NCAA projected to add women's wrestling championship status in 2026

Women’s wrestling is projected to move towards NCAA championship status by winter of 2026, according to a release.

Currently, there are Division 1, 2 and 3 schools scattered across the nation representing the sport. However, men’s wrestling is the only one sanctioned by the NCAA and recognized as a championship sport.

Current NCAA women’s wrestlers compete in a season-ending national competition that is organized by the coalition of wrestling organizations. The National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championships are set for March 8-9 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

“We are excited to recommend women’s wrestling as the 91st NCAA championship sport,” Ragean Hill, chair of the Committee on Women’s Athletics and executive associate athletics director/senior woman administrator at Charlotte, said in a statement. “We are extremely proud of the work that USA Wrestling has done to make this a reality in such a short period of time. Also, a special thank you to the men’s wrestling community for believing in our young women and championing this process.” 

If this move is approved, it would be a landmark decision for the sport.

“If approved by NCAA members, women’s wrestling will become the sixth sport to earn NCAA championship status through the Emerging Sports for Women program, established in 1994 based on a recommendation from the NCAA Gender Equity Task Force,” the release read. “It would join rowing (1996), ice hockey (2000), water polo (2000), bowling (2003) and beach volleyball (2015).”

According to the latest sports sponsorship and participation data, via the NCAA, nearly 800 student-athletes competed in women’s wrestling across 51 teams in 2022-23.

More than 70 schools reported they intended to sponsor the sport for the 2023-24 academic year. 

To make the recommendation to add a championship for an emerging sport, 40 schools must sponsor women’s wrestling at the varsity level and meet minimum competition requirements. That number was eclipsed during the 2022-23 academic year.

“Wrestle Like a Girl is thrilled that the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics has recommended women’s wrestling to become an official NCAA championship sport,” Sally Roberts, CEO of Wrestle Like a Girl, said.. “This momentous occasion further empowers women in sports and brings us closer to fulfilling the promise made 51 years ago with the passage of Title IX. With the many battles won, women’s wrestling will be rightfully enshrined with dignity and recognition as an NCAA championship sport for women. 

“It is a victory for all the athletes, supporters and allies who have worked passionately to make this dream a reality. The tireless efforts have paid off, and we are proud to stand with our sisters in sports to celebrate this accomplishment. This is a significant step forward in women’s empowerment, and we are honored to be part of it.”

Looking at the Division 1 level, the Iowa Hawkeyes were the first Power Five institution to sponsor the sport at the varsity level. As far as if other Big Ten or Power Five institutions will sponsor the sport, that remains to be seen.

The Big Ten, top conference in men’s wrestling, might have the opportunity to push the issue forward. But as of now, it looks like the NCAA will officially recognize the sport in a championship capacity in two year’s time.