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Where to watch The Basketball Tournament today: Free stream, TV schedule

Where to Watch The Basketball Tournament Today: Free Streams, TV Schedule, and More

The Basketball Tournament (TBT) continues to captivate basketball fans with its high-stakes, single-elimination format, offering a thrilling mix of former college stars, NBA alumni, and international players vying for a massive $1 million winner-take-all prize. As we dive into the heart of the 2025 edition, today's slate of games promises intense action across various regional brackets. Whether you're a die-hard fan rooting for your alma mater's alumni team or just tuning in for the excitement, knowing where and how to watch is essential. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about streaming options, TV schedules, free viewing methods, and the key matchups happening today.

For those unfamiliar with TBT, it's an annual summer event that has grown into one of the most anticipated non-NBA basketball spectacles since its inception in 2014. Teams are often composed of alumni from major college programs, like Syracuse's Boeheim's Army or Ohio State's Scarlet & Gray, alongside professional players looking to showcase their skills. The tournament's unique Elam Ending rule, where the game clock is turned off in the final minutes and teams play to a target score, adds an extra layer of drama and strategy. This year, with 64 teams competing in multiple regional sites before converging on the championship in Philadelphia, the competition is fiercer than ever. Today's games are part of the ongoing regional rounds, building toward the quarterfinals and beyond.

If you're wondering where to catch the action live, several broadcasting options are available, catering to both traditional TV viewers and cord-cutters. The primary television home for TBT is FS1 (Fox Sports 1), which has been a key partner in recent years, providing comprehensive coverage of marquee games. Depending on your cable or satellite provider, you can tune into FS1 for select matchups. For a more extensive lineup, including games not aired on linear TV, the tournament's official streaming partners come into play. ESPN+ remains a go-to platform for live streams of TBT games, offering subscribers access to a wide array of contests. If you don't have an ESPN+ subscription, it's affordably priced at around $10.99 per month, and it often includes bundles with Disney+ and Hulu for added value.

But what about free streaming options? Fans looking to watch without paying a dime have a few avenues to explore. The TBT's official website and app frequently offer free live streams for certain games, especially those in the early rounds. By visiting thetournament.com, you can access a live stream section that rotates through ongoing games. Additionally, social media platforms like YouTube and Twitter (now X) sometimes host free streams or highlights directly from TBT's official accounts. Keep an eye on @thetournament for announcements about free viewing links. For international viewers or those facing geo-restrictions, using a VPN service can help access these streams by connecting to U.S.-based servers. Services like ExpressVPN or NordVPN are popular choices, often with free trials that allow you to test them out for today's games.

Beyond free options, paid streaming services provide reliable ways to watch. Sling TV, for instance, includes FS1 in its Sling Blue package, starting at $40 per month, and often offers promotional deals for new users. FuboTV is another excellent choice, with a sports-focused lineup that includes FS1 and additional channels like ESPN, priced from $74.99 monthly but with a seven-day free trial. Hulu + Live TV bundles FS1 with over 75 channels and on-demand content for $76.99 per month, also featuring a free trial period. YouTube TV, at $72.99 per month, rounds out the options with unlimited DVR storage, making it easy to record games if you can't watch live. These services are compatible with smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, and mobile devices, ensuring you can stream from anywhere.

Now, let's get into today's TV schedule and key games. The action kicks off early, with the first tip-off at 1 p.m. ET from the Wichita Regional. One highlight is the matchup between the top-seeded Wichita State alumni team, known as AfterShocks, facing off against a scrappy squad from the Florida TNT bracket. This game will air live on FS1, showcasing the home crowd advantage in Wichita. Following that, at 3 p.m. ET, fans can catch Boeheim's Army, the Syracuse alumni powerhouse, battling a team from the Lexington Regional on ESPN+. Boeheim's Army, led by familiar faces like Eric Devendorf and potentially some surprise guests, is always a fan favorite due to their deep runs in past tournaments.

As the day progresses, the schedule heats up with more regional clashes. At 5 p.m. ET, the Dayton Regional features a showdown between Carmen's Crew (Ohio State alumni) and a rising underdog team, streamed exclusively on the TBT app and website for free. This game could be a nail-biter, given Carmen's Crew's history of strong performances, including a championship win in 2019. Later, at 7 p.m. ET on FS1, the Pittsburgh Regional takes center stage with The Enchantment (New Mexico alumni) versus a team from the Butler Regional. Expect high-flying dunks and sharp shooting, as these teams boast players with NBA G-League experience.

For West Coast viewers, the evening slate includes games from the Rucker Park Regional in New York, starting at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+. This regional is known for its streetball flair, with teams like the Overseas Elite, perennial contenders, potentially making an appearance. If you're tracking multiple games, the TBT app provides a multi-view feature, allowing you to switch between streams seamlessly. Remember, all times are Eastern, so adjust for your time zone—Pacific viewers, subtract three hours.

What makes TBT special is not just the games but the stories behind the teams. Many participants are former pros chasing one last shot at glory or simply reliving their college days. The $1 million prize is life-changing, often split among team members, and it motivates under-the-radar players to shine. This year, with expanded brackets and more diverse rosters, including international talent from Europe and Asia, the level of play is elevated. Teams like Mass Street (Kansas alumni) or Heartfire, a collection of pros, add to the intrigue.

If you're planning to host a watch party, consider enhancing your experience with TBT's interactive elements. The official app includes live stats, player bios, and even bracket challenges where you can predict winners for prizes. Social media buzz is huge during games, with hashtags like #TBT2025 trending as fans share reactions and memes.

In terms of accessibility, TBT strives to be inclusive. Closed captioning is available on most streams, and audio descriptions can be enabled on platforms like ESPN+. For those with hearing impairments, the website offers text-based play-by-play updates.

As the tournament advances, expect even more coverage. Quarterfinals and semifinals often move to bigger networks, sometimes including FOX or ESPN proper. But for today, the focus is on these pivotal regional games that could determine who advances to the final eight.

Whether you're streaming for free on the TBT site, catching it on FS1, or subscribing to ESPN+ for the full experience, today's Basketball Tournament action is not to be missed. With rivalries reigniting and upsets looming, it's a perfect summer basketball fix. Stay tuned to official channels for any last-minute schedule changes due to weather or other factors, and enjoy the games!

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