The 2026 National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship takes place May 1-3, at Gulf Place Public Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Ten years ago, the NCAA took a chance on Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events and the University of Alabama at Birmingham to host its inaugural championship, and a decade later, the national governing body is still crowning champions on a built-from-the-sand-up site.
"The NCAA is excited to return to Gulf Shores for what will be another great championship,” said Kristin Fasbender, director of championships and alliances at the NCAA. “Gulf Shores has been our partner from the very first championship and has provided an outstanding experience for student-athletes and fans. We look forward to amazing competition and crowning a national champion."
With the support of the city of Gulf Shores and the Hangout Hospitality Group, AB Sports & Events and UAB have built a long-term, strategic partnership with the NCAA. Alabama's Beaches will host the championship through at least 2030.
"Long-term contracts and relationships are vital to building business and goodwill for sports tourism entities," said Michelle Russ, vice president of sales at AB Sports & Events. "It is hard to believe we began this journey with the NCAA in 2016, and the event, the sport of beach volleyball and the local economic impact continue to grow. From building a championship-caliber site each year to the behind-the-scenes planning and preparation, it is special to see everything come together."
All-session and day passes can be purchased at NCAATickets.com. Each dual will air live on the ESPN family of networks, with the championship live on the flagship ESPN platform at 11:30 a.m. CDT/12:30 p.m. EDT Sunday, May 3.
To learn more about the NCAA, visit NCAA.org. For information on upcoming athletic and major leisure events along Alabama’s Beaches and to book accommodations, visit alabamasbeaches.com/sports.
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