- The men’s college basketball season tips off on Nov. 4, 2024.
- The NCAA Tournament begins on March 18.
- The NCAA Tournament championship game will be on April 7.
The college basketball season spans multiple months, culminating in the infamous NCAA Tournament, also known as March Madness — a prime time for examining college basketball odds. While you may know that the tournament spans from March to April, do you know when the regular season begins?
Continue reading below to learn when the college basketball season starts this year and some key dates to guide you through the 2024-25 campaign as you wager at your favourite online sportsbook.
When Is the Start of the 2024 College Basketball Season?
The college basketball season officially tips off on Nov. 4. At this time, a complete schedule isn’t readily available, but we know that the Kentucky Wildcats, in their first season without head coach John Calipari in the last 15 years, will face Wright State.
Numerous early tournaments will be held throughout the month, including the Asheville Championship, Bahamas Championship, Myrtle Beach Invitational, and Maui Invitational.
College Basketball Key Dates
Knowing key dates to prepare for is vital, as the NCAA Tournament is the focal point of any college basketball season.
Explore the table below to learn when the season begins, ends, important early season tournaments, and all key dates to guide you through March Madness.
| Event | 2024-25 Start Dates |
| Season Begins | November 4, 2024 |
| Maui Invitational | November 25-27, 2024 |
| Regular Season Ends | March 16, 2025 |
| Selection Sunday | March 16, 2025 |
| NCAA Tournament Begins | March 18, 2025 |
| First Four | March 18-19, 2025 |
| First Round | March 20-21,2025 |
| Second Round | March 22-23, 2025 |
| Sweet Sixteen | March 27-28, 2025 |
| Elite Eight | March 29-30, 2025 |
| Final Four | April 5, 2025 |
| NCAA Championship Game | April 7, 2025 |