The NCAA has moved up the start of the NCAA men's basketball championship game, beginning with the 2025 title game

Gone is the 9:20 p.m. tip-off time that challenged all but the biggest fans to remain awake for “One Shining Moment.” This year’s championship game in San Antonio will start at 8:50 p.m. Eastern on April 7 and perhaps may head off a bit of the deluge of social media criticism that comes like clockwork every year.

East Coast Dads rejoice! The NCAA and CBS have seen the error of their ways, announcing an earlier start time for the Men’s College Basketball National Championship Game. While still late, the new start time is better than the alternative and should help people get to bed before midnight this season.

For years now, there has been the same complaint lodged about the national title game of the men's NCAA Tournament: it starts too late. The tip-off time of 9:20 p.m. ET for the men's final has generated criticism from fans and media members alike.