KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The 2026 NAIA Men’s Basketball National Tournament is set to kick off with 64 teams competing across 16 sites starting on March 13. This exciting tournament will feature the first round, followed by the winners advancing to the second round on March 14. The teams will vie for a coveted spot at the historic Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City for the Round of 16 on March 19.
The announcement of the host sites includes 10 teams that qualified through their conference and 6 teams that received at-large bids. A total of 35 teams automatically qualified based on conference results, while the remaining 29 were selected by the Men’s Basketball National Selection Committee, which includes coaches and administrators from across the country.
Among the teams, Oklahoma City stands out with six national championships in its history. Other notable teams include Georgetown (Ky.), which has competed in 45 national tournaments since the event began 88 years ago. The Southern States, Sooner, Mid-South, KCAC, Crossroads, and Cascade conferences have each sent five teams to this year’s tournament, while four teams are representing the Frontier, Great Plains, Great Southwest, and Red River conferences.
This year marks a special occasion for three programs—Simpson (Calif.), Arkansas Baptist, and Georgia Gwinnett—as they make their debut in the national tournament. Meanwhile, McPherson (Kan.) and SUNO (La.) are returning after long absences of 12 and 13 years, respectively.
Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) heads into the tournament with an impressive record of 29-1 and a 26-game winning streak. Their performance showcases the competitiveness of this year’s tournament; the combined winning percentage of all participating teams is a remarkable 74.7% based on a total of 1,918 games played. This level of performance underlines the intensity and excitement fans can expect.
With the tournament just around the corner, the buzz on social media reflects the enthusiasm from fans eagerly discussing rival teams and potential upsets. Many are drawing comparisons to previous tournaments, highlighting how this year’s lineup may lead to thrilling matchups reminiscent of past champions.
As we look ahead, sports analysts predict that this year’s tournament will be one for the books, filled with surprises and unforgettable moments. The blend of established powerhouses and emerging programs adds to the anticipation.
For more information on the tournament’s scheduling and live broadcasts, visit the official NAIA site or check platforms like Watch Live and Ballogy.
