University of Arizona to Host 2026 National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in April The University of Arizona will host the 2026 National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament at McKale Center at Alkeme Arena in April. The event will run from April 1 to April 4, featuring 12 men’s teams competing in a modified bracket and four women’s teams starting in the semi-finals. The selection of the University of Arizona as host was announced following the men’s team’s victory at last year’s national championship in Illinois. The tournament will bring together top collegiate adaptive athletes from across the country, showcasing the competitive spirit of wheelchair basketball. Additional details about the event can be found online.#university_of_arizona #mckale_center #alkeme_arena #national_wheelchair_basketball_tournament #national_championship
Arizona Adaptive Athletics Set to Host 2026 National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament The University of Arizona’s Adaptive Athletics program is preparing to welcome dozens of top collegiate adaptive athletes to McKale Center at ALKEME Arena from April 1-4 for the 2026 National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball Tournament. The event, hosted by the university, will feature 12 men’s teams and four women’s teams competing across two divisions. The opportunity to host came after the U of A men’s wheelchair basketball team won the national championship last year, marking their third consecutive finals appearance and first title. The tournament is free for university students and employees to attend. Adaptive Athletics Director Peter Hughes emphasized the significance of hosting the national championships for the university and its adaptive athletics program. “It elevates our presence on campus,” Hughes said. “We’ve been around for 51 years, but we’re still something of a secret. When I took over eight years ago, we decided to focus only on students and compete in the NWBA’s collegiate division. We stood in line and waited for our chance to host nationals, and when it was our turn, we were ready.” The university’s support, including the use of McKale Center, was crucial to the event’s success. Hughes previewed the competition, noting that while the men’s division remains unpredictable, the women’s side has a clear favorite. Alabama, which has dominated the women’s tournament for years, faces stiff competition after losing two games this season for the first time in years. “The competition has become much tighter and more exciting,” Hughes said. “I’m thrilled about that because you don’t want to see any real stinker games.#university_of_arizona #mckale_center #alkeme_arena #peter_hughes
