Ten Sites Have Been Identified to Host the 2026 NAIA Softball Opening Rounds Beginning May 11
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced the 10 host sites for the 2026 NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Rounds on Friday, setting the stage for postseason play from May 11–14.
Before the action begins on the field, the full 48-team national championship field will be unveiled live on the PlayNAIA YouTube channel at 5 p.m. CT on May 6, giving teams and fans their first look at the road to the title.
Once play begins, 48 teams will start their championship journey across 10 campus sites nationwide, all with one goal in mind — a trip to the NAIA Softball World Series.
Each Opening Round will feature a double-elimination format, with eight sites hosting five-team brackets and two sites hosting four-team brackets. When the dust settles, 10 teams will punch their ticket to South Commons Softball Complex in Columbus for the 2026 NAIA Softball World Series, beginning May 21.
Host sites were selected by the NAIA National Office in consultation with the National Selection Committee. Selections were based on a combination of geography, facility quality, and host readiness, with institutions submitting bids by the April 15 deadline.
With elite competition, high stakes, and championship dreams on the line, the Opening Round promises four days of can’t-miss softball action across the country broadcast for free on the Urban Edge Network.
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Central Methodist (Mo.) | Fayette, Mo. |
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Cumberlands (Ky.) | Williamsburg, Ky. |
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Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) | Columbia, Ky. |
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Mobile (Ala.) | Mobile, Ala. |
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Oklahoma City | Oklahoma City |
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Oregon Tech | Klamath Falls, Ore. |
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Science & Arts (Okla.) | Chickasha, Okla. |
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Southeastern (Fla.) | Lakeland, Fla. |
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Southern Oregon | Ashland, Ore. |
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William Carey (Miss.) | Hattiesburg, Miss. |
