Charlotte denied CIAA host in 2026 bid
The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) basketball tournaments will not return to Charlotte for the 2027–2029 seasons.
The Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority (CRVA) confirmed in a joint letter that the city’s bid to host the Division II men’s and women’s tournaments was unsuccessful. Baltimore, which has hosted the events since 2021, was among the finalists.
Charlotte partnered with the CRVA and the Charlotte Sports Foundation in its bid to reclaim the CIAA, once a local mainstay. However, securing the Spectrum Center in early March, a critical part of the proposal, proved to be a challenge, impacting the city’s chances.
“We understand the CIAA considered several factors in making their decision, including the alignment of proposed dates with their preferred event schedule,” the bidding organizations said in a joint statement. “When the CIAA requested 2027 dates in early 2025, our primary venues were already committed due to previously scheduled programming — a reflection of Charlotte’s growing momentum as a premier host city.”
The event annually brings 60,000 fans to the host city.
“We remain hopeful that Charlotte will have the opportunity to welcome the tournament back in the future,” the statement continues.
