Newman University and Visit Wichita will host the 2027 National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) Men’s and Women’s Intercollegiate Division National Championships, bringing the country’s top collegiate wheelchair basketball programs to campus next spring.
The tournaments will run March 16-20, 2027, at Fugate Gymnasium on the Newman University campus. The men’s and women’s national championship games are set for Saturday, March 20.
The five days of competition will feature elite student-athletes from across the country, some of whom will be competing for spots on the U.S. Paralympic Team ahead of the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Newman University Athletics is proud to partner with Visit Wichita to host the 2027 NWBA Intercollegiate Division National Championships,” said Newman University Associate Athletic Director Zach Brake. “This has truly been a team effort, and we are excited to showcase Fugate Gymnasium on the national stage.”
Fugate Gymnasium, home to Potter Family Court and Newman’s basketball and volleyball programs, includes six locker rooms, an athletic training facility and seating for more than 1,200 spectators.
The championships mark a return to a city with deep ties to the sport. Wichita previously hosted the NWBA’s Adult and Junior Division National Championships in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, welcoming teams and athletes from across the country.
“We’re excited to bring the Intercollegiate Division National Championships to Newman University and return to a city with a strong connection to the NWBA,” said NWBA Chief Executive Officer Brandon McBeain. “Visit Wichita has been a tremendous supporter of wheelchair basketball, and we look forward to working alongside its team and Newman University to create an outstanding championship experience for our student-athletes.”
For Visit Wichita, the tournament builds on the region’s growing reputation as a host for championship basketball.
“When an organization chooses to return to Wichita, it is one of the greatest compliments we can receive,” said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “Together with Newman University, we’re proud to welcome these outstanding student-athletes and showcase the hospitality, collaboration and championship experience that make Wichita a trusted destination for collegiate athletics and adaptive sports.”
Paralympic gold medalist Nick Taylor, who serves as director of men’s tennis at Wichita State University, said the tournament will put the sport’s rising stars on display.
“This event will feature the nation’s top collegiate wheelchair basketball programs and elite student-athletes, some of whom will be competing for spots on the U.S. Paralympic Team for the LA28 Paralympic Games,” Taylor said.
Additional information about participating teams, schedules, tickets and livestream coverage will be announced at a later date.
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