The NCAA Tournament’s “First Four” games mark the official commencement of March Madness, featuring teams vying for the remaining spots in the tournament’s main draw. For basketball enthusiasts eager to catch these pivotal matchups without a traditional cable subscription, numerous avenues are available to stream the games live and, in some cases, for free.
Understanding the ‘First Four’
The “First Four” consists of four play-in games held before the main bracket of the NCAA Tournament. These games determine the final four teams that advance to the Round of 64. Typically, they feature the four lowest-seeded automatic qualifiers and the four lowest-seeded at-large teams, setting the stage for potential Cinderella stories in the tournament.
Broadcasting Rights and Channels
Traditionally, the broadcasting rights for the NCAA Tournament are shared among CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. The “First Four” games are exclusively aired on truTV. Therefore, accessing truTV is essential for streaming these initial matchups.
Streaming Services Offering truTV
Several streaming platforms provide access to truTV, allowing viewers to watch the “First Four” games without a cable subscription:
- Sling TV: Sling TV’s Orange plan includes truTV, TBS, and TNT. Priced at $40 per month, it offers a cost-effective solution for streaming the tournament. While Sling TV previously offered a seven-day free trial, it’s advisable to check their current promotions for any available trials.
- Hulu with Live TV: This service provides access to all NCAA Tournament channels, including truTV. Hulu with Live TV offers a three-day free trial, after which the subscription costs $77 per month.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV includes truTV in its channel lineup and offers a free trial period, followed by a monthly fee of $73.
- Fubo TV: Known for its sports-centric offerings, Fubo TV provides access to CBS but does not include truTV. Therefore, it may not be suitable for streaming the “First Four” games.
- DirecTV Stream: This platform offers truTV among its channel selections. After a free trial, the service costs $80 per month.
Streaming truTV via Max
Max (formerly HBO Max) has expanded its offerings to include live sports, making it a viable option for streaming the “First Four” games:
- Subscription Plans: Max subscriptions start at $9.99 per month with ads. For an ad-free experience, the cost is $16 per month, and for streaming in 4K, it’s $20 per month.
Utilizing Free Trials
To watch the “First Four” games for free, consider leveraging the free trial periods offered by streaming services:
- Hulu with Live TV: Offers a three-day free trial.
- YouTube TV: Provides a free trial period.
- DirecTV Stream: Includes a free trial option.
Ensure to cancel the subscription before the trial period ends to avoid any charges.
March Madness Live App
The NCAA’s official March Madness Live app allows fans to stream games:
- CBS Games: Available for free without a cable login.
- TBS, TNT, and truTV Games: Require a TV provider login.
This means that while the app is a valuable resource, accessing truTV content will necessitate authentication through a participating TV provider.
Using a VPN for Streaming
For viewers outside the United States or those facing regional restrictions, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be instrumental:
- Functionality: A VPN masks your IP address, making it appear as though you’re accessing the content from a different location.
- Recommendation: NordVPN is highly regarded for its speed and security features, making it suitable for streaming live sports.
Conclusion
Watching the “First Four” of the 2025 NCAA Tournament without a cable subscription is entirely feasible through various streaming platforms. By selecting a service that aligns with your preferences and leveraging free trial periods, you can immerse yourself in the excitement of March Madness without incurring significant costs.