How to run your 2026 March Madness pool: Play for prizes, create your own NCAA Tournament game
CBS Sports
by
Ryan Wooden
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
March Madness 2026 is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to start planning your NCAA Tournament pool. CBS Sports offers a user-friendly platform to create both men's and women's March Madness pools for free. Whether you prefer a locked pool where you control invitations or an open pool that anyone can join, setting up a bracket has never been easier. With just a few clicks on CBSSports.com or the CBS Sports app, you can name your group, set rules, and share your pool link with friends and family.
The excitement of March Madness extends to both men's and women's tournaments, where powerhouse programs like Michigan, Duke, Arizona, and Iowa State are expected to be top seeds. On the women's side, UConn, Texas, UCLA, and USC are making waves, adding even more reasons to get your pool started. CBS Sports also offers bracket challenges with opportunities to win big prizes, including trips to the Final Four in 2027. For men's brackets, simply join the challenge by March 19 after the first round begins. The women's challenge opens later that night, giving you plenty of time to create or import your brackets.
March Madness is all about unpredictability, with upsets like Michigan's shocking loss to Cincinnati reminding fans that anything can happen. Teams like Kansas Jayhawks and Duke Blue Devils are also in the spotlight, showcasing star players like Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer. As the tournaments draw near, staying updated on team performances and using this information to make informed picks will give you a competitive edge.
With March 15's Selection Sunday just weeks away, the clock is ticking to create your brackets and join challenges. Don't miss out on the chance to compete with friends, win prizes, and experience the thrill of predicting which teams will rise to the occasion in 2026. Start your pool today and get ready for an unforgettable March Madness!
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/24/2026