March Madness games are split across multiple networks, and Peacock carries some — but not all — of the tournament

Peacock streams a portion of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament, but the full bracket is divided among NBC, CBS, TBS, and Turner Sports networks. Peacock holds the streaming rights to games that air on NBC and some games from the Turner networks (TBS, TNT, truTV), but CBS games do not appear on Peacock. If you want to watch every game, you will need access to multiple services or a cable subscription.

The exact games available on Peacock change year to year based on the tournament schedule and which network holds broadcast rights for each matchup. Peacock requires a paid subscription (Premium or Premium Plus tier) to watch tournament games — they are not included in the free tier.

Key Takeaways

  • Peacock streams NCAA tournament games that air on NBC and some Turner network games, but not CBS broadcasts.
  • You need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription to watch March Madness on the platform; free-tier access does not include tournament games.
  • CBS games require a cable login or a separate CBS streaming service to watch, and they will not appear on Peacock.
  • The tournament schedule determines which games land on which network, so checking the official NCAA bracket closer to tournament time tells you where each specific game streams.

Which networks broadcast March Madness and where to find them

The NCAA tournament is split among four broadcasters: NBC, CBS, TBS, and TNT. NBC games stream on Peacock (with a paid subscription). CBS games air only on CBS and the Paramount+ streaming service — Peacock does not carry them. TBS and TNT games are available on Peacock if you have a cable login or a Turner+ subscription through Peacock.

The tournament bracket is released before the games begin, and the NCAA publishes which network will broadcast each matchup. You can find this schedule on the official NCAA March Madness website or on the websites of the four networks. Checking the schedule in advance tells you whether you need Peacock, Paramount+, cable access, or a combination of services to watch the games you care about.

What you need to watch on Peacock

A Peacock Premium subscription costs around $6 per month with ads, or around $12 per month without ads. Premium Plus, which includes offline downloads and simultaneous streams on multiple devices, costs around $13 per month. Both tiers include access to tournament games that air on NBC and Turner networks.

If you want to watch Turner network games (TBS, TNT, truTV) on Peacock, you have two options: log in with a cable provider that carries those channels, or purchase a Turner+ add-on through Peacock for an additional monthly fee. The Turner+ add-on price varies but typically costs less than a full cable subscription. Without one of these, Turner games will not play on Peacock even if you have a Premium subscription.

CBS games and how to watch them

CBS holds broadcast rights to some tournament games each year, and those games do not appear on Peacock. To watch CBS games, you can watch them on CBS itself (if you have cable or an antenna), or you can stream them through Paramount+, which is CBS's streaming service. Paramount+ offers a free tier with ads and a paid tier without ads.

If you already subscribe to Paramount+ for other content, you can use the same account to watch CBS tournament games. If you do not, you will need to add a Paramount+ subscription to your streaming stack if CBS games are part of the tournament matchups you want to see.

How to find the schedule and plan ahead

The NCAA releases the full tournament bracket and broadcast schedule several days before the first game. The schedule shows which network will broadcast each game, which lets you know in advance whether you need Peacock, Paramount+, cable, or another service. Visit NCAA.com or search "March Madness schedule" to find the bracket once it is released.

Many fans create a spreadsheet or calendar of the games they want to watch and note which service carries each one. This takes a few minutes but saves confusion during the tournament when games are happening simultaneously across multiple channels. If you are unsure whether your current subscriptions cover the games you want to watch, cross-reference the schedule against what each service offers.

Comparing the cost of watching the full tournament

If you want to watch every game without cable, the minimum cost is a Peacock Premium subscription (around $6 to $13 per month) plus a Paramount+ subscription (free with ads, or around $6 to $12 per month without ads). If you want to watch Turner games on Peacock without a cable login, add the Turner+ fee. The total ranges from around $6 per month (if you choose the cheapest ad-supported tiers) to around $25 per month (if you choose ad-free versions of both services).

If you have a cable subscription that includes NBC, CBS, TBS, and TNT, you can watch all tournament games through those networks' apps or websites using your cable login. Many cable providers also allow you to stream through the networks' apps without an additional fee. Check your cable provider's website to see which apps and streaming options are included with your plan.

What happens if you miss a game

Peacock and Paramount+ both offer on-demand replays of games after they air live. You can watch a full game or highlights at any time during the tournament and for several days afterward. The availability of replays varies — some games may be removed after a certain period, so if you know you will want to rewatch a game, do so within a few days of it airing.

The NCAA also publishes highlights and key moments on its official website and social media accounts. If you cannot watch a full game, checking the NCAA's highlights is a faster way to catch up on the results and best plays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch March Madness on Peacock without a cable login?

Yes, for NBC and some Turner network games. You need a paid Peacock Premium subscription. For Turner games (TBS, TNT, truTV), you can either log in with a cable provider or purchase a Turner+ add-on through Peacock. CBS games are not available on Peacock at all.

Is March Madness free on Peacock?

No. Tournament games are only available to Peacock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers. The free tier of Peacock does not include March Madness.

Do I need cable to watch the tournament?

No. You can watch all tournament games through streaming services alone: Peacock for NBC and Turner games, and Paramount+ for CBS games. You may need to add a Turner+ subscription to Peacock if you want Turner games without a cable login.

What if my cable provider does not carry TBS or TNT?

You can purchase a Turner+ add-on through Peacock to watch those games. The add-on costs less than a full cable subscription and gives you access to Turner network games on Peacock.

Can I watch games on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Peacock and Paramount+ both have mobile apps that let you stream games on phones and tablets. Peacock Premium Plus allows simultaneous streams on multiple devices, while Premium allows one stream at a time.