Where to Watch March Madness Online, Streaming and on TV

We can’t all travel to host cities like Orlando, Florida to see our team play in March Madness. With an insane 48 single-elimination games tipping off in the first four days of March Madness–two of which are workin’ days for the average fan–it’s all about knowing how, when, and where to stream all the college basketball action.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the viewing options for March Madness fans who can’t get to a game in person.

How to Watch March Madness Online

The only legal source for online March Madness streaming is March Madness Live, the multi-platform broadcast package that provides access to the games through the event’s media partners the NCAA, CBS Sports, and Turner Sports.

The NCAA’s basketball broadcast rights were expensive. As in, $10.8 billion-expensive. For that reason, the league and its partners attempt to keep their broadcasts very tightly controlled. To watch the games through March Madness Live, you’ll need to subscribe to one (or all) of TBS, TNT, or truTV.

The exception is CBS. The network’s games (which include the National Championship game on April 7th) will be free to watch even without a pay cable subscription.

How to Watch March Madness on an iPad or other Tablet

This year, the NCAA is rolling out more viewing options for mobile users. Apps are available through Bleacher Report, the Apple Store, and ncaa.com/marchmadness, and can be used for a larger range of devices than ever before.

In addition, fans will be able to select between multiple feeds for the National Championship. CBS has announced it will be making their national broadcast of the biggest game of the season, as well as each team’s local broadcast, available to fans.

The NCAA has also promised “enhancements” for this year’s mobile coverage, including an interactive mobile bracket featuring more views and broadcast options.

How to Watch March Madness on Xbox

For the first time in the history of March Madness, the Xbox 360 will be fully supported as a way to watch the Madness for people using Windows 8 (or most earlier editions of Windows). Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 will allow fans to stream the games through their Xbox 360s, while Windows Phone 8 will work for watching the action on the go.

For full info on how to set up your Xbox 360 to stream live TV, check the Xbox-Windows 8 support site here.

What’s your preferred way to watch the Madness? Let us know via our Facebook or Twitter links below, and buckle up! 2014’s promises to be a fantastic tournament.