fans trying to predict the unpredictable. Every March, the NCAA Tournament transforms casual sports fans into bracket strategists, all chasing the near-impossible dream of a perfect bracket. The odds? One in 9.2 quintillion. Yet every year, millions of people create March Madness brackets with groups of friends to predict the teams that will make the finals.

Some do this just to follow along with the games, while others compete for prizes and bragging rights. The tournament's universal appeal lies in its beautiful unpredictability: lower-seeded underdogs regularly topple championship favorites, creating legendary "Cinderella stories" that keep fans on the edge of their seats.

With 68 men's teams and 68 women's teams competing (136 total), creating your own bracket from scratch can be confusing, time-consuming, and tedious. The difficulty only multiplies if everyone in your group is entering their own unique bracket!

For this reason, many people look for an easier way to predict the March Madness games. Thankfully, there's a solution: Common Ninja's Bracket Maker. This free online tool takes all the hard work out of creating a bracket template. You simply input the information you want to be included, customize your bracket's appearance, then embed it to your site or download it as a PDF!

Below, we'll discuss everything you need to know before creating your bracket, including expert strategies for making winning predictions. Then, we'll highlight the benefits that online bracket-maker apps offer to collegiate basketball fans across the country!

What is March Madness?

"March Madness" refers to the time of year, usually between mid-March and the beginning of April, when the NCAA hosts the championship college basketball tournament. The term "Madness" perfectly captures the tournament's essence: it's a whirlwind of upsets, buzzer-beaters, and unexpected heroes that captivates the entire nation.

The tournament began in 1939 with just eight teams and has grown into one of the most-watched sporting events in America. The magic of March Madness lies in its single-elimination format, where one bad game sends even the most dominant team home. 

This creates an environment where a 15-seed can defeat a 2-seed (and it happens more often than you'd think), where unknown players become household names overnight, and where office productivity drops dramatically as millions follow the games.

How to Watch March Madness

You can watch March Madness and commentary on cable, typically on channels like CBS and ESPN, or purchase in-person tickets to the games on the NCAA website.

However, many people prefer the convenience of streaming these games online. Yahoo Sports usually does a good job covering the highlights, but you can stream full games with the following services:

• Hulu
• Sling
• Fubo TV
• Paramount+
• DirecTV Stream

March Madness is the highlight of the college basketball season in the United States. It spans over three weeks, with games happening across the country. 136 total teams compete for the national title (68 men's and 68 women's teams), but only one men's team and one women's team are victorious each year.

March Madness 2026 Schedule

March Madness challenges 68 men's and 68 women's collegiate basketball teams across the nation for the title of National Champions. It's a three-week-long, single-elimination tournament where a single loss means elimination, no second chances.

The March Madness schedule differs a bit between men's and women's teams. The first men's rounds consist of the "First Four" and "First Round" games, while the second week focuses on the "Sweet Sixteen" teams. During the second week, sixteen men's teams are narrowed down to the "Elite Eight." After that, we get the "Final Four."

The final week of men's March Madness highlights these four semifinalists. After the first two games are complete, the final teams compete in the championship game for the national title.

The first week of women's March Madness also includes the "First Four" and "First Round" games, with the addition of the "Second Round" games. After this first week, the remaining contestants compete in "Regionals" across the country. The third week is all about the semifinalists and finalists.

When Does It Start?

If you're an avid college basketball fan, you're probably wondering, "when is March Madness?!"

Although the official start of March Madness is on March 15th this year, the first men's game will not occur until two days later on March 17th. The first women's game is held a day after this on March 18th.

March 15th marks "Selection Sunday," the most anticipated day for college basketball fans outside of the championship itself. This is when the NCAA Selection Committee reveals which 68 men's and 68 women's basketball teams will be involved in the tournament, announces the seedings, and unveils the bracket matchups. It's the day when "bubble teams" (teams on the edge of making the tournament) learn their fate, and fans immediately begin strategizing their bracket picks.

As far as men's basketball is concerned, this year's March Madness games are scheduled on the following dates:

• March 15th (Selection Sunday)
• March 17th-18th (First Four)
• March 19th-21st (First and Second Rounds)
• March 26th-28th (Sweet Sixteen)
• March 27th-29th (Elite Eight)
• April 4th (Final Four)
• April 6th (National Championship Game)

If you're more of a fan of women's basketball, don't forget to save the dates below:

• March 15th (Selection Sunday)
• March 18th-19th (First Four)
• March 20th-23rd (First and Second Rounds)
• March 27th-30th (Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight)
• April 3rd (Final Four)
• April 5th (National Championship Game)

While the game schedule varies a bit between the two types of teams, the concept is the same. Of all the teams that participate, only one men's team and one women's team can be crowned National Champions.

March Madness 2026 Locations

March Madness games are held at various arenas throughout the country, creating a nationwide celebration of college basketball. The NCAA has set schedules for both men's and women's games for 2026. The following arenas will host the 2026 men's March Madness games:

First Four:

• Dayton, Ohio: UD Arena

First and Second Rounds:

• Buffalo, New York: KeyBank Center
• Greenville, South Carolina: Bon Secours Wellness Arena
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Paycom Center
• Portland, Oregon: Moda Center
• Tampa, Florida: Amalie Arena
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Wells Fargo Center
• San Diego, California: Viejas Arena
• St. Louis, Missouri: Enterprise Center

Regional Semifinals and Finals (Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight):

• Houston, Texas: Toyota Center (South Regional)
• San Jose, California: SAP Center (West Regional)
• Chicago, Illinois: United Center (Midwest Regional)
• Washington, D.C.: Capital One Arena (East Regional)

Final Four and National Championship:

• Indianapolis, Indiana: Lucas Oil Stadium

For women's March Madness, the top 16 seeds will host the First Four, First Round, and Second Round games at their home arenas. 

The Regional games will be held in the following arenas:

• Fort Worth, Texas: Dickies Arena
• Sacramento, California: Golden 1 Center

The Women's Final Four and National Championship Game are scheduled to take place at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

March Madness 2026 Final

The final men's March Madness games will be held on April 4th and April 6th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. As the name suggests, the four remaining teams will compete during the Final Four round. Once two winners are declared, the last two teams will compete for the national title at the Championship game.

While the concept is the same for women's teams, the venue is different. Both the women's National Semifinals and the NCAA Championship Game will be held in Phoenix, Arizona, at Mortgage Matchup Center.

March Madness 2026 Teams

68 men's and 68 women's teams are part of the March Madness games each year. The selection process is one of the most scrutinized aspects of the tournament. 31 of these 68 receive automatic bids into the tournament for winning their respective conference championships. The NCAA Selection Committee then chooses the remaining 37 through "at-large bids" based on a team's performance throughout the regular season.

The Selection Committee evaluates teams based on multiple factors: win-loss record, strength of schedule, quality wins against top-ranked teams, and performance in their conference. "Bubble teams" are those on the edge of selection, and Selection Sunday often brings heartbreak for teams that just miss the cut and jubilation for those that make it in.

Understanding Seeding and Regions

Once all the competing teams are announced, predictions can begin. All 68 teams in each competition are divided into four regions, typically based on geographic location. In most cases, you'll see them divided by Eastern, Western, Midwestern, and Southern United States.

There are 16 teams in each of the four regions. Each team is ranked, or "seeded," between 1-16 based on their perceived strength and odds of advancing. The Selection Committee carefully evaluates each team's resume to determine these seeds. At the beginning of March Madness, the highest-seeded teams (1-seeds) play the lowest-seeded teams (16-seeds), with this pattern continuing throughout the bracket (2 vs. 15, 3 vs. 14, and so on).

Here's what makes March Madness special: this seeding system creates the perfect environment for upsets. While higher seeds are favored, lower-seeded teams regularly defeat higher-seeded teams, making bracket predictions incredibly difficult. In fact, a 16-seed has defeated a 1-seed in tournament history, and 12-seeds beating 5-seeds happens almost every year. These upsets are what create the "Cinderella stories" that fans love, where an underdog team makes an improbable run deep into the tournament.

Free, Printable Bracket Maker for March Madness

During the March Madness tournament each year, many people fill out brackets to predict the winners of each round. Understanding how to create and score brackets is essential whether you're playing for fun or competing for prizes. Some people choose to make a bracket for sports betting purposes, while others do it to stay engaged with the tournament and build community with friends and colleagues.

Why Brackets Drive March Madness Engagement

Brackets have become synonymous with March Madness for good reason. They transform passive viewers into invested participants. Suddenly, you care about a game between two teams you've never heard of because your bracket depends on it. 

This phenomenon drives billions in economic activity and creates water-cooler moments in offices across the country. The cultural impact is enormous: even people who don't normally watch basketball find themselves glued to their screens, anxiously watching their predictions play out.

Creating Your Bracket Online

While you can draw your own bracket, it's easier to fill out a pre-made printable bracket or create a bracket online. There are tons of free bracket templates available online, but Common Ninja's Bracket Maker is one of the most advanced and customizable options.

If you have friends across the country who all enjoy watching March Madness, creating a virtual bracket is an excellent idea. It offers an interactive experience where they can vote or make predictions, and then see who comes out on top. If you want to take it a step further, you can even offer prizes for the most accurate predictions!

Customization and Features

There are tons of customization options available with Common Ninja's free bracket maker. You can customize your bracket's layout, add a custom skin of your favorite team or player, and choose between multiple bracket types. You can even download your bracket as a PDF to print and use as a reference while you watch.

The brackets you make with Common Ninja are fully responsive on all browsers, including mobile, and offer a fun way to follow along with the games. The interface is extremely user-friendly, brackets are easy to embed on your site, and best of all, it's completely free to use.

Strategic Tips for Filling Out Your Bracket

Creating a winning bracket requires more than just picking your favorite teams. Here are proven strategies that can improve your chances of success:

Understanding Common Upset Patterns

History shows that certain matchups produce upsets more reliably than others. The 12 vs. 5 seed matchup is notorious for upsets, with at least one 12-seed winning in nearly every tournament. Similarly, 11 vs. 6 and 10 vs. 7 matchups frequently go the underdog's way. When filling out your bracket, consider picking at least one or two of these "chalk upsets" (commonly expected upsets).

However, be cautious about picking too many upsets in later rounds. While a 12-seed might beat a 5-seed in the first round, they rarely make it to the Sweet Sixteen. Historically, 1-seeds make the Final Four about 50% of the time, so going against all the top seeds is statistically unwise.

Head vs. Heart Strategy

One of the biggest bracket dilemmas is whether to pick with your head (statistics and logic) or your heart (favorite teams and gut feelings). The best approach is usually a balance. Use statistical analysis for most of your picks, but don't be afraid to let a few personal favorites influence your choices. Just make sure your heart picks are defensible (a 14-seed isn't winning the championship, no matter how much you love them).

Pay Attention to Recent Performance

Teams that are hot coming into the tournament, particularly those that won their conference tournaments, often carry momentum into March Madness. Conversely, teams that limped into the tournament with losses in their final regular-season games may be vulnerable to early upsets. Conference tournament performance can be a strong indicator of a team's current form.

Don't Overthink Your Championship Pick

While upsets are fun, the championship game typically features teams seeded 3 or higher. In fact, 1 and 2 seeds win the championship the vast majority of the time. Save your upset picks for the early rounds, and go with a strong, defensible champion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Picking Too Many Upsets: While upsets happen, picking too many (especially in later rounds) will destroy your bracket. Balance is key.
• Going All Chalk: The opposite problem is picking all favorites. You need some upsets to separate yourself from the pack.
• Ignoring Matchups: Some teams match up poorly against certain styles of play. A team that struggles against zone defenses will have trouble if it faces a zone-heavy opponent.
• Waiting Until the Last Minute: Give yourself time to research. Last-minute brackets often miss key information about injuries, team momentum, or matchup advantages.
• Letting Bias Cloud Judgment: Don't let your dislike of a team (or love for their rival) influence your picks too heavily. Stay objective.

Setting Up Your March Madness Bracket Pool

Organizing a bracket pool adds an extra layer of excitement to March Madness. Here's how to set one up successfully:

Establishing Pool Rules

Before the tournament starts, clearly establish and communicate your pool's rules. Key decisions include:

• Entry Deadline: Most pools set their deadline right before the first game tips off. Late entries can gain an unfair advantage, so be firm about cutoff times.
• Entry Fee: If you're running a prize pool, decide on an entry fee amount. Common amounts range from $5 to $25, but adjust based on your group.
• Scoring System: The most popular scoring system awards points that double each round (1-2-4-8-16-32), but flat scoring (where each correct pick is worth the same) is also common. Understanding different scoring approaches helps you choose the right system for your pool.
• Tiebreakers: Decide how you'll handle tiebreakers. Common tiebreakers include predicting the total points scored in the championship game.

Prize Structure Ideas

A good prize structure keeps people engaged throughout the tournament:

Monetary Prizes:

• 1st Place: 60% of pot
• 2nd Place: 25% of pot
• 3rd Place: 15% of pot

Creative Non-Monetary Prizes:

• Trophy or custom award
• Bragging rights plaque for the office
• Dinner paid for by last-place finisher
• Custom champion t-shirt or hat
• "Bracket King/Queen" title for the year

Engagement Prizes:

• Best First Round: Prize for most correct first-round picks
• Cinderella Award: Bonus for correctly picking the lowest seed to advance furthest
• Champion Bonus: Extra prize for correctly picking the overall champion

Consider offering a small prize for last place to keep the humor alive and maintain engagement even for eliminated brackets.

Other Uses for Brackets During March Madness

Although brackets are extremely popular for March Madness, this is by no means the only use for them! You can make a bracket to rank nearly anything you can think of. March Madness brings a unique opportunity to use brackets as a marketing tool to creatively promote your products and services. The tournament's cultural relevance means people are already in a "bracket mindset," making it the perfect time to launch creative bracket campaigns.

Not only that, but these brackets will enable you to collect important information regarding your users' preferences in a fun, interactive way. The timing of March Madness creates a natural hook for bracket-themed marketing campaigns that feel timely and relevant rather than forced.

Food Brackets

If you are the owner of a restaurant, cafe, bakery, or another similar establishment, you can easily use the March Madness period to create brackets of the food you are selling or wish to sell.

Success Example: A local pizza shop could create a "Pizza Madness" bracket featuring 16 different specialty pizzas competing in a month-long tournament. Customers vote on their favorites each week, with the winning pizza earning a permanent spot on the menu. This not only drives repeat visits but also provides valuable market research about customer preferences.

You can create new products and ask your users to vote for the one they'd like to try the most. This can be a great way to introduce a new menu or improve on an existing one. The competitive element encourages customers to return multiple times to try different offerings and vote in each round.

Travel Destination Brackets

If you deal in tourism and travel, you can use the March Madness period to find the next best destination for your users by introducing an interactive bracket where they can vote on where they'd like to go next.

Success Example: A travel agency could pit 16 exotic vacation destinations against each other, complete with photos, pricing, and highlights for each location. The winning destination could receive a special promotional discount package, incentivizing early bookings. This creates social media engagement as people share their favorite destinations and debate the merits of each location.

This will not only create a fun experience for your users but will also allow you to focus your marketing efforts and resources more wisely based on actual customer interest.

Ranking TV Show Characters

You and your friends likely have at least one TV show you all enjoy watching. If this is the case, consider making a virtual bracket for your friends to vote on their favorite character after each episode!

Success Example: Create a 16-character bracket at the start of a new season. Each week, have your group vote to eliminate characters based on their performance in that week's episode. This creates ongoing discussion and gives everyone something to debate during viewing parties.

This works best when you start at the beginning of a season. By the time the finale airs, you'll have your results for the most popular character throughout its run, creating a season-long engagement arc that keeps the group connected.

Ranking Songs on an Artist's Discography

If you just went to a concert or are planning to go to one soon, creating a bracket to rank an artist's best songs is a great way to get excited or reminisce on your memories.

Success Example: Before seeing Taylor Swift in concert, create a 32-song bracket of her biggest hits organized by album era. Have friends predict which songs she'll perform and vote on their favorites. At the concert, track which songs actually get performed and award prizes for best predictions.

Create a virtual bracket for a particular musician, divided based on the album, and have your friends vote on the songs they're most excited to hear or the ones they thought the artist performed best.

Predicting Other Sports Events

Brackets tend to work the best for March Madness because of the short timespan the games are played in. However, if you start at the beginning of the baseball or football season, predicting a particular team's odds to win during each round can be a great way to keep you engaged during months-long seasons!

Success Example: At the start of the NFL season, create a 32-team bracket predicting playoff matchups and winners. Update it throughout the season as teams exceed or fall short of expectations. This creates an evolving prediction game that maintains interest across an entire season.

Any Other Business, Really

With brackets, you can boost your social presence, user activity, and brand awareness by implementing an interactive tournament or bracket for anything, really.

Business Applications:

• Product Launches: Let customers vote between potential new product features or designs
• Brand Partnerships: Create brackets featuring complementary brands to cross-promote
• Employee Engagement: Internal company brackets for team-building (best office snack, favorite company benefit, etc.)
• Educational Content: Schools can use brackets to make learning fun (historical figures tournament, vocabulary word battles, etc.)
• Event Planning: Vote on potential themes, venues, or entertainment options for upcoming events

Food, beverages, clothes, places, electric items, colors, fashion: the options are endless for the creative mind! The key is timing your bracket campaign during March when bracket participation is already top-of-mind, and promoting it effectively on social media to maximize reach and engagement.

Join the Madness: Create Your Winning Bracket Today

March Madness is more than just a basketball tournament; it's a cultural phenomenon that brings people together through the thrill of competition, the agony of busted brackets, and the joy of watching underdogs defy the odds. Whether you're a die-hard college basketball fan or someone who tunes in just for the excitement, there's no better way to enhance your experience than by creating engaging tournament brackets with your family, friends, or colleagues.

With Selection Sunday just around the corner and the first games tipping off soon after, now is the perfect time to get your bracket pool organized. Let Common Ninja's Bracket Maker transform the way you experience the tournament by eliminating all the tedious setup work. Whether you're looking to design an aesthetically pleasing bracket for your office pool, create a buzz on social media, or simply follow along with the games in style, the right tools make all the difference.

The beauty of online bracket makers is their flexibility and reach. Download your bracket as a PDF for easy reference during games, print copies for your viewing party, or embed it online to invite participants from across the globe. The best apps for generating brackets make it simple to ensure a smooth user experience for everyone involved, from tech-savvy millennials to casual fans just looking to have fun.

And remember, the possibilities extend far beyond basketball season! From ranking your favorite pop culture moments to organizing professional tournaments, from engaging your customers with creative marketing campaigns to building stronger fan communities, brackets offer a versatile and engaging way to connect with your audience year-round.

Don't let another March Madness pass you by without experiencing the full excitement of bracket competition. The memories you'll create, the friendships you'll strengthen, and the bragging rights you'll earn (or hilariously lose) are all part of what makes this tournament so special. Try Common Ninja's Bracket Maker today and discover why it's the go-to choice for March Madness enthusiasts everywhere. Your perfect bracket awaits; all you need to do is fill it out!