March Madness 2025 saw record viewership across CBS Sports networks during the NCAA Tournament's first two rounds, averaging 10.7 million viewers. The first round alone set a record with 9.5 million viewers, a 9% increase from last year, while the second round recorded 11 million viewers, the highest since 1993. Notably, the Sunday primetime window with St. John's, Iowa, and Tennessee drew 19.7 million viewers, marking a 29% boost from last March.

By the Numbers
  • Average viewership of 10.7 million during the first week of March Madness.
  • Record 19.7 million viewers for the Sunday primetime window.
  • First round viewership at 9.5 million, a 9% increase from the previous year.
  • Second round viewership at 11 million, highest since 1993.
Yes, But

Despite strong viewership numbers, there were fewer double-digit seeds left in the bracket, which could impact future viewer engagement and excitement. The excitement of upsets seen in past tournaments didn't replicate this year, potentially affecting broader audience appeal moving forward.

State of Play
  • Three No. 1 seeds remain in the tournament: Duke, Arizona, and Michigan.
  • Six teams from the Big Ten advanced to the Sweet 16, a conference record.
  • Iowa returned to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999.
What's Next

The Sweet 16 round is set to begin Thursday, featuring several high-profile matchups, including No. 1 seed Duke against No. 5 seed St. John's. As the tournament progresses, viewership will be closely monitored, especially with strong performances from traditional powerhouses still in contention.

Bottom Line

The record viewership during the initial rounds of March Madness highlights strong fan engagement, but the lack of upsets may temper excitement moving forward. The upcoming Sweet 16 matchups will be crucial in maintaining viewer interest as the tournament unfolds.