March Madness 2026 Is Coming
Selection Sunday is March 15th. The first games tip off March 17th. That means Calcutta auction season is officially here.
Whether you've been running a March Madness Calcutta for years or you're organizing one for the first time, this year you have a better option than spreadsheets and group texts.
What's New on Calcutta Edge
We built Calcutta Edge specifically for groups like yours. Here's what's included — all for free:
Free Live Auction Hosting
- Real-time bidding — everyone sees bids as they happen
- One-click setup — create your auction, share a join code, go
- Commissioner controls — manage the auction flow, pause, skip, undo
- Auto-timer — configurable countdown with bid-extension resets
- Works on any device — phone, tablet, laptop
No app to download. No account fees. Just create an auction and invite your group.
Strategy Analytics ($29.99)
For the competitive edge:
- Devigged odds for all 64 teams based on current sportsbook lines
- Fair value calculations adjusted for your pool's payout structure
- Suggested bid limits so you never overpay
- Round-by-round profit projections for every team
- Live strategy overlay — see fair values during the auction in real time
The strategy tool is optional. Free hosting works perfectly without it.
Post-Auction Settlement
After the tournament, track results as games happen:
- Live leaderboard — see who's winning in real time
- Automatic payout calculations based on actual results
- Settlement matrix — who owes whom, minimized transactions
- Export everything — CSV, text summaries, copy-paste ready
How to Set Up Your 2026 Calcutta
Step 1: Create your account (free, takes 30 seconds)
Step 2: Create your auction session — pick March Madness 2026, set your payout rules, configure the timer and bid increments
Step 3: Share the join code — send a 6-character code to your group via text, email, or group chat
Step 4: Run the auction — open the commissioner panel on Selection Sunday (or whenever your group meets) and start auctioning teams
Step 5: Track results — as games are played, enter results and watch the leaderboard update
That's it. No spreadsheets. No arguments about who bought what. No manual payout math.
Payout Presets
Not sure how to structure payouts? We include three research-based presets:
- Balanced — rewards depth and breadth equally
- Top Heavy — big payouts for deep runs and the championship
- With Props — includes side bets for things like biggest upset or most points
Or build your own custom payout structure — any split that adds up to 100%.
Beyond March Madness
After the tournament, your Calcutta Edge account works for any sporting event. We have tournament configs ready for:
- The Masters — bid on individual golfers
- NFL Playoffs — 14 teams, big stakes
- Kentucky Derby — classic Calcutta format
- And more — any tournament-style event
One platform for every Calcutta your group runs throughout the year.
Get Started Now
Selection Sunday is March 15th. Set up your auction before then so you're ready to go when the bracket drops.
Free to host. Free to join. Strategy analytics available for those who want the edge.