Bethel University (TN)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The 16 host locations for the 2026 NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship First & Second Round have been announced, marking the beginning of the 64-team tournament Friday and Saturday, March 13-14. The full field of qualifiers will be revealed Thursday, March 5, at YouTube.com/PlayNAIA.

For the second year in a row, Crisp Arena, the home of the Lady Wildcats, will serve as one of the 16 venues to host first and second round action. The Lady Wildcats won both games last year and that propelled them on to establish program history as they later reached the Fab Four in Sioux City, Iowa. The Lady Cats are 184-43 all-time in the building which opened in 2012. Fan support has played a big factor in the success the teams have enjoyed through the years at home.

 Each First & Second Round site will feature four teams in the first two rounds of a single elimination tournament. The winner of each four-team site will advance to Sioux City, Iowa, and the Tyson Events Center, for the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship Final Site March 19-24.

All 48 games in the 2026 First & Second Round will air live on Urban Edge Network. For links to mobile and smart TV apps, visit NAIA.org/Watch.

A special invitation is extended to Bethel and area fans by Bethel Vice President of Athletics Derek Horne. "We are so proud and honored to serve again as a host of the NAIA 1^st and 2^nd Rounds. This aids our university, the City of McKenzie, Carroll County, and the surrounding area in so many ways."  Horne added, "We would love businesses, and individuals to join our team as sponsorships are available at all levels to make these days memorable for all, especially our great Lady Wildcats."

To join our team in their quest for a national title, call Derek Horne at 731-352-6432.

Let's Win Together-Go Cats!!