The NCAA is currently soliciting bids for the 2026 and 2027 Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) semifinal and final games.
The WBIT is an annual postseason tournament, owned and funded by the NCAA, which features 32 Division I women’s basketball teams. Preliminary rounds, including the first, second, and quarterfinal rounds, are held at campus sites. The semifinals and finals are held at a pre-determined neutral site.
Bid specifications and supporting documents can be found HERE. The bid portal is currently live and will remain open until 5:00 PM ET, January 31, 2025. If you are interested in hosting both years, please submit a bid for each year.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting to discuss further, please reach out to Jessie Carmack (jcarmack@ncaa.org).
Sports ETA Members:
Thank you for being an essential part of the Sports ETA community. Your support and dedication fuel our shared success and the growth of the sports events and tourism industry.
Current memberships expire on December 31, 2024 - we encourage you to renew today to ensure uninterrupted access to the exclusive resources, connections, and opportunities that set Sports ETA apart.
By renewing now, you’ll continue to enjoy:
Unmatched Networking Opportunities: Stay connected with industry leaders and peers who are shaping the future of sports tourism.
Valuable Resources and Education: Access tools, courses, and insights designed to help you stay ahead in a competitive industry.
Exclusive Member Perks: Take advantage of discounts, event access, and other benefits tailored to your success.
Don’t wait until the last minute—renewing before the year ends ensures you won’t miss a moment ...
Cincinnati, OH – December 9 – Sports ETA proudly announces Christina Velasquez as the organization’s new Director of Education & Research. Christina brings a wealth of expertise and a dynamic vision to the role, which focuses on enhancing the professional development of Sports ETA members through innovative educational programs and groundbreaking research initiatives.
As Director of Education & Research, Christina will oversee the development and delivery of educational content, certification programs, and industry research. She will lead initiatives such as the Sports Tourism Learning Institute (STLI), the Sports Tourism Research Institute (STRI), the Sports Tourism Strategist (STS) certification program, and the creation of cutting-edge resources that empower members with insights into industry trends and best practices.
Christina joins Sports ETA with nearly a decade of experience in professional education and research roles. She previously ...
Next week on Monday, December 16, the Nominating Committee will be accepting applications for seven (7) open positions on the Sports ETA Board of Directors, including:
Executive Committee – Secretary/Treasurer
Four (4) Directors representing the Destination category
(3-year terms expiring June 2028)
One (1) Director representing the Industry Partner category
(3-year term expiring June 2028)
One (1) Director representing the Rights Holder category
(3-year term expiring June 2028)
Key Dates to Remember
*Subject to change
Monday, December 16: Nomination Portal Opens
Sunday, February 16 @ 11:59 PM PST: Nomination Portal Closes
February 17 – 21: Review Applications & Schedule Interviews
February 24 – March 7: Interviews Take Place
Friday, March 14: Slate Finalized
Tuesday, March 25: Proposed Slate Prese...
Welcome to the November edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we turn our spotlight to the Roebbelen Center in Placer Valley, California—a groundbreaking project that reimagines the potential of sports facilities on the West Coast. This facility is a trailblazer, transforming the decades-old Placer County Fairgrounds into a world-class multipurpose event campus that has become a national model for tourism and sports event innovation.
Make sure to read to the end—our Key Difference Maker could inspire new strategies to elevate your facility's success!
A Place Where Champions Are Made
Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Northern California, Placer Valley has emerged as a hub for premier sports events, hosting some of the largest youth, amateur, and professional competitions in the western United States. With top-tier facilities, tournament-friendly hotels, and easy access via Interstate 80,...
Our latest podcast on the merchandise white paper helps you learn how to create a customized brand solution through merchandise sales.
Sports ETA hosts record-setting 4S Summit in Chattanooga, TN, Nov. 12-14
CHATTANOOGA (November 15, 2024) – Sports ETA successfully hosted its annual 4S Summit here this week from November 12-14 drawing nearly 250 members, an 80% growth in attendance from 2023, for a three-day event to share sports events and tourism trends: strategies, services, sales, and sponsorships.
The 4S Summit was hosted by Chattanooga Sports, and supported by a network of sponsors, including Fort Worth Sports Commission, Florida’s Sports Coast, Visit Myrtle Beach, Traveling Teams, Team Travel Source, Play Tennessee, Visit Annapolis, Winchester Area Sports Tourism, Panama City Beach Sports, Visit Knox Sports, Rico Solutions, Team IP, Springfield Sports Commission, and Florida Sports Foundation.
John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA, expressed his gratitude to Chattanooga for playing host to the largest-ever 4S & Rights Holder Summit, bringing together key players in the sports ...
How an organization with 1 million+ members hosts successful, impactful events
A mentor and mentee share the personal and professional benefits