The excitement is palpable as ESPN gears up to deliver an unprecedented 625 hours of live programming for the NCAA Winter Championships this March and April.
From wrestling to women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey to women’s gymnastics, fans will be treated to a smorgasbord of collegiate sports action across various ESPN platforms.
This comprehensive coverage is part of an expanded rights agreement between ESPN and the NCAA, ensuring that sports enthusiasts won’t miss a moment of the thrilling championship season.
Unveiling ESPN’s Coverage Plans
ESPN’s commitment to showcasing NCAA Winter Championships is evident in its extensive programming lineup.
The network will broadcast events across multiple channels, including ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, and ESPN+.
Select games from the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament and the National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championship will even stream live on Disney+.
Key Events to Watch
The championship season kicks off in Virginia Beach, Va., with the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships on March 14-15.
The action continues through April 19, culminating with the NC Women’s Gymnastics Championship live on ABC.
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For the first time, the NC Men’s Gymnastics Championship will be presented on ESPN platforms, airing on ESPN2.
- Indoor Track & Field Championships: March 14-15
- NC Women’s Gymnastics Championship: April 19
- NC Men’s Gymnastics Championship: April 19
Original Content Series: Game On
Beyond live events, ESPN continues to enrich the viewing experience with its original content series, *Game On: Journey to the NCAA Championship*.
This series highlights various NCAA Championships, starting with wrestling and followed by women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey, and women’s gymnastics.
Each sport will be featured in a one-hour show, providing in-depth coverage and behind-the-scenes insights.
Scheduled Premieres
Mark your calendars for the premiere dates of the *Game On* series:
- Wrestling: ESPN+ Premiere on March 14, TV Premiere on March 19 (ESPN2)
- Women’s Basketball: March 20 (ESPN)
- Men’s Ice Hockey: March 26 (ESPN2)
- Women’s Gymnastics: ESPN+ Premiere on March 28, TV Premiere on April 2 (ESPN2)
Comprehensive Championship Coverage
ESPN’s coverage extends to a diverse array of sports, ensuring fans of all disciplines have something to look forward to.
The network will broadcast preliminary rounds, semifinals, and championship matches for multiple sports, including:
- Men’s & Women’s Indoor Track & Field: ESPN+ and ESPNU
- Women’s Swimming & Diving: ESPN+ and ESPNU
- Men’s Wrestling: ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU
- Division III Basketball: ESPN+ and ESPNU
- Men’s & Women’s Fencing: ESPN+ and ESPNU
- Women’s Ice Hockey: ESPN+ and ESPNU
- Division II Basketball: ESPN+ and ESPNU
- Men’s Swimming & Diving: ESPN+ and ESPNU
- Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT): ESPN+ and ESPNU
- National Invitation Tournament (NIT): ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN+
- Division I Women’s Basketball: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, and Disney+
- Division I Men’s Basketball: International Broadcast
- Men’s Ice Hockey: ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN+
- Women’s Bowling: ESPNU
- Women’s Gymnastics: ESPN+ and ESPN2
- Men’s Gymnastics: ESPN+ and ESPN2
Pre-Championship Studio Shows
To enhance the viewing experience, ESPN will also feature pre-championship studio programming for women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey, and women’s gymnastics.
These shows will provide expert analysis, team breakdowns, and key matchups to watch, setting the stage for the main events.
Women’s Basketball Pre-Championship Show
Airing on ABC, this pre-championship show will lead into the title game of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship on April 6.
Expect comprehensive coverage, including player profiles and team strategies.
Men’s Ice Hockey Pre-Championship Show
Set to air on ESPN2, this show will delve into the key storylines and players to watch as teams vie for the coveted championship title.
Women’s Gymnastics Pre-Championship Show
Also airing on ESPN2, this show will provide an in-depth look at the top gymnasts and teams competing for the national title.
Expanding the ESPN-NCAA Partnership
With more than 40 NCAA Championships now under its belt, ESPN continues to solidify its position as the home of collegiate sports.
The network presents over 2,300 hours of championship programming annually, spanning a wide range of sports and events.
This expanded partnership with the NCAA ensures that fans have unparalleled access to the best in college athletics.
For more details on ESPN’s coverage of the NCAA Winter Championships, visit their official press release here.
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