The NCAA has officially added women’s wrestling as its 91st championship sport, creating more chances for female athletes to compete. This decision was made during the NCAA’s annual Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, where all three divisions—I, II, and III—approved the move.
Women’s wrestling will now transition from the NCAA’s Emerging Sports for Women program to a full national championship. The inaugural championship is set for 2026, and it will feature athletes competing across all divisions.
NCAA President Charlie Baker expressed excitement about this development, thanking everyone who supported the initiative. “It’s a thrilling moment for women’s wrestling, a sport that is rapidly growing and deserves this recognition,” he said.
As of the 2023-24 academic year, there are 76 women’s wrestling programs in NCAA institutions, with expectations for 17 more by 2024-25. Currently, over 1,200 women wrestlers are competing, and the sport is diverse, with around 45% of participants coming from diverse or international backgrounds.
University of Iowa wrestler Kennedy Blades, a 2024 Olympic silver medalist, shared her enthusiasm: “This gives women’s wrestling the recognition it deserves. It shows that the sport is important, not just in the U.S., but worldwide. My dream of being an NCAA champion is now a reality for many young girls.”
Organizations like USA Wrestling and Wrestle Like a Girl have long supported this push for NCAA championship status. Rich Bender, executive director of USA Wrestling, praised the decision, emphasizing women’s wrestling as the fastest-growing sport for young women in the U.S.
Sally Roberts, founder of Wrestle Like a Girl, expressed pride in this achievement. “This is a significant moment for all the athletes and advocates who fought for this recognition. It highlights the potential of women in wrestling,” she said.
The NCAA’s Committee on Women’s Athletics played a key role in this transition. Chair Ragean Hill noted how this milestone benefits female athletes across all divisions and reflects the ongoing growth of women’s sports. “This decision opens doors for many and shows the commitment to equity in athletics,” she stated.
To reach this point, at least 40 schools had to establish women’s wrestling programs and meet competition requirements. The move to championship status follows a recommendation made earlier this year. A committee will now help develop the logistics for the 2026 championship.
Women’s wrestling joins a roster of sports that transitioned from the Emerging Sports for Women program to NCAA championship status, including rowing, ice hockey, and beach volleyball. Collectively, these sports have roughly 14,000 participants among NCAA female athletes.
Excitement is growing for the future of women’s sports. Hill emphasized that this decision exemplifies the push for equality in athletics, inspiring future generations of female athletes. “When women are given opportunities, amazing things happen,” she said.
Here are some reactions from key figures in women’s wrestling:
Madison Avila, junior All-American wrestler:
“Moving to NCAA championship status truly reflects our hard work and commitment to the sport. It’s fantastic for women’s sports.”
Beth Goetz, director of athletics at Iowa:
“Every student-athlete dreams of competing for an NCAA championship. This move reflects the growth of women’s wrestling.”
Maureen Harty, executive director of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin:
“We’re excited for 2026, as our student-athletes will compete for a national title. This is a huge step for the sport.”
Sarah Hildebrandt, Olympic medalist:
“It’s amazing to see collegiate women wrestlers finally get the recognition they deserve. This event is just the beginning.”
Lynda Tealer, senior vice president of championships at NCAA:
“Adding women’s wrestling reflects our commitment to supporting female athletes and recognizes their growth in the sport.”
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