STUNT | 1/21/2026 5:44:00 PM
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 21, 2026) – The NCAA has officially recognized STUNT as its 94th championship sport, marking a historic milestone in collegiate athletics and the continued growth of women's sports nationwide.
According to the NCAA, before the Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact recommended STUNT for championship status, the sport was required to meet minimum sponsorship, contest, and participant benchmarks across all three divisions. STUNT surpassed the required threshold of 40 varsity programs in its first year as an emerging sport in Divisions I, II, and III.
STUNT joined the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program in 2023 for Divisions I and II, with Division III adding the sport in 2024. Following approval by all three divisions at the 2026 NCAA Convention, STUNT will move forward as a National Collegiate Championship sport, with its first NCAA championship projected for Spring 2027.
During the Convention, Division I, II, and III member institutions voted unanimously to approve STUNT's transition from emerging sport status to an official NCAA championship sport. According to the NCAA, this decision reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to expanding participation opportunities and elevating women's athletics across all divisions.
STUNT became the eighth emerging sport to earn NCAA championship status through the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program.
"It's an exciting time to be a part of STUNT," said STUNT Head Coach Leslie Allen. "My journey with STUNT began more than nine years ago at the collegiate level, and I've been passionate about the development and growth of the sport ever since. The opportunities STUNT provides women student-athletes are profound, and this recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved."
According to the NCAA, the designation of STUNT as a championship sport allows for the creation of a National Collegiate Championship, where student-athletes from all divisions will compete for one NCAA title.
"The achievement of STUNT reaching championship status is a significant milestone for our athletics program, our university, and the continued growth of the sport nationwide," TWU Executive Director of Athletics Sandee Mott said. "For our program, it affirms the commitment, competitive excellence, and leadership of our student-athletes and coaches who have helped elevate STUNT at the Division II level. For our university, it reinforces our mission to provide meaningful championship opportunities and aligns with our value of academic success. More broadly, this moment shows the incredible momentum behind STUNT as a sport–creating an exciting, athlete-centered way to compete and opening the door to more opportunities and recognition across college athletics. We're proud to be part of this milestone and excited about what the future holds for STUNT at the NCAA championship level."
The NCAA's first STUNT Championship is scheduled for Spring 2027.
For the complete NCAA story release, click here.
-PIONEERS-
