When Does College Basketball Start in 2024?

A basketball sits in a rack before an NCAA college basketball game between Drake and Illinois State, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, in Des Moines, Iowa.
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
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  • 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.

Event2024-25 Start Dates
Season BeginsNovember 4, 2024
Maui InvitationalNovember 25-27, 2024
Regular Season EndsMarch 16, 2025
Selection SundayMarch 16, 2025
NCAA Tournament BeginsMarch 18, 2025
First FourMarch 18-19, 2025
First RoundMarch 20-21,2025
Second RoundMarch 22-23, 2025
Sweet SixteenMarch 27-28, 2025
Elite EightMarch 29-30, 2025
Final FourApril 5, 2025
NCAA Championship GameApril 7, 2025

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