DIRECTV is introducing new viewing tools ahead of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, including a multiview “Mix” channel and expanded functionality within its mobile app.
The updates are designed to help viewers navigate the tournament’s packed schedule, which includes 67 games airing across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. The tournament began with Selection Sunday on March 15 and will culminate with the National Championship game on April 6.
Central to the rollout is the new “March Madness Mix,” a multiview feature that allows viewers to watch as many as four games simultaneously on a single screen, giving fans the ability to follow multiple matchups without switching channels.
For DIRECTV satellite subscribers, the four-box multiview format will be available March 19 and March 20 on channel 205-1. Streaming customers who subscribe to the Choice or MySports packages can access the feature on channel 243 in select markets from March 19 through March 22.
Later in the tournament, a two-box multiview format will be offered for the Sweet 16 round, available to streaming users on March 26 and March 27.
DIRECTV began offering Mix channels on its satellite service nearly two decades ago, with the same offerings coming to its DIRECTV via Internet service last summer. Since then, Mix channels for news, sports and local broadcast programming have rolled out to its streaming customers, while the satellite service continues to support the same set of Mix channels on its traditional TV platform. DIRECTV does not allow viewers to customize Mix channels, instead offering pre-produced feeds centered around certain programming.
In addition to the multiview feature, DIRECTV is expanding access to its “Sports Central” hub within the DIRECTV mobile app. Previously limited to connected television devices, the hub is now available on iOS devices, where it provides a centralized destination for sports programming.
Through the hub, users can track live games, view upcoming matchups and schedule recordings for specific tournament games. Fans can also favorite individual teams to prioritize updates and quickly access their games within the interface.
The Sports Central hub also integrates games available through third-party streaming services, allowing viewers to access matchups from platforms including Prime Video, YouTube and Peacock alongside traditional broadcast and cable channels.
To coincide with the tournament, DIRECTV is also offering a limited-time promotion for new streaming customers. The company said the Choice Package will be available for $60 during the first month of service and will include a complimentary month of the DIRECTV Sports Pack. The promotional offer runs through April 23.
