The March Madness First Four is the official start of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, with four play-in games deciding the final spots in the bracket. This guide covers how to watch all four First Four matchups, including TV channel, streaming options, and game times.

For a full breakdown of how to watch the rest of the tournament, visit our NCAA Basketball Tournament viewing guide.

UMBC vs Howard: Tuesday, March 17
6:40 p.m. ET
TV: truTV | Streaming: Max, Sling TV
Texas vs NC State: Tuesday, March 17
9:15 p.m. ET
TV: truTV | Streaming: Max, Sling TV
Prairie View A&M vs Lehigh: Wednesday, March 18
6:40 p.m. ET
TV: truTV | Streaming: Max, Sling TV
Miami (Ohio) vs SMU: Wednesday, March 18
9:15 p.m. ET
TV: truTV | Streaming: Max, Sling TV

Tip: All First Four games air on truTV. Check our NCAA Basketball TV schedule for the latest listings and streaming options.

Where to watch the First Four

All four First Four games are shown on truTV. If you want to stream the games without cable, you can watch through services that include truTV, such as HBO Max and Sling TV.

That makes the First Four easy to follow. You only need one channel or one streaming setup to watch every game across both nights.

Cheapest way to watch all First Four games

For eligible new users, the cheapest way to watch all First Four games is through the YouTube TV 10-day free trial. Since truTV is included and every First Four matchup airs on the same channel, you can use one service to watch the full play-in round.

First Four Schedule: Dates, Times & Viewing Options

UMBC vs Howard

Date: Tuesday, March 17
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
TV channel: truTV
Streaming: HBO Max, Sling TV (Live TV Streaming)

UMBC vs Howard is the first game of the First Four and the opening matchup of the NCAA Tournament. For fans who want to watch March Madness from the very beginning, this is the first tip-off to circle.

Texas vs NC State

Date: Tuesday, March 17
Time: 9:15 p.m. ET
TV channel: truTV
Streaming: HBO Max, Sling TV (Live TV Streaming)

Texas vs NC State is the late game on the first night of the First Four. It is one of the standout play-in matchups and follows directly after the earlier game, so viewers can stay on the same channel all evening.

Prairie View A&M vs Lehigh

Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
TV channel: truTV
Streaming: HBO Max, Sling TV (Live TV Streaming)

Prairie View A&M vs Lehigh opens the second night of First Four action. If you watched on Tuesday, the setup stays exactly the same here, making it easy to jump straight back into the tournament.

Miami (Ohio) vs SMU

Date: Wednesday, March 18
Time: 9:15 p.m. ET
TV channel: truTV
Streaming: HBO Max, Sling TV (Live TV Streaming)

Miami (Ohio) vs SMU is the final First Four game and the last play-in matchup before the main first round begins. Once this game ends, the full March Madness bracket is set.

Tue, Mar 31, 2026

New Mexico State @ New Mexico

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