Nashville, Tennessee – The NCAA has officially recognized women’s wrestling as a sanctioned sport, increasing its championship total to 91.
This decision was made during the annual convention held in Nashville on Friday.
Previously categorized under the “emerging sports for women” classification, women’s wrestling will now see female athletes across Division I, II, and III schools competing for national titles.
The inaugural NCAA women’s wrestling championship is set to take place in 2026.
NCAA President Charlie Baker expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to this initiative, acknowledging the athletes, coaches, and fans who have demonstrated dedication to this fast-evolving and thrilling sport.
He highlighted that this new status provides even greater opportunities for women in athletics.
This decision was made during the annual convention held in Nashville on Friday.
Previously categorized under the “emerging sports for women” classification, women’s wrestling will now see female athletes across Division I, II, and III schools competing for national titles.
The inaugural NCAA women’s wrestling championship is set to take place in 2026.
NCAA President Charlie Baker expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to this initiative, acknowledging the athletes, coaches, and fans who have demonstrated dedication to this fast-evolving and thrilling sport.
He highlighted that this new status provides even greater opportunities for women in athletics.
As of the 2023-24 academic year, there were 76 women’s wrestling programs within NCAA institutions, with expectations for an additional 17 to be established by the 2024-25 school year.
Currently, more than 1,200 female wrestlers are participating in NCAA programs, with nearly 45% of these athletes coming from diverse or international backgrounds.
In February, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics put forward a recommendation that the top divisions govern legislation to elevate women’s wrestling to championship level.
Subsequently, the NCAA Board of Governors sanctioned $1.7 million in funding in April to create the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships.
With the recognition of women’s wrestling, it joins five other emerging sports that have achieved NCAA championship status since the program was initiated in 1994.
The sports previously recognized include rowing in 1996, ice hockey in 2000, water polo in 2000, bowling in 2003, and beach volleyball in 2015.
Currently, more than 1,200 female wrestlers are participating in NCAA programs, with nearly 45% of these athletes coming from diverse or international backgrounds.
In February, the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics put forward a recommendation that the top divisions govern legislation to elevate women’s wrestling to championship level.
Subsequently, the NCAA Board of Governors sanctioned $1.7 million in funding in April to create the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships.
With the recognition of women’s wrestling, it joins five other emerging sports that have achieved NCAA championship status since the program was initiated in 1994.
The sports previously recognized include rowing in 1996, ice hockey in 2000, water polo in 2000, bowling in 2003, and beach volleyball in 2015.
