What time did the championship game start and end?

The 2024 NCAA men's basketball championship game between the University of Connecticut (UConn) and Purdue University officially tipped off at 9:20 p.m. ET on April 8, 2024 [1, 2]. While the game clock consists of two 20-minute halves, the total broadcast duration typically spans approximately two and a half to three hours due to halftime, commercial breaks, and officiating reviews. The late tip-off time remains a subject of ongoing debate among basketball fans and sports media regarding its impact on viewership and accessibility for younger audiences [3].

### Why is the NCAA championship tip-off time set so late?
The scheduling of the NCAA men's basketball championship game for a late-night window—specifically starting after 9:00 p.m. ET—is primarily driven by the goal of maximizing television ratings in the Pacific Time Zone. By starting at 6:20 p.m. local time in the Western U.S., the NCAA and broadcast partners ensure the game coincides with prime-time viewing hours for the largest possible national audience [3]. However, this strategy often results in the game ending well past midnight on the East Coast, sparking criticism from viewers who argue it alienates student fans and families with school-age children [3].

### How does the broadcast duration affect the total end time of the game?
While a regulation college basketball game consists of 40 minutes of game time, the actual duration of the event is significantly longer. Between the two 20-minute halves, a 15-minute halftime intermission is standard. Additionally, commercial timeouts, media breaks, replay reviews, and fouls extend the event. Consequently, a game starting at 9:20 p.m. ET rarely concludes before 11:45 p.m. or midnight ET. This extension is a standard feature of modern televised collegiate sports, where high-stakes games are paced to accommodate commercial interests [2, 3].

### What were the key factors that defined the 2024 championship matchup?
The 2024 championship game was highly anticipated as it pitted the reigning champion, UConn, against a Purdue team led by the two-time National Player of the Year, Zach Edey. The tactical matchup centered on UConn's dominant team defense and offensive versatility versus Purdue's interior-focused game plan. UConn’s victory, with a final score of 75-60, solidified the program's status as a modern dynasty, marking their sixth national title and second consecutive championship win [4, 5].

### Key Takeaways
* **Official Start Time:** The 2024 final tipped off at 9:20 p.m. ET.
* **Event Duration:** Due to TV timeouts and halftime, the game extended through the late-night hours.
* **Strategic Scheduling:** Late start times are a deliberate effort by broadcasters to capture prime-time viewership across all U.S. time zones.
* **Cultural Impact:** The "too late" finish remains a polarizing topic in sports media, often creating tension between revenue-driven scheduling and fan accessibility.

Looking toward the future, the NCAA faces increasing pressure to re-evaluate the balance between broadcast revenue and the viewing experience. As trends in sports consumption shift toward on-demand and social media highlights, the traditional "prime-time" model may undergo further scrutiny, potentially leading to discussions about earlier tip-off times in future tournament cycles.

## References
* [1] [Sporting News: What time does the NCAA championship start?](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/ncaa-basketball-championship-start-time-channel-2024-game/189d96c7c4fe4d570f7a702a)
* [2] [NBC Connecticut: How to watch UConn vs. Purdue in the men's national championship](https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/sports/ncaab/how-to-watch-uconn-vs-purdue-2024-national-championship/3260259/)
* [3] [The Palm Beach Post: NCAA men's basketball final: Tonight's 9:20 p.m. tip time is unfair](https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/college/basketball/2024/04/08/ncaa-uconn-purdue-mens-championship-game-start-time-is-unfair-ridiculous/73243834007/)
* [4] [ESPN: UConn 75-60 Purdue (Apr 8, 2024) Final Score](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401638645/purdue-uconn)
* [5] [Wikipedia: 2024 NCAA Division I men's basketball championship game](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_NCAA_Division_I_men%27s_basketball_championship_game)