How to watch the NCAA championship game for free—and without cable

By Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer
Chris MorrisFormer Contributing Writer

    Chris Morris is a former contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general business news to the video game and theme park industries.

    Donovan Clingan of the Connecticut Huskies
    Donovan Clingan of the Connecticut Huskies
    Christian Petersen/Getty Images

    If you’re one of the very lucky few whose brackets haven’t yet been busted, you’re just one step away from perfection.

    Perdue and UConn will face off Monday night in the championship game of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. And, in many ways, it seems like this was a matchup that was meant to be.

    The UConn Huskies were top ranked in their conference and are the defending champions. Purdue’s Boilermakers were also top seeded in their conference. UConn is the favorite among oddsmakers, but this is March Madness, when anything can (and often does) happen.

    Planning on watching the final game in 2024’s March Madness tournament? Here’s all you need to know.

    When and where does the NCAA Championship air?

    Purdue vs. UConn, 9:20 p.m. ET on TBS, TNT and TruTV.

    How can I watch the NCAA Championship game for free?

    The game is not being broadcast on network television, meaning you won’t be able to use an HD antenna to catch it. Streaming is your best bet.

    Can I watch the NCAA Championship game online?

    There are several online options, many with free trials. The NCAA is also streaming the game on its March Madness Live site.

    Prefer another option? Here are a few alternatives.

    Max

    The former HBO Max added lives ports programming last year and March Madness is one of its crown jewels. You’ll be able to stream select games for free (for now… eventually, live sports will come with a $10 monthly add-on fee). Subscriptions start at $10 per month.

    Disney+

    Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 per month for no ads on Hulu).

    Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).

    Hulu with Live TV

    The free trial on this service is no longer offered, either. It will now cost you $77 per month.

    YouTubeTV

    After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.

    Sling TV

    Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, but the cord-cutting service is offering 50% off of the first month’s bill.

    DirecTV Stream

    Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $75 per month and up after the free trial option.

    Fubo TV

    This sports-focused cord-cutting service has a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.

    Does the NCAA offer any service for me to watch the NCAA Championship game?

    It does. March Madness Live will stream the game on the NCAA Website, as well as Apple, Android, Amazon and Roku devices. It’s also available on Xbox One. You’ll need to log in with your username and password from your TV provider, however.

    Will the NCAA Championship game stream on Amazon?

    No.

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