March Madness—the annual spectacle of buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and high-stakes drama—is nearly upon us. Every year, the NCAA Tournament captivates millions, delivering unpredictable moments that leave fans breathless. But before the madness officially begins, the NCAA has announced a notable change that has sparked debate among basketball enthusiasts: the 2025 National Championship game will tip off 30 minutes earlier than usual.
A Small Shift, A Big Reaction
For years, the NCAA Championship game has tipped off at 9:20 p.m. ET on a Monday night, a time slot that has long frustrated East Coast viewers who struggle to stay awake for the final moments. This year, the NCAA has made an adjustment, moving the start time to 8:50 p.m. ET—a seemingly minor tweak, but one that has still left many fans unsatisfied.
The official NCAA March Madness account took to X (formerly Twitter) to break the news, stating:
“National Championship tip-off time! The 2025 National Championship will tip off at 8:50 p.m. ET – 30 minutes earlier than the typical start time.”
While some saw this as a step in the right direction, the general reaction was far from enthusiastic.
Fans Demand More Change
As soon as the announcement hit social media, the backlash was swift and unrelenting.
- “Still too late,” one fan bluntly stated.
- “Progress is progress, I suppose… but still WAY too late. And that was my feeling before I had a child. Zero percent I make it to confetti as a dad,” another added.
- “This game always starting so late on a Monday is absolutely criminal,” one particularly passionate fan declared.
- “Call me an old man, I don’t care. This is still utterly ridiculous,” another chimed in.
The overwhelming sentiment? 8:50 p.m. is better, but still not good enough.
Why Not a Weekend Game?
Beyond the late start time, fans have long argued that holding the national championship on a Monday night is a poor decision altogether. Many believe the NCAA should follow the lead of the NFL, which schedules the Super Bowl on a Sunday, allowing viewers to enjoy the game without worrying about work or school the next day.
Some suggested moving the championship to a Saturday or Sunday night, mirroring the setup of the Final Four. This would not only accommodate viewers on the East Coast but also create a bigger primetime event, likely boosting ratings and engagement.
Will This Change Stick?
Despite the complaints, the NCAA seems unmoved—for now. The shift to 8:50 p.m. ET is an acknowledgment that the late start is an issue, but it remains to be seen whether future adjustments will be made. Could the 2026 tournament see an even earlier tip-off? Or perhaps a weekend finale?
For now, fans will have to settle for a slightly earlier start time, but the conversation is far from over. As March Madness unfolds and another champion is crowned on April 7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, the debate over the “criminally late” championship tip-off will undoubtedly continue.
One thing’s for sure—no matter what time the game starts, the madness will always deliver.
