What channel is North Carolina vs. VCU on? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch March Madness Round 1 game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The North Carolina Tar Heels have the most NCAA tournament wins of any program with 134, and they are looking to extend that record in 2026.
While the Tar Heels lost their superstar and potential lottery pick Caleb Wilson for the season, they still have plenty of star power to boast. Behind Seth Trimble and Henri Veesaar, North Carolina has maintained a resilient 5-3 record in Wilson’s absence; but the question with Hubert Davis’s squad is if it can still compete with the nation’s elite when the lights are brightest.
Standing in their way are the VCU Rams (27-7), who arrive in Greenville as one of the most dangerous mid-majors in the field. Under first-year head coach Phil Martelli Jr., the Rams secured their second straight Atlantic 10 Tournament title and enter the Big Dance having won 16 of their last 17 games. Powered by the backcourt duo of Terrence Hill Jr. and Brandon Jennings, VCU brings a defensive intensity that will test a shorthanded Carolina rotation.
The Tar Heels will look to lean on their tournament pedigree and the interior presence of the 7-foot Veesaar, while the Rams aim to use their pressure to force turnovers and speed up the tempo. For UNC, this is a chance to advance past the opening weekend for the first time since their 2022 championship run; for VCU, it’s an opportunity to spark a deep Cinderella run.
Here’s what you need to know about Thursday’s matchup between North Carolina and VCU, including broadcast information and start time.
What channel is North Carolina vs. VCU on today?
North Carolina vs. VCU will be aired nationally on TNT, with the trio of Ian Eagle, Bill Rafferty and Grant Hill on the call. They will be joined by Tracy Wolfson, who will be on the sidelines.
Fans looking to stream North Carolina vs. VCU can watch live on DIRECTV.
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What time is North Carolina vs. VCU today?
The NCAA tournament game between North Carolina and VCU is set to tip off at 6:50 p.m. ET from Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
The Tar Heels are looking to advance out of the first weekend for the first time since 2022, when Davis led them to the championship game in his first season as head coach. On the other side, the Rams are looking for their first NCAA Tournament win since 2015.
North Carolina vs. VCU radio coverage
Tune into North Carolina vs. VCU on SiriusXM channel 201.
Listen to every game of the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament live on SiriusXM.
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March Madness bracket 2026
Check the Sporting News NCAA Tournament live bracket for the latest final scores and next-round matchups.
When and where is the Final Four in 2026?
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Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
The 2026 Men’s Final Four is set for April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night and the national championship game is set for Monday night.
The home of the Indianapolis Colts previously hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and is set to host again in 2029. Indianapolis previously hosted the Final Four at other facilities in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.
Only Kansas City has been home to the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last one held there was in 1988.
March Madness tournament schedule 2026
Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament:
|
Round |
Date |
|
First Four |
March 17-18 |
|
First round |
March 19-20 |
|
Second round |
March 21-22 |
|
Sweet 16 |
March 26-27 |
|
Elite Eight |
March 28-29 |
|
Final Four |
April 4 |
|
National championship |
April 6 |
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