The University of Wisconsin-Madison is proud to host NIRSA’s National Basketball Championship from April 17 – 19, 2026. We look forward to having you come to Madison to compete against the best intramural & club teams in the country while enjoying all that our city has to offer.
Purchase Tickets Here
Pre-sale admission tickets will be available beginning April 1.
2026 Tournament Schedule
The tournament schedule will be posted on IMLeagues on Friday, April 17 after team check-in. Games will start at 11am (CST) with pool play. Teams will play two (2) matches on Friday and one (1) match on Saturday for a total of three (3) pool play games. The top qualifiers in each pool (varies depending on division) will advance to Saturday’s playoffs with winners advancing to semi-finals and finals on Sunday. Non-qualifying teams will have the opportunity to play in a consolation bracket on Saturday and continue to consolation semifinals and finals on Sunday.
Keep up with the tournament here:
Tournament Information
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Registration Information
Find out more about the tournament and registration info here.
Check-in Procedure
Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
1976 Observatory Drive
Madison, WI 53706
Athletic Training Services
We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants. Certified athletic trainers will be stationed at each facility to provide initial injury evaluation and address any taping needs.
- Nicholas Recreation Center: Level 3, between Courts 4 and 5
- Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center
- Level 1, near Courts 1 and 2
- Level 3, near Court 7
Player Certification Form
Team captain should have received this form by email from Lauren Carlson. If you have not received it, contact lauren.carlson@nirsa.org or download the form from the website. This form is an important step in registration and must be signed by all players, sport club rep, and university registrar to verify current enrollment.
When you get your Player Certification form back from the registrar, email a photo of it to series-basketball@nirsaleaders.org with roster of players with light and dark jerseys by Wednesday, April 15 at 11:59PM. Bring the original with you to check-in.
Coaches & Captain's Meeting
There are two options to attend the Coaches and Captain’s Meeting:
- Friday, April 10, 2 – 3pm (CST)
- Monday, April 14, 4:30 – 5:30pm (CST
A Coach or Team Representative is required to attend one of the two meetings. Prior to or after that meeting, if you have additional questions, contact Tournament Co-Directors LeAnne Davis or Christopher Berger, or NIRSA HQ Representative Lauren Carlson. The directors will also be at team check-in to answer any questions.
Friday Shoot-Around
Courts will be available for team practice on Friday morning. If your team is interested in using these courts, email NationalBball@recwell.wisc.edu so we know how many to expect and can ensure everyone gets to use them.
Courts
Twelve different courts at two locations will be used. The Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center and the Nicholas Recreation Center each have eight hardwood courts.
The Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center will host all championship games.
Photo ID Requirements
Each player is required to show their photo ID before each game. A player is permitted to use a university ID, driver’s license/state ID or passport.
No photographs of IDs will be accepted.
Spectator Fee
Please inform family and friends coming to Madison of the spectator admission fee:
- $10 per day or
- $25 for the weekend.
Players and coaches will be given passes during team check-in.
Parking
Parking is limited.
For parking around the Nicholas Recreation Center, we recommend teams use public garages surrounding the facility.
For parking around Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center, limited paid parking is available in Lot 67 and lot 76.
Click HERE to view the University of Wisconsin – Madison parking facilities.
Tournament Results
Daily results of the championships will be posted on IM Leagues.
You can also follow @NIRSAchamp or #NIRSABB for the X (Twitter) and Instagram fans.
Team Uniforms
Be sure that the numbers on all players’ uniforms are consistent with numbers submitted on the team registration form, particularly in switching from light to dark uniforms. All teams are required to have matching light and dark uniforms with no duplicated numbers. All jersey numbers must be permanently attached to the jersey.
Water on site
There are water fountains/water fill stations near each court.
We will not have water coolers at every court.
Bring your own water bottle. No cups will be provided.
Teams are encouraged to bring their own water to the venue.
Inclement Weather
The tournament format, number of games, and game length may change due to a team not showing up or forfeiting games.
Concessions
No concessions will be sold on-site, however, look for local restaurants and dining options on campus in your team packet.
Lodging & Airport Information
We encourage teams to book lodging through one of our host hotels that offer discounted rates. Please use this link to book your hotel today!
Several airports are accessible to participants and spectators including Dane County Regional Airport (Madison Wisconsin), Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), and O’Hare International Airport (Chicago, Illinois).
Skills Challenge
More information will be available at tournament desk.
Additional Information
Accommodation Statement
We are committed to offering inclusive and accessible programs. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in one of our programs, attend an event, or use our facilities, please contact us at (608) 262-0297 or accommodations@recwell.wisc.edu. All reasonable accommodation requests should be made at least 10 business days in advance. We will attempt to fulfill requests made after this date but cannot guarantee they will be met.
If you need the assistance of a service animal, please review University policy prior to entering our facility.
Sporting Behavior Statement
We wholeheartedly embrace the position that, for positive sporting behavior to prevail, coaches, student-athletes, and fans must display respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility before, during, and after all athletic contests. The NIRSA Championship Series is committed to holding tournaments in a safe and inclusive environment free from bullying. Offensive language including profanity and/or derogatory remarks of any kind directed at officials, event staff, student-athletes, coaches, or team representatives will not be tolerated and are grounds for removal from the competition site.
Thank You to Our Tournament Sponsors
