Indianapolis has officially been selected as the host city for several upcoming NCAA championship events, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to enhancing the sports experience for athletes and fans alike. In a recent decision, the NCAA selected over 240 host sites for various preliminary and final rounds of championships, focusing primarily on the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. This change marks a shift from the traditional four-year cycle to a more flexible two-year selection process.
The NCAA received a staggering more than 1,200 bids from schools and cities eager to showcase their venues, with interest coming from 47 states and Washington, D.C. Florida led with the most bids, securing a total of 22 events, while Pennsylvania and Texas followed closely with 20 each. California and North Carolina rounded out the top five, each with 17 bids.
Among the notable selections, the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship will take place in 25 cities across 18 states in 2027 and 2028, showcasing the diverse locations that have previously hosted the tournament over 1,300 times. Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium and Dayton’s University Arena are highlighted as key traditional venues that will continue their longstanding relationships with the NCAA tournaments.
The Division I Women’s Basketball Championship will introduce new host cities in the upcoming years as well. Las Vegas and Philadelphia will host in 2027, while Portland and Washington, D.C., will take charge in 2028. This will be Las Vegas’ first time hosting this championship since 1991.
### Other Notable Highlights:
The Division I Wrestling Championships are set to occur in U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, for the second time, following the 2020 cancellation due to COVID-19. Additionally, the Women’s Volleyball Championship will return to the Alamodome in San Antonio in 2026, marking its third visit since 2011.
These selections represent more than just choosing locations; they reflect the NCAA’s aim for creating excellent experiences for student-athletes while ensuring safe, accessible environments for attendees. Each host site was evaluated based on facilities, travel ease, lodging availability, and the need to maintain a respectful atmosphere.
As Indianapolis and other selected cities prepare, excitement builds among both athletes and fans for the opportunities these championships will bring in the coming years.
