College wrestling: NWCA announces National Duals Invitational in Tulsa for 2025-26 season

College wrestling’s National Duals are slated to return with a 16-team invitational next season in November, per a release from the NWCA.

The National Duals Invitational, sponsored by Paycom, will welcome the top Division 1 programs nationwide with a prize purse of $1 million on the line. All participating teams will receive money for attending the event in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

CLICK HERE to watch Unstoppable on Prime Video — The true story of the indomitable spirit of Anthony Robles

NWCA Executive Director Mike Moyer released a statement regarding the news.

“Hosting the National Duals Invitational by our fantastic sponsor, Paycom, is a game-changer for D1 wrestling,” Moyer said. “Due to the unprecedented challenges in NCAA Division I athletics today, it is more imperative than ever to have more big moments in intercollegiate wrestling so we can substantially grow our fan base and viewership.”

The top eight teams in the 16-team bracket, as duals progress, will receive payouts. The winner of the National Duals Invitational will receive $200,000. 

Second and third place will receive $150,000 while fourth place gets $75,000. Fifth through eighth place will earn between $50,000 and $20,000 in the end.

“I am excited for the sport of wrestling to have a competitive field at the inaugural National Duals Invitational,” said Chad Richison, Paycom’s founder and CEO. “Investing in student athletes and non-income-generating sports is important in today’s ever-evolving collegiate landscape.”

Oklahoma State will serve as the host school and the event will take place at the BOK Center in Tulsa. The arena recently hosted the 2023 NCAA Championships and will host the 2025 Big 12 Championships.

“Bringing a prestigious wrestling tournament of this magnitude to Oklahoma is exciting for the sport, and the winnings will be significant in helping universities build out their programs at an even higher level. We continue to be grateful for Mr. Richison and Paycom’s support of wrestling in the state of Oklahoma and nationally,” Chad Weiberg, Oklahoma State’s Vice President and Athletic Director, said.

Ironically, Oklahoma State head coach David Taylor created a social media firestorm when he suggested National Duals should return and take place in November. Now, that’s a reality.

“We’re excited to host the inaugural National Duals Invitational at BOK Center, and we’re proud that our venue has become a top choice for major wrestling events,” BOK Center Vice President Keller Taylor said. “This event offers the perfect stage for top-tier competition, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of passionate supporters. BOK Center is ready to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with the energy, intensity and excitement that only live wrestling can bring.”

College wrestling currently crowns a team national champion based on individual scoring at the NCAA Championships. Penn State won the 2024 title with a new scoring record.

There is no national champion crowned via a Dual Meet National Championship. While the National Duals isn’t necessarily crowing a dual meet national champion, it seems the NWCA is taking the next step to put the dual meet on full display for Division 1 wrestling.

Having the National Duals Invitational take place in November is an interesting step, but the financial prize certainly makes it enticing.