Upcoming NJCAA DIII Women's Basketball Championship Host Sites Announced
Charlotte, NC – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has announced the host sites for the NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball National Championships in 2026, 2027 and 2028.
The City of Brownwood will welcome the NJCAA DIII Women's Basketball National Championship in 2026 and 2028 in Brownwood, TX. This year's tournament will take place on March 11-14, 2026, while the 2028 tournament will take place March 8-11 at Brownwood Coliseum.
"We're thrilled to welcome the NJCAA DIII Women's Basketball Championship to Brownwood! This is a chance to showcase our amazing city, facilities, and hospitality to visitors from across the nation, but most importantly, to celebrate the championship with our own community," said Mayor Stephen E. Haynes.
The tournament will be held in the Historic Brownwood Coliseum, built in 1963 and home to the Howard Payne University Yellow Jackets. Recent renovations to the venue will offer a fresh environment in which student-athletes, staff and spectators will thrive. The Coliseum has undergone $5 Million in renovations over the past 3 years, with more updates on the horizon.
"We are honored to host the NJCAA DIII Women's Basketball Championship! Our staff and numerous volunteers are already preparing to make this the best student-athlete experience possible, and we are counting down the days until we get to welcome these amazing athletes to Brownwood!" stated Robert Anders, City of Brownwood Sports Coordinator.
Located across the street from the Coliseum is the brand-new Brownwood Event Center Complex. The event center will be the site of the pre-tournament banquet, as well as meeting spaces and hospitality areas for participating teams.
"I'd like to thank everyone in Rochester, Minnesota, for being such gracious and supportive hosts of the tournament over the years. We are excited for the opportunity to head to the heart of Texas in Brownwood and experience a new Championship site," stated Justin Hoyt, Chair of DIII Women's Basketball. "I'm confident that Brownwood will provide our student-athletes with a first-class experience and create lasting memories for all involved."
To explore things to do as well as hotels and lodgings, go to visitbrownwood.com for more information. For assistance and any additional facilities or service needs contact Robert Anders, Sports Coordinator at randers@brownwoodtexas.gov.
The NJCAA DIII Women's Basketball National Championship will make its way east as Catawba Valley Community College will host the event in 2027. The tournament is slated to take place on March 10-13, 2027 at the Tarlton Complex.
"Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), Hickory Metro Convention Center & Visitors Bureau (HMCC/CVB), and Hickory Metro Sports Commission (HMSC) are thrilled to bring the NJCAA DIII Women's Basketball Championship back to Hickory, NC," said Mark Seaman, Chair of Hickory Sports Commission and Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Director. "The growth of the tournament and the increased competition level will provide an electrifying week of basketball for fans in the Metro area as well as visitors from out of town. We're excited to see these elite collegiate players compete for a championship."
The tournament will be hosted in the 2,100-seat Tarlton Complex, located on the campus of Catawba Valley. This arena has been the home of many NJCAA Championships, Conference Tournaments, NCAA DI & DII games as well as the North Carolina High School Regionals.
The Hickory Metro Convention Center will work in conjunction with Catawba Valley to provide additional premium gym space for the teams to practice during the tournament. Their newly expanded and renovated venue offers four brand-new basketball courts. For more information on the Convention Center expansion and renovation visit www.visithickorymetro.com/construction.
"The partnership between CVCC, HMCC/CVB, and HMSC enables us to host first-class events such as the NJCAA DIII women's basketball championship. We look forward to collaborating with NJCAA to provide an outstanding experience for teams and fans. This is a perfect event to showcase Hickory and the surrounding area," Seaman said.
As Catawba Valley awaits the arrival of the DIII Women's Basketball Tournament in 2027, they are staying busy as they are set to host the 2026 NJCAA DII Women's Basketball National Championship this season. The elite competition will spark excitement in the community as they aim to provide an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
About the City of Brownwood
Experience small-town charm and Texas sized hospitality while calling Brownwood home during your next visit! Paddle the Pecan Bayou, savor legendary BBQ, shop local boutiques, explore museums, catch a performance in a historic theatre, tee off at a stunning lakefront golf resort, sip on over 30+ Texas beers on tap, or raise a glass of award-winning wine with friends. Small Town feel, Big League experience!
About Hickory Metro Sports Commission
The Hickory Metro Sports Commission is a non-profit organization, whose mission is to further quality of life through the development, promotion, and recruitment of sporting events and activities to the Greater Hickory area. For more information about the Sports Commission visit www.hickorymetrosports.com.