Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA has named Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University as its host for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championships.
Visit Lake Charles will host the 24-team championship at McNeese State University's Legacy Center in Lake Charles, LA, from March 22-30, 2026, March 23-29, 2027, and March 21-27, 2028.
With Lake Charles emerging as the chosen host city, Mayor Nic Hunter expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship to our vibrant city. This prestigious event highlights the incredible facilities and hospitality our community has to offer."
2026 will mark the first year Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University have hosted an NJCAA championship.
Heath Schroyer, the athletic director at McNeese State University, echoed Mayor Hunter's sentiments, emphasizing the Legacy Center's role in providing an exceptional venue for the championship. Schroyer remarked, "We are honored to host the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at the Legacy Center. This event not only underscores the caliber of our facility but also our commitment to fostering athletic excellence and providing an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike."
Visit Lake Charles played a pivotal role in securing the championship, leveraging the success of hosting the 2023 US Sports Congress. Kyle Edmiston, President/CEO of Visit Lake Charles, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Securing the NJCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship underscores Lake Charles' growing reputation as a premier sports destination. We are excited to shed light on our community's hospitality and first-class amenities to athletes, fans, and visitors from across the nation."
The Legacy Center, a $35.9 million, 142,000-square-foot Arena and Health & Human Education Complex, stands as a beacon of sporting excellence in Lake Charles. Home to McNeese State University's basketball and volleyball programs, as well as the Department of Health and Human Performance, the Legacy Center has cemented its status as a preferred venue for sporting events, including the Southland Conference Basketball Championships.
"We are excited for Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University to welcome the DI Women's Basketball Championship to Louisiana in 2026," stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Senior Vice President for External Affairs & Development. "The Legacy Center will be a great location to host this championship and we look forward to the top-quality national tournament experience that will be provided to NJCAA student-athletes, coaches, and fans."
About Visit Lake Charles
Visit Lake Charles, the official destination marketing organization for Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana, is the only organization in Southwest Louisiana providing advocacy, promotion, and education for the tourism industry. For more information on Visit Lake Charles and things to see and do in Louisiana's Playground, log on to www.visitlakecharles.org.