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The NCAA Tournament Has Changed Tipoff Time For National Title Game

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 28, 2025 12:05 PM ET

For years now, there has been the same complaint lodged about the national title game of the men's NCAA Tournament: it starts too late.

The tip-off time of 9:20 p.m. ET for the men's final has generated criticism from fans and media members alike. Every year, on the first Monday in April, social media explodes with folks lamenting the late start, which makes it almost impossible for kids, and many adults, to watch the crowning of a national champion.

Apparently, the powers that be have heard all of the grumbling and have decided to make a change. On Tuesday, the official men's basketball NCAA March Madness X/Twitter account announced that this year's national championship will begin at 8:50 p.m. ET.

"National Championship tip-off time! The 2025 National Championship will tip off at 8:50pm ET - 30 minutes earlier than the typical start time," the tweet reads.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 08: A general view as Zach Edey #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers attempts a free throw in the second half against the Connecticut Huskies during the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament National Championship game at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The reactions to this news have been mixed. Some people are happy, while others think the NCAA didn't go far enough.

"About time now I can watch one shining moment before midnight now…" one person said.

"This start time is brutal," another person still complained.

"Needs to be 2 hours earlier than the typical start time," a third person said.

"Not great but it’s a start," a fourth person added.

"Still too late. Needs to be a 7 pm EST tipoff. People can take a vacation day on the west coast if they wanna watch," a fifth person chimed in.

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - APRIL 06: Grant Nelson #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dunks the ball over Donovan Clingan #32 of the Connecticut Huskies in the second half in the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Our take: this helps, but the tip time could probably be bumped up even more.

After all, college football has to worry about West Coast audiences and started its title game at approximately 7:45 p.m. ET earlier this month. It's not like the national championship is on a weekend night, either.

The 2025 men's Final Four is set for April 5-7 in San Antonio.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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