Disney+ has secured the rights to stream the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments, known as March Madness, across Europe and South Africa.
As part of an expansion of ESPN’s global NCAA rights agreement, all 134 tournament games will be available live to Disney+ subscribers from 17th March to 7th April 2026.
March Madness is a single-elimination tournament featuring 68 teams each for the men’s and women’s championships. Teams for the 2026 tournament will be announced on Selection Sunday, held on 15th March 2026.
Last year’s men’s and women’s titles were won by the University of Florida Gators and the University of Connecticut Huskies, respectively.
Following the Gators’ win the team and head coach Todd Golden were welcomed by US President Donald Trump to the East Room of the White House in Washington.
Diego Londono, SVP Networks & Sports EMEA, The Walt Disney Company, said, “Bringing March Madness to Disney+ customers across Europe reflects the ongoing collaboration between ESPN and the NCAA, and the commitment both organisations share to grow college basketball internationally. ESPN’s decades of experience showcasing championship moments allows us to foster greater appreciation for collegiate athletics, and we’re thrilled to help connect more fans to the passion and tradition of the men’s and women’s tournaments on Disney+.”
Dan Gavitt, NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball, said, “Collaborating with ESPN and Disney+ allows us to share the excitement of March Madness with a global audience that already values college basketball. The NCAA tournament is the ultimate stage for student-athletes, and broadening access to that experience helps grow appreciation for and interest in the game worldwide.”
