Each year, March Madness takes center stage as one of the most thrilling and unpredictable tournaments in sports. With bracket-busting upsets, rising college stars, and national title hopes on the line, the NCAA Tournament is more than just basketball—it’s a cultural phenomenon. But, When is March Madness 2025? The 86th annual edition of the tournament will begin on March 18, and will conclude with the championship game on April 7.

For advertisers, March Madness 2025 offers a golden opportunity to connect with engaged audiences through sports betting trends, brand sponsorships, and multi-platform fan interactions. Let’s dive into the top March Madness trends and the strategies brands can use to capitalize on the madness.

1. March Madness Takes Over: How Fans Are Engaging.
2. Brackets, Bets, and Big Wins: The Betting Boom.
3. Rising Stars: The Players Defining March Madness 2025.
4. Sponsorships That Score: How Brands Are Winning Big.
5. Beyond the Court: March Madness as a Cultural Event.
6. How Advertisers Can Maximize March Madness 2025.
7. The Playbook for March Madness Success.

March Madness Takes Over: How Fans Are Engaging

College Basketball’s Biggest Stage Dominates the Conversation

"With 97% of sports-related discussions centered on March Madness, the tournament generates non-stop buzz across multiple media channels. Whether analyzing top seeds, predicting upsets, or debating NCAA tournament odds, fans are deeply invested in every game."

Key Insights:

• March Madness ranks as the most discussed sporting event, surpassing even the World Series and Bowl Season in cross-sport engagement.
• North Carolina, Notre Dame, and Iowa State are among the most talked-about programs, presenting regional engagement opportunities.
• Bracketology and sports betting discussions are skyrocketing, making March Madness a must-watch for advertisers looking to tap into fan excitement.

Why This Matters for Brands:
Companies that integrate their campaigns into the most engaging conversations around March Madness can maximize visibility and audience connection.

Brackets, Bets, and Big Wins: The Betting Boom

Bracket-building and sports betting have become March Madness staples. Fans are not only tuning in to watch but also placing wagers on point spreads, tournament game outcomes, and Cinderella story upsets.

Key Insights:

• Bracket predictions and NCAA tournament odds dominate engagement, with analysts like Joe Lunardi and Ken Pomeroy leading the discussion.
• Platforms like CBS Sports, ESPN, and DraftKings are at the forefront of sports betting and NCAA tournament odds coverage.
• The legalization of sports betting across more states has increased participation, with fans placing bets on everything from 16 seed upsets to national championships.

Why This Matters for Brands:
Companies in sports betting, analytics, and gaming can benefit from contextual advertising strategies that align with real-time betting trends and fan predictions.

Rising Stars: The Players Defining March Madness 2025

March Madness always produces breakout stars. Some will lead their teams to national titles, while others will cement their legacies with unforgettable performances. Tracking player momentum can help advertisers tap into real-time fan engagement.

Key Insights:

• Cooper Flagg (Duke) is the most mentioned player, with over 1,100 articles discussing his performance.
• Johni Broome (Auburn) leads in total visits per article, indicating high levels of fan engagement.
• Paige Bueckers (UConn) and JuJu Watkins (USC) are among the most-discussed women’s players, reflecting the growing media spotlight on women’s college basketball.

Why This Matters for Brands:
Advertisers can increase engagement by aligning with high-profile players, leveraging real-time highlights, and integrating contextual AI-driven ad placements during peak game moments.

Sponsorships That Score: How Brands Are Winning Big

Sponsorships remain one of the most powerful tools for brands looking to gain visibility during March Madness 2025. Leading sponsors are making waves with integrated campaigns, in-game activations, and digital-first advertising strategies.

Key Insights:

• AT&T leads all sponsorship discussions, appearing in 5,000+ articles.
• Capital One and Coca-Cola remain dominant sponsors, leveraging TV spots and digital activations.
• Buffalo Wild Wings and Reese’s are driving strong fan engagement, with Reese’s content receiving 64 visits per article.

Why This Matters for Brands:
Sponsors who integrate their messaging into game-day experiences, bracket challenges, and multi-platform activations will see the most impact.

Beyond the Court: March Madness as a Cultural Event

March Madness is bigger than basketball—it influences fashion, social media, and global sports discussions. Its reach extends far beyond the U.S., making it a key moment for international engagement and cross-industry collaborations.

Key Insights:

• International interest in March Madness is growing, particularly in Europe, Canada, and Australia.
• Basketball legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James continue to shape NCAA tournament conversations.
• Social media engagement surges during the tournament, creating multi-screen advertising opportunities.

Why This Matters for Brands:
Companies that blend sports, culture, and digital trends into their March Madness marketing will connect with a broader, more engaged audience.

How Advertisers Can Maximize March Madness 2025

Key takeaways of March Madness Trends

Align with Bracketology & Betting Trends

• Place ads around bracket predictions, betting insights, and NCAA tournament odds.
• Partner with platforms like ESPN and CBS Sports to reach the most engaged audiences.

Tap Into Rising Stars & Team Storylines

• Focus on top-ranked seeds, standout players, and dramatic matchups.
• Use real-time highlights and AI-driven ad placements to stay relevant.

Capitalize on Women’s College Basketball Momentum

• Feature high-performing female athletes in campaigns.
• Support gender equity initiatives with strategic sponsorships.

Invest in High-Impact Sponsorships

• Leverage AT&T, Coca-Cola, and Capital One’s sponsorship visibility.
• Create March Madness-themed activations and promotions.

Expand Across International & Multi-Platform Audiences

• Adapt messaging for global audiences engaging with March Madness.
• Use CTV, mobile, and social media integration to maximize reach.

The Playbook for March Madness Success

March Madness is unpredictable, thrilling, and a dream opportunity for advertisers. As the tournament unfolds, seeds will fall, legends will rise, and millions of fans will stay glued to their screens.

Brands that align with bracket fever, top player narratives, betting trends, and cross-platform engagement will dominate the conversation and drive real impact.

Learn how Seedtag’s contextual AI solutions are ready to craft data-driven, contextual campaigns that capitalize on the excitement and unpredictability of March Madness.

‍