NCAA Selects Over 240 Host Sites for Upcoming Championships
Indianapolis is buzzing this week as the NCAA announced the selection of more than 240 host sites for upcoming championship events scheduled for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. This major announcement marks a noteworthy shift in the NCAA’s timeline, moving from a four-year to a two-year site selection process.
With over 1,200 bids submitted by schools, conferences, cities, and sports commissions from across 47 states and Washington, D.C., the competition to host events was fierce. NCAA senior vice president of championships, Lynda Tealer, expressed excitement about the growing enthusiasm, stating, “The interest from around the country to host NCAA championships continues to highlight the quality of our events.”
The NCAA focused on data-driven decisions this cycle, which helped in evaluating and selecting sites from many quality venues. Florida topped the list with the most event selections, securing 22 championships, followed by Pennsylvania and Texas with 20 each. California and North Carolina were also among the top, with both securing 17 host events.
Notably, the Division I Men’s Basketball Championship will be held in 25 cities across 18 states for the 2027 and 2028 tournaments. Kansas City will proudly host the 2027 Midwest Regional, furthering its legacy by adding to its total of 137 tournament games held at the venue, which is tied for second all-time.
As for the women’s basketball championship, the 2027 and 2028 regional sites include exciting locations such as Las Vegas and Philadelphia. This marks the first time in decades that these cities will host regional play, showcasing the growth and expanding recognition of women’s sports.
Additionally, a couple of high-profile championships will make their way into stadiums, including the Division I Wrestling Championships at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis set for 2028 and the Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship at the Alamodome in San Antonio for 2026.
Overall, the NCAA’s site selection is a promising sign for the future of college sports, emphasizing the vibrancy and competitive spirit of local communities to host these significant events. With so many exciting championships on the horizon, fans from across the country can look forward to thrilling competitions and memorable moments in college athletics.