The road to Memorial Day glory is officially underway, and the 2026 NCAA men's lacrosse tournament is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With a field of 18 teams—10 automatic qualifiers and 8 at-large selections—the action kicks off just three days after Selection Sunday, setting the stage for a thrilling chase to the championship.
Can Cornell defend its title and go back-to-back? Will Notre Dame reclaim its throne after a dominant regular season? Or will a dark horse like Princeton, Richmond, or Virginia crash the party? The top-seeded Tigers have been turning heads all year, while the Fighting Irish—despite two losses to host Virginia—remain a powerhouse eyeing their third national championship in four seasons. Add in a surging Richmond squad, and you've got a bracket that's wide open and full of drama.
The tournament format features the top eight seeds nationally, with the four lowest-ranked automatic qualifiers battling in two opening-round games before the full bracket unfolds. Here's your complete guide to catching every minute of the action:
TV Channels & Streaming: All games will air across ESPN platforms. The first round and quarterfinals are on ESPNU, the semifinals shift to ESPN2, and the championship game lands on ESPN. For cord-cutters, every game is available to stream via fubo (with a free trial for new subscribers) or through the ESPN app. That means you can follow every goal, save, and upset from the comfort of your couch or on the go.
Full Schedule: The bracket features 18 teams, with opening-round games starting immediately after Selection Sunday. The top eight seeds are set, but the lower-tier automatic qualifiers will scrap for their spot in the main draw. As the tournament progresses, the intensity ramps up toward the Memorial Day weekend finale, where one team will etch its name in lacrosse history.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this year's tournament promises edge-of-your-seat action. So grab your gear, mark your calendars, and get ready for a championship run that could crown a familiar champion or a brand-new contender.