Philadelphia Selected to Host Four NCAA Championships During 2027 and 2028

Philadelphia Selected to Host Four NCAA Championships During 2027 and 2028

PHILADELPHIA – Today the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced host sites for championship events for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, awarding four championship events to Philadelphia in Women’s Basketball, Men’s Lacrosse and Women’s Lacrosse. The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) and its PHL Sports division, along with regional partners from the sports and hospitality communities and the City of Philadelphia, have collaborated to host the championships. These four events are expected to bring a projected 175,000 total attendees to Philadelphia, including student-athletes, athletic staff and spectators.

The four championships awarded to Philadelphia in this bid cycle include:

• 2027 NCAA DI Women’s Basketball Regional Championship, Wells Fargo Center
  • Host: Saint Joseph’s University
• 2027 NCAA DI, DII and DIII Men’s Lacrosse Championships, Lincoln Financial Field
  • Host: Drexel University
• 2027 & 2028 NCAA DI Women’s Lacrosse Championship, Subaru Park
  • Host: Temple University

Philadelphia has now been awarded 34 total NCAA championships since 2000. The city will soon welcome the 2025 DI Wrestling Championship (hosted by the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University) and 2026 DI Men’s Basketball First and Second Rounds (hosted by Saint Joseph’s University), both at the Wells Fargo Center.

“We’re very grateful that the NCAA has once again put its faith in Philadelphia to host a number of their most prestigious championships,” said Larry Needle, executive director of PHL Sports. “It’s a testament to the collaboration among our universities, venues, hospitality community and the City of Philadelphia, and yet another example of Philadelphia’s standing as a world-class sports destination.”

The 13-month NCAA bid process required a regional approach among several area partners, including the City of Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, Wells Fargo Center, Lincoln Financial Field, Subaru Park, Drexel University, Temple University and Saint Joseph’s University.

“It’s a privilege to once again host the NCAA Lacrosse Championships at Lincoln Financial Field in 2027,” said Don Smolenski, Philadelphia Eagles president and PHL Sports Advisory Board chair. “This marks the ninth time we have had the honor of serving as hosts of the Division I, II and III championships. Along with our partners, PHL Sports and Drexel University, we look forward to welcoming the NCAA, its student-athletes, coaches, and the spirited lacrosse community back to Philadelphia.”

The following are reactions from civic, university and venue partners:

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker

“Philadelphia is thrilled to host top sporting events like these NCAA championships, and we cannot wait to welcome all the teams and their fans to our wonderful city. Philly is one of the best – if not the best – sports towns in the country and continues to be a top sports destination. This collaborative effort is proof that when we work together as One Philly, a United City, we can create unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting positive impact on our economy and our tourism partners.”

UNIVERSITIES

Jill Bodensteiner, Vice President and Director of Athletics, Saint Joseph’s University

“Saint Joseph’s University is thrilled and incredibly honored to partner with the Wells Fargo Center, the PHLCVB, and PHL Sports to bring the 2027 Women’s Basketball Regionals to Philadelphia – one of the premier sports destinations in the world. We promise to create an unforgettable experience for women’s basketball student-athletes, fans, and everyone involved in the event.”

Arthur Johnson, VP/Debbie and Stanley Lefkowitz ’65 Director of Athletics, Temple University

“We are excited to partner with PHLCVB and PHL Sports in hosting the 2027 & 2028 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship. Temple University and Philadelphia have such a rich history in the sport of women’s lacrosse, and we can’t wait to welcome some of the top student-athletes and programs in the country to our region. A very special thanks to all of the staff at PHL Sports and Subaru Park for their dedication and support throughout this bid process.”

Maisha Kelly, Vice President, Director of Athletics & Recreation, Drexel University

“We are looking forward to once again collaborating with the Philadelphia Eagles and PHL Sports to host the 2027 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships at Lincoln Financial Field. Drexel is proud to host and have our brand tied to an event that historically draws more than 80,000 spectators into Philadelphia over the course of the weekend and brings national level competition, presenting a major economic impact on our city. We are excited to once again play our role in bringing a national spotlight to Philadelphia Memorial Day Weekend as the sport of lacrosse takes center stage.”

VENUES

Dan Hilferty, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Comcast Spectacor

“We are honored to have been selected to host the 2027 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional. Wells Fargo Center is Philadelphia’s home for sports and entertainment, serving as the host to significant moments in both professional and collegiate sports history. We are excited to continue to highlight Philadelphia as a premier sports destination city once again through these events and the experience at our industry-leading venue.”

Tim McDermott, President, Philadelphia Union

“We are thrilled to be awarded the opportunity to host the 2027-28 NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Championship at Subaru Park. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of hosting many collegiate sporting events, and the competitive spirit and energy these exceptional student athletes bring is unrivaled. Bringing the women’s lacrosse finals to Subaru Park truly highlights the city’s reputation of being a hub for world class sports. We thank the NCAA Bid Committee and look forward to welcoming the NCAA athletes and lacrosse fans from across the nation to our stadium.”

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About the PHLCVB:

The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) creates positive economic impact across the Philadelphia region, driving job growth and promoting the health and vibrancy of our hospitality industry by marketing the destination, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and attracting overnight visitors. The PHLCVB’s work engages our partners, the local Philadelphia community as well as culturally and ethnically diverse regional, national and international convention, sporting event and tourism customers. The PHLCVB is also the official tourism promotion agency for the city of Philadelphia globally and is responsible for growing the number of international leisure visitors who come to the region each year. To learn more, visit www.discoverPHL.com.

About PHL Sports:

PHL Sports, a business division of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, seeks to attract major sporting events and conventions to the Philadelphia area. PHL Sports, working in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia, the city’s professional teams and universities, has attracted many events to the city and is currently working on bids for future sporting events. To learn more about PHL Sports, visit www.discoverPHL.com/phlsports.