March Madness Goes Global: Disney+ to Stream NCAA Tournaments in Europe and South Africa

Disney+ is significantly expanding its live sports portfolio, bringing the excitement of March Madness – one of the most anticipated events in American college basketball – to viewers across Europe and South Africa. The move represents a major expansion of ESPN’s global NCAA rights agreement.

What Does This Mean for International Fans?

From March 17th through April 7th, Disney+ subscribers will have access to live coverage of all 134 games from both the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments. This includes every thrilling moment from the opening rounds to the highly competitive Final Four.

A Collaboration Between ESPN, Disney+, and the NCAA

The initiative is a collaborative effort between ESPN, Disney+, and the NCAA, aiming to grow the international audience for college basketball.

“Bringing March Madness to Disney+ customers across Europe reflects the ongoing collaboration between ESPN and the NCAA, and the commitment both organizations share to grow college basketball internationally.”

Diego Londoño, SVP Networks & Sports EMEA at The Walt Disney Company

ESPN has a long-standing history with the NCAA, holding rights to over 40 championship events and having exclusively broadcast Women’s March Madness for more than three decades.

Expanding Sports Content on Disney+

This addition builds on Disney+’s growing investment in live sports. The platform already offers coverage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and LALIGA in select European markets.

“Collaborating with ESPN and Disney+ allows us to share the excitement of March Madness with a global audience that already values college basketball. The NCAA tournament is the ultimate stage for student-athletes, and expanding access to this experience helps increase interest and appreciation for the sport around the world.”

Dan Gavitt, NCAA Senior Vice President of Basketball

Additional Markets Included

Beyond Europe and South Africa, Disney+ will also stream March Madness in the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.

This expansion promises to deliver thrilling college basketball action to a global audience, further solidifying Disney+’s position as a key player in the sports streaming landscape.