2026 Sun Belt Tournament: Your Complete Guide to March Madness Upsets
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The 2026 Sun Belt Tournament, poised to deliver its signature blend of mid-major excitement, is set to unfold from March 3-9 in Pensacola, Florida. This 14-team, single-elimination event has become known for its potential for upsets, Cinderella runs, and passionate regional fan support, consistently offering compelling storylines as March Madness approaches.
A History of Bracket Busters
The Sun Belt Conference has increasingly captured national attention in recent years,with teams like Appalachian State and James Madison achieving memorable NCAA Tournament upsets. These successes, coupled with consistent analysis highlighting the league’s potential for “bubble drama” and value picks, have solidified the tournament’s place on the radar of college basketball fans. As one analyst noted, “The Sun Belt is no longer a conference to overlook when filling out your bracket.”
Pensacola: A Proven Championship Host
For the sixth consecutive year – and through 2030 – the Pensacola Bay Center will serve as the tournament host. The venue’s central location and enthusiastic local fanbase contribute to a vibrant championship atmosphere.
How to Watch
- All games will be available on ESPN+, with select matchups – including the championship game – broadcast on ESPN or ESPN2. Final TV and streaming details can be found at sunbeltsports.org.
- Tickets: Tickets are currently available for purchase via Ticketmaster or the conference website, with all-session packages offering significant value.
2026 Tournament schedule
the tournament schedule is as follows (all times are Central/Eastern Time and subject to change):
- First Round (tuesday, March 3): 2 games (~5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
- Second Round (Wednesday, March 4): 2 games (~5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
- Third Round (Thursday, March 5): 2 games (~5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
- Quarterfinals (Friday, March 6): 2 games (~5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
- Semifinals (Saturday, March 7): 2 games (~5:30 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.)
- Championship (Monday, March 9): Title game ~6:00 p.m. (on ESPN/ESPN2)
Full bracket data, live scores, and updates will be posted on sunbeltsports.org as the season progresses. The tournament champion will receive the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
printable Bracket available
Fans can download a free, printable bracket template to track their predictions and follow the tournament’s action: [Printable 2026 Sun Belt Tournament Bracket PDF](Link to your PDF here).This bracket is perfect for predictions, pools, or tracking regional rivalries.
Sun Belt and March Madness: A Growing Connection
The Sun Belt Conference’s impact extends beyond its own tournament. The league frequently produces teams that become intriguing 12- or 13-seeds in the NCAA Tournament, possessing the potential to upset higher-ranked opponents. With Selection Sunday scheduled for March 15, 2026, and the First Four beginning on March 17-18 in Dayton, Ohio, Sun Belt teams like James Madison and Appalachian state are poised to make a splash.
For those interested in exploring early 2026 March Madness odds and predictions, resources are available to analyze potential sleeper picks and parlays. Stay tuned to SportsBrackets.net for live updates, bracket challenges, and comprehensive coverage as the tournament approaches.
