If you’re staring at your TV right now wondering what time is the final four tonight, I’ve got some news that might be a little frustrating if you were planning on ordering wings and hunkering down for March Madness today.
It is Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Usually, when we talk about the "Final Four," our brains go straight to the madness of April. But because of how the sports calendar is shifting lately—and the fact that we’re currently in the dead of winter—the short answer is: there isn't a Final Four basketball game tonight.
However, there is a massive slate of college hoops happening right now that basically feels like a tournament preview, plus a huge National Championship game in another sport just 48 hours away. Let’s break down when the actual Final Four happens and what you should be watching tonight instead.
The 2026 Men’s Final Four Schedule (The Real Dates)
We are still a few months out from the nets being cut down in Indianapolis. If you’re looking for the big dance, mark your calendars for Saturday, April 4, 2026.
That is when the Men's Final Four will take over Lucas Oil Stadium. Traditionally, those games tip off in the early evening. You’re usually looking at a 6:00 PM ET start for the first semifinal and roughly 8:30 PM ET for the second one, depending on how long the first game drags on.
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Honestly, Indianapolis knows how to host these better than almost anyone. This will be the city’s ninth time hosting the Men’s Final Four. If you've ever been to Georgia Street during the tournament, you know the vibe is unmatched.
- Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
- Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
- Broadcaster: CBS / TNT Sports (TBS)
What About the Women’s Final Four?
The women are heading to the desert this year. The 2026 Women’s Final Four is set for Friday, April 3, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
They’ll be playing at the Mortgage Matchup Center (the Footprint Center). Since those games are on a Friday, the times are a bit different to accommodate the West Coast tip. Usually, you see the first game start around 7:00 PM ET with the second following at 9:30 PM ET.
What’s on Tonight? (Saturday, Jan 17, 2026)
Okay, so the Final Four isn't tonight. But if you’re a basketball junkie, tonight is actually one of the best regular-season Saturdays of the year. The schedule is absolutely packed with Top 25 matchups that will determine who actually makes it to April.
Here’s the "kinda-sorta" Final Four vibe you can find on your TV right now:
Kansas State at Oklahoma State
This one tips at 7:00 PM ET on CBSSN. It’s a classic Big 12 brawl. If you want to see what tournament-level defense looks like, this is the one.
Gonzaga at Seattle
For the late-night crowd, the Zags are in action at 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM local time). Gonzaga is, as usual, looking like a lock for a deep run, but playing a true road game in Seattle is always a trap.
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The Women's Game
Keep an eye on the ASU vs. Kansas matchup. ASU is the host institution for the Final Four this year, so there’s a lot of local hype building around the program right now.
Why Everyone Is Confused About the "Final Four" Tonight
I get why you’re searching for this. The sports world has gotten complicated.
Between the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP) and the various "First Four" or "Final Four" branding used in other sports, it’s easy to get wires crossed. In fact, just a week ago, we had the CFP semifinals.
Speaking of which, if you’re looking for a "Final" anything, the College Football Playoff National Championship is happening this Monday, January 19. It’s No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 10 Miami. Yeah, you read that right. Indiana is a football powerhouse in 2026. The world is a strange place.
How to Prepare for the Real Final Four
If you’re planning to head to Indy in April, start looking at hotels now. Like, yesterday.
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The city is already seeing massive bookings for the first week of April. Because Lucas Oil Stadium is in the heart of downtown, you can walk to almost everything, which makes it a premier destination, but also means everything sells out fast.
Pro Tip: If the hotels in the "Wholesale District" are too pricey, look at the Carmel or Fishers areas and plan to take the Red Line or a rideshare in. You'll save a few hundred bucks that you can spend on overpriced stadium nachos instead.
Actionable Steps for Sports Fans This Weekend
Since the Final Four isn't tonight, here is how you should actually handle your sports viewing:
- Download the NCAA March Madness Live app now. Even though it's January, they start updating the bracketology and schedules this time of year.
- Sync your calendar for April 4 and 6. Those are the Saturday/Monday dates for the Men's championship.
- Watch the IU vs. Miami game on Monday night. It’s at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN. If you want to see a "Final" matchup, that’s the biggest game on the planet right now.
- Check your local listings for the Big Ten and Big 12 doubleheaders today. Most of the teams you'll see in the Final Four are playing right now.
Bottom line: You’re a few months early for the hoops Final Four, but the road to Indianapolis is currently wide open. Grab a drink, find a spot on the couch, and enjoy the January grind—it's where the real teams are built anyway.