What time is Kansas vs. Cal Baptist today? Channel, live stream, TV schedule to watch March Madness Round 1 game

Eyes have been on Darryn Peterson and the Kansas Jayhawks throughout the entirety of the 2025-26 college basketball season, and now, it's time for Bill Self's squad to do the most important thing: win NCAA Tournament games.

Since taking home the 2022 national championship, Self's team has not made it out of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. It won't be easy this season, with a potential matchup against Rick Pitino and St. John's looming in the second round. Though with the talent it boasts — headlined by Peterson, the potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft — Kansas has shown it can beat any team in the country.

Kansas' 2026 March Madness campaign starts with the champions of the WAC, the California Baptist Lancers. The No. 13 Lancers are led by a prolific scorer of their own in Dominique Daniels Jr., who is fifth in the country, averaging 23.2 points per game. Daniels Jr. had 64 points in two games in the conference tournament and has seven games this season scoring over 30 points.

It won't be easy for the Jayhawks, who spent the majority of the season as a top-10 team. In a region with college basketball powerhouses Duke, UConn, Michigan State, St. John's and more, Self's team has to play its best basketball to beat some of the best teams in America.

Here's what you need to know about Friday's matchup between Kansas and California Baptist, including broadcast information and start time.

What time is Kansas vs. Cal Baptist today?

• Date: Friday, March 20.
• Time: 9:45 p.m. ET

The NCAA tournament game between Kansas and California Baptist is set to tip off at 9:45 p.m. ET from Viejas Arena in San Diego, California.

Of course, the Jayhawks are one of the most prestigious college basketball programs in the country, boasting four national championships, 16 Final Fours and 117 wins in the NCAA Tournament.

What channel is Kansas vs. Cal Baptist on today?

• TV channel: CBS
• Live stream: Fubo, Paramount+

Kansas vs. California Baptist will be on CBS, with Kevin Harlan, Robbie Hummel and Stan Van Gundy on the call. They will be joined by Lauren Shehadi on the sidelines.

Fans can stream the game live on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers so you can try the service before you buy.

Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Paramount+ is another streaming option for all CBS games in the tournament. 

Kansas vs. Cal Baptist radio coverage

• Radio station: SiriusXM

Those wanting to listen to the Jayhawks and Lancers can find it on SiriusXM channel 203.

Listen to every game of the 2026 NCAA men's basketball tournament live on SiriusXM. 

New subscribers can listen to SiriusXM for free for four months. Listen to live NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL games, plus NASCAR, college sports and more. Stay updated with all the news and get all the analysis on multiple sport-specific channels.

March Madness bracket 2026

Check the Sporting News NCAA Tournament live bracket for the latest final scores and next-round matchups.

When and where is the Final Four in 2026?

• Date: April 4 and 6
• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis

The 2026 Men's Final Four is set for April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The semifinals will be played Saturday night and the national championship game is set for Monday night.

The home of the Indianapolis Colts previously hosted the event in 2010, 2015 and 2021 and is set to host again in 2029. Indianapolis previously hosted the Final Four at other facilities in 1980, 1991, 1997, 2000 and 2006.

Only Kansas City has been home to the Final Four more often (10 times), but the last one held there was in 1988. 

March Madness tournament schedule 2026

Here is the round-by-round schedule for the 2026 NCAA men’s basketball tournament:

Related Links

• 2026 March Madness live bracket
• March Madness 2026 schedule, scores
• Latest college basketball news