Charles Koch Arena was announced as the 2026 and 2027 host of the Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament (WBIT) semifinals and finals at a Mayor’s Briefing on Thursday morning.
“The WBIT is far more than just another event,” Jessie Carmack, the NCAA’s Assistant Director of Women’s Basketball, said at the briefing. “It represents the incredible growth in women’s basketball and the increasing recognition of exceptional talent and dedication of female athletes. The WBIT has been an instrumental platform allowing programs to compete in postseason play and gain valuable experience on the national stage.”
Carmack said Wichita was selected to host the WBIT because of its “proven track record of hosting major sporting events,” the success of previous NCAA Tournament first and second rounds and Wichita’s “central location and accessibility.”
Brad Pittman, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations at Wichita State said, “Wichita State takes a tremendous amount of pride in managing and running quality championship events, both on our campus and within our community.”
“We do not take the opportunity for granted,” Pittman said. “Hosting events of this nature is great for our community, both economically and for quality of life.”
WBIT was created in 2023 to provide equitable postseason opportunities for women’s basketball, similar to men’s basketball, as recommended by the 2021 Gender Equity Report. The first tournament was held in 2024.
Before WBIT’s inauguration in 2024, only 68 Division I women’s basketball teams were granted the opportunity to play in a postseason tournament. Now, 100 Division I women’s basketball teams can be selected to compete for a postseason title in either the NCAA Tournament or the WBIT.
Carmack said the average attendance for semifinals and finals games in 2024 and 2025 was around 3,500 fans. She also said that because of the affordable tickets, the event is great for everyone.
“We want to make sure that we allow access for the community to attend and bring their families,” she said.
Josh Howell, Vice President of Sports Development at Visit Wichita, said he was proud to announce this continuation of Wichita’s support of women’s sports.
“To be able to host the WBIT for the next two years is truly a privilege,” Howell said. “The energy around women’s sports is undeniable, and Wichita has had the honor of welcoming a number of National women’s sporting events just this year.”
Wichita has been the host of the NAIA Women’s Wrestling Championships, the USA Lacrosse, WCLA National Championships. This weekend, the Unlimited Softball League will begin the 2025 season at Wilkins Stadium.
“To now add another thrilling women’s tournament to the roster of sporting events and Wichita is really incredible,” Howell said.
The 2026 WBIT semifinals and finals will take place on March 30 and April 1. In 2027, the semifinals are on March 29 and the final is on March 31. Viewers can tune in to these games on ESPN platforms.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit goshockers.com.
