Bethel to Host First, Second Rounds of NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship

McKENZIE (March 5) — For the second year in a row, Crisp Arena, the home of Bethel University's Lady Wildcats, serves as one of the 16 venues across the country to host first- and second-round action in the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship.

The 64-team tournament begins Friday and Saturday, March 13-14.

Each First and Second Round site will feature four teams in the first two rounds of a single-elimination tournament. The winner of each four-team site will advance to Sioux City, Iowa, and the Tyson Events Center, for the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship Final Site March 19-24.

The Bethel Lady Wildcats are the No. 1 seed in the Duer Quadrant and host the No. 16 seeded Talladega (Ala.). The Cats will play Talladega at 5:30 p.m. Friday March 13 in Crisp Arena. No. 9 Seed Huntingdon (Ind) will meet # 8 seed Oregon Tech at 7:30 p.m. Friday night. The two winners will play Saturday March 14 at 4 p.m.

Tickets must be purchased through the online ticketing platform which will be provided on the Bethel athletic website.

Based on NAIA regulations and recent championship, 2025–2026 postseason policy, there are no complimentary pass lists for NAIA National Championship First and Second Round games. Standard season passes, student IDs and faculty IDs are invalid for these dates.

Any request for media credentials must be approved by the Bethel Sports Information Office 48 hours prior to the event at mcculleyd@bethelu.edu.

All 48 games in the 2026 First & Second Round will air live on Urban Edge Network. For links to mobile and smart TV apps, visit NAIA.org/Watch.

The Lady Wildcats won both games last year, propelling them on to establish program history as they later reached the Fab Four in Sioux City, Iowa.

Last year marked Bethel's first appearance in the national championships since the 2021-22 season. The Cats made it two years in a row after going 25-5 this season. Bethel was ranked No. 3 in the nation in the last NAIA Women's Basketball Top 25 poll.

A special invitation is extended to Bethel and area fans by Bethel Vice President of Athletics Derek Horne. “We are so proud and honored to serve again as a host of the NAIA First and Second Rounds. This aids our university, the City of McKenzie, Carroll County and the surrounding area in so many ways.”

Horne added, “We would love businesses, and individuals to join our team as sponsorships are available at all levels to make these days memorable for all, especially our great Lady Wildcats.”

To join the Lady Wildcats in their quest for a national title, call Derek Horne at 731-352-6432.