What channel is the North Carolina vs. VCU game on? Watch March Madness first-round game times, TV schedule, live streams originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The North Carolina Tar Heels have the most wins in the NCAA Tournament with 134, and they hope to extend that streak in 2026.
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While the Tar Heels lost superstar and potential lottery pick Caleb Wilson for the season, they still have enough star power to boast. Led by Seth Trimble and Henri Veesaar, North Carolina maintained a 5-3 record in Wilson’s absence. But the question facing Hubert Davies’ side is whether they can still compete with the nation’s elite when the lights are brightest.
Standing in their way is the VCU Rams (27-7), who come to Greenville as one of the most dangerous mid-major teams in the field. The Rams, led by first-year head coach Phil Martelli Jr., won their second straight Atlantic 10 tournament title and entered the big dance having won 16 of their last 17 games. The defensive intensity that VCU brings, bolstered by the backcourt duo of Terrence Hill Jr. and Brandon Jennings, will test Carolina’s short-handed rotation.
The Tar Heels will look to lean on their tournament pedigree and the interior presence of the 7-foot Vissar, while the Rams aim to use their pressure to force turnovers and push the tempo. For UNC, it’s a chance to advance to opening weekend for the first time since winning the title in 2022; for VCU, it’s a chance to spark a Cinderella deep run.
Here’s what you need to know about Thursday’s game between North Carolina and Virginia Commonwealth University, including broadcast information and start time.
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What channel is today’s North Carolina vs. VCU game on?
North Carolina’s game against VCU will be broadcast nationally on TNT and the trio of Ian Eagle, Bill Rafferty and Grant Hill will be on the call. They will be joined by Tracy Wolfson, who will be watching from the sidelines.
Fans who want to watch the North Carolina vs. VCU game can watch it live on DIRECTV.
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North Carolina vs. VCU What time is it today?
The NCAA Tournament between North Carolina and Virginia Commonwealth University will tip off at 6:50 p.m. ET at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
The Tar Heels are looking to advance on the first weekend for the first time since 2022, with Davis leading them to the championship game in his first season as head coach. The Rams, on the other hand, are looking for their first NCAA tournament win since 2015.
North Carolina vs. VCU broadcast coverage
Tune in to the North Carolina vs. VCU game on SiriusXM Channel 201.
Listen to every game from the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament live on SiriusXM.
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2026 March Madness Groups
Check out the Sports News NCAA Tournament live bracket for the latest finals scores and next round games.
When and where will the 2026 Final Four take place?
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Place: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
The 2026 men’s Final Four is scheduled for April 4-6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night and the national championship game is scheduled for Monday night.
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The home of the Indianapolis Colts has hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and will host it again in 2029. Indianapolis has hosted the Final Four at other venues in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.
Only Kansas City has hosted the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last time it was hosted here was in 1988.
2026 March Madness Tournament Schedule
Here is the schedule for each round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship:
|
round |
date |
|
top four |
March 17-18 |
|
first round |
March 19-20 |
|
second round |
March 21-22 |
|
Sweet 16 |
March 26-27 |
|
Elite Eight |
March 28-29 |
|
semifinals |
April 4 |
|
national championship |
April 6 |