March Madness isn’t just a basketball tournament—it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re a die-hard hoops fan or just here for the buzzer-beaters and bracket-busting upsets, one thing’s for sure: you don’t want to miss it. But what if you’re on a budget and don’t want to pay for cable or a pricey subscription? No worries! Here’s how you can catch all the March Madness action for free.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to watch March Madness for free, from streaming services to websites and apps. Let’s dive in!

1. Take Advantage of Free Streaming Trials

Streaming services know that March Madness is a huge draw, and many offer free trials that can get you courtside without paying a dime. Here are some top picks:

• YouTube TV: With a 7-day free trial, YouTube TV offers access to CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV—all channels that broadcast March Madness games. Just make sure to time your trial to cover the most exciting games (like the Final Four or championship).

• Hulu + Live TV: Another popular choice, Hulu + Live TV gives you a free trial that includes all the March Madness channels. The interface is super user-friendly, and you’ll even get access to Hulu’s streaming library.

• FuboTV: While FuboTV is mostly known for its focus on sports, it includes CBS for March Madness. They offer a 7-day free trial, perfect for catching some of the games.

• Sling TV: Sling TV offers a slightly shorter free trial but still includes TBS, TNT, and truTV. CBS isn’t part of their package, but you can always use other free options for those games (more on that later).

Pro Tip: Set a reminder to cancel your free trial before it ends to avoid any unexpected charges. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rotate through multiple free trials to maximize your access!

2. Watch Games for Free on CBS

CBS is a key broadcaster of March Madness, and the good news is, you can watch CBS games for free if you know where to look. Here are two easy ways:

• Over-the-Air Antenna: If you’ve got an HDTV antenna, you can tune in to your local CBS station completely free. It’s a one-time investment if you don’t already own one, and the picture quality is often better than cable.

• CBS Sports App: CBS offers free streaming of March Madness games on their app or website. While you may need to log in with a cable provider for some games, many of them are free to stream without signing up for anything.

This is a great option for anyone who prefers a simple, no-fuss way to enjoy the action.

3. Download the March Madness Live App

The March Madness Live App, available on iOS, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and more, is your one-stop shop for streaming the tournament. The app offers:

• Free streaming for the first three hours on any device.
• Access to all games if you log in with a cable or streaming provider.

Even if you don’t have cable, those three free hours are perfect for catching a specific game. And if you’re strategic, you can spread your viewing across multiple devices to stretch the free access further. It’s a hack worth trying!

4. Find Free Streams from Your Internet Provider

Did you know your internet provider might give you free access to March Madness? Many ISPs partner with networks like CBS or Turner Sports to offer free streaming to their customers. Here’s what to check:

• Xfinity: If you’re an Xfinity customer, you might have free access to the March Madness Live app or website. Log in using your Xfinity credentials and enjoy the games.

• Spectrum: Spectrum customers can often stream CBS and Turner Sports channels at no additional cost through the Spectrum app or website.

It’s worth exploring your provider’s perks—you might already have free access without realizing it!

Bonus Tips for Smooth Streaming

• Test Your Connection: There’s nothing worse than buffering during a game-winning three-pointer. Make sure your internet connection is strong and stable before game time.

• Use Multiple Devices: Many apps and services allow simultaneous streaming on multiple devices. Share the love with friends or family (or use different logins to extend your free trials).

• Check Social Media: During March Madness, social media platforms like Twitter or Facebook often share highlights and sometimes even live streams of key games. It’s not a guaranteed method, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.

March Madness is all about the thrills, and you shouldn’t have to pay a fortune to enjoy it. With these tips, you can stream the tournament for free, from the First Four to the championship game. Whether you’re watching on a TV, laptop, or smartphone, you’ve got plenty of options to stay in the loop.

So grab your snacks, set your brackets, and get ready for the madness—it’s going to be epic!