The NCAA Softball Tournament 2025 is here and college softball fans have plenty to cheer about. With excitement building after the bracket reveal, teams are gearing up to compete for the prestigious national title. This guide covers everything you need to know — from the key dates and format, to top-seeded teams and where to follow the action.

Bracket and Schedule: What to Expect

The 2025 NCAA softball tournament features 64 teams, battling it out in a double-elimination format. Sixteen schools act as regional hosts, rewarding their stellar seasons with home field advantage. According to On3's bracket reveal, regional games kick off May 16–18, followed by Super Regionals from May 22–25.

The journey culminates at Devon Park in Oklahoma City with the Women's College World Series, running from May 29 through early June. Here, the final eight teams will duel for softball supremacy.

Key Regional Hosts and Seeds:

• Texas A&M (No. 1 overall seed)
• Oklahoma (No. 2 seed & reigning champs)
• Florida, Arkansas, Florida State, Texas — all in top six

Curious about the full selection and matchups? USA TODAY's live updates provide a comprehensive breakdown.

Top Contenders and Storylines

Oklahoma, the four-time, back-to-back national champion, enters as the No. 2 seed. They'll get a shot at history on home turf in the Norman Regional, facing Boston University in their opening game. Texas A&M, fresh off an SEC co-championship, holds the top overall seed. For a full overview of the Sooners and Aggies' road, read KOCO's tournament coverage.

Other storylines to follow include whether a new program can break through, which conferences will dominate, and how surprise qualifiers from automatic bids will fare.

How the Tournament Works

The format isn't single-elimination like basketball. Instead, each regional is a four-team, double-elimination competition. Regional winners advance to the Super Regionals. There, teams face off in a best-of-three series. The eight victorious squads then head to Oklahoma City, where the double-elimination Women's College World Series awaits, finishing with a best-of-three final for the title.

Where and How to Watch

The 2025 NCAA softball bracket was revealed live on Selection Sunday, with fans tuning in on ESPN2 and catching streams via the ESPN app and FuboTV. As the tournament progresses, games will air across ESPN networks and streaming partners, ensuring every pitch, hit, and dazzling defensive play can be followed in real time.

For lineups, bracket projections, game times, and live updates, check out USA TODAY's hub, trusted by fans nationwide.

Automatic Bids and Conference Winners

Thirty-two conferences award automatic bids based on conference tournament victories. This guarantees the field's diversity. Major contenders hail from the SEC, ACC, Pac-12, and Big 12, but surprising upsets mean every matchup matters.

Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Softball Drama

The NCAA Softball Tournament 2025 promises drama, upsets, and electrifying moments as star athletes chase their national championship dreams. Whether you are cheering for a perennial powerhouse or an underdog, this season’s bracket is set for excitement.

Bookmark these On3 schedule updates and follow the action from the opening pitch to the final out in Oklahoma City. Get ready for an unforgettable month of college softball!