LONDON – Disney+ is expanding its live sports offerings in Europe and South Africa with the addition of March Madness, the celebrated NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. The move, announced on March 11, 2026, represents an expansion of ESPN’s global NCAA rights agreement onto the Disney+ platform, bringing a slice of American college basketball fervor to a new international audience.
From March 17th through April 7th, 2026, Disney+ subscribers across Europe and South Africa will have access to all 134 games of the NCAA men’s and women’s tournaments live as part of their existing subscription. This isn’t just about adding another sporting event; it’s about tapping into a uniquely American tradition that’s gaining traction globally. For those unfamiliar, March Madness is a single-elimination tournament featuring 68 teams vying for the national championship in both men’s and women’s college basketball – a format known for its unpredictable upsets and dramatic finishes.
“Bringing March Madness to Disney+ customers across Europe reflects the ongoing collaboration between ESPN and the NCAA, and the commitment both organizations share to grow college basketball internationally,” said Diego Londoño, SVP Networks & Sports EMEA at The Walt Disney Company. “ESPN’s decades of experience showcasing championship moments allows us to foster greater appreciation for collegiate athletics, and we’re thrilled to assist connect more fans to the passion and tradition of the men’s and women’s tournaments on Disney+.”
The NCAA is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. Dan Gavitt, NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball, stated, “Collaborating with ESPN and Disney+ allows us to share the excitement of March Madness with a global audience that already values college basketball. The NCAA tournament is the ultimate stage for student-athletes, and broadening access to that experience helps grow appreciation for and interest in the game worldwide.”
This expansion builds on ESPN’s extensive portfolio of NCAA rights, which encompasses over 40 championship events. It too highlights The Walt Disney Company’s broader strategy of integrating college sports across its various platforms. ESPN has a particularly long history with women’s March Madness, having been its exclusive broadcaster for over three decades, a commitment that has demonstrably grown the sport’s audience both domestically and internationally.
For European and South African sports fans, this means access to a tournament known for its intensity and unpredictability. Selection Sunday, held on March 15th, 2026, will reveal the 68 teams competing for the championships, setting the stage for three weeks of thrilling basketball action. Last year’s champions, the University of Florida Gators (men’s) and the University of Connecticut Huskies (women’s), will undoubtedly be teams to watch as they attempt to defend their titles.
Disney+’s move to include March Madness is part of a larger trend of streaming services expanding into live sports. The platform already offers UEFA Women’s Champions League coverage across Europe, having secured the rights for the competition from the current season through 2029/2030. Adding March Madness further solidifies Disney+’s position as a growing destination for sports enthusiasts.
The addition of March Madness to Disney+ isn’t happening in isolation. The platform is also streaming the tournament in the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand, demonstrating a concerted effort to broaden the reach of American college sports globally. In some European markets, Disney+ will share rights to 63 games with DAZN, a sports streaming service, allowing for even wider distribution.
What makes March Madness so compelling? It’s the combination of high-stakes competition, underdog stories, and the sheer unpredictability of the single-elimination format. Unlike many professional sports leagues with best-of-seven series, a single loss in March Madness means elimination, creating a pressure cooker environment where every possession matters. This drama, coupled with the passionate fan bases surrounding college basketball programs, makes it a captivating spectacle for viewers.
For European basketball fans accustomed to the structure of professional leagues like the EuroLeague, March Madness offers a different flavor of the game. The emphasis on amateur athletes, the strong ties to university communities, and the unique tournament format all contribute to its distinct appeal. It’s a chance to experience a different side of basketball culture and witness the next generation of potential NBA stars.
The tournament’s schedule runs from March 17th to April 7th, 2026. Fans can find the full schedule and more information on the Disney+ platform and through ESPN’s coverage. With the games now accessible to a wider audience, March Madness is poised to become a significant event on the European and South African sports calendar.
The next key date for March Madness is Selection Sunday, March 15th, 2026, when the tournament bracket will be revealed. Keep an eye on Disney+ and ESPN for updates and coverage as the tournament unfolds. What are your predictions for this year’s tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
