Did March Madness begin today?

[Hawkee]

I was channel surfing this morning trying to reserve Who Wants To Be A Millionaire on my CBS station when I discovered NCAA Basketball Tournaments in it's place and then when I tried to find Let's Make A Deal it wasn't on as well and The Price is Right was in Let's Make A Deal's timeslot so it tells me that March Madness made it's debut today. Why did CBS choose to debut March Madness games today rather than the weekend? And will the CBS game shows be preempted for a short time due to March Madness or will they return next week?
Bestie

[AMackII]

It begin late last week with the field of 64, it will continue with the final 16 this Thursday.

[Hawkee]

Originally Posted by AMackII

It begin late last week with the field of 64, it will continue with the final 16 this Thursday.

Does this mean that Let's Make A Deal will be preempted due to this March Madness game tomorrow? I dislike when March Madness interferes with Let's Make A Deal or any other CBS shows because I can't figure out why March Madness is exclusive to CBS stations when ABC or NBC or even FOX could show it. Does the NCAA have an exclusive contract or deal with CBS to air the March Madness basketball games?
Thank you for the info AMackII
Bestie