Wichita's tradition of hosting national championship wrestling will continue through 2028. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has extended its agreement with Visit Wichita and Heartland Credit Union Arena to host the NAIA Men's Wrestling National Championship for an additional year, marking nine consecutive years the Wichita area will welcome the prestigious event. 

The extension builds on a successful partnership that began in 2020, when the Wichita area hosted the championship. In 2027, Visit Wichita will host both the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Wrestling National Championships at Heartland Credit Union Arena. The men’s championship will take place March 4-6, followed by the women’s championship March 12-13. 

“Visit Wichita has been an outstanding partner in helping us deliver a first-class championship experience for our wrestlers, coaches and fans,” said Austin Bennett, NAIA Vice President of Championships. “Their commitment to creating memorable Championship Moments for our student-athletes, combined with the quality of Heartland Credit Union Arena and the support of the local community, makes Wichita an excellent home for this event. We’re excited to continue this partnership through 2028.” 

The NAIA Men's Wrestling National Championship brings together hundreds of collegiate wrestlers from across the country to compete for national titles in 10 weight classes. In addition to showcasing elite collegiate wrestling, the championship brings coaches, families and fans to the Wichita area, supporting local hotels, restaurants and other businesses. 

“We’re proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the NAIA and welcome the Men’s Wrestling National Championship back to the Wichita area through 2028,” said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “Having hosted this championship since 2020, we’ve built a strong relationship with the NAIA and demonstrated our ability to deliver an outstanding experience for student-athletes, coaches and fans. This extension reflects the confidence the NAIA has in our community, our facilities and our commitment to hosting championship-caliber sporting events.” 

Wichita's relationship with the NAIA has also expanded to include women's wrestling. In 2025 and 2026, Visit Wichita and Heartland Credit Union Arena hosted the NAIA Women's Wrestling National Championship for the first time. 

For more information about sporting events in Wichita or bringing an event to the city, visit VisitWichita.com/Sports.