HOUSTON — The 2026 NCA All-Star National Championship is underway this weekend, drawing 29,183 athletes to downtown Houston and solidifying its place as the second largest cheer event ever held, according to data released to us by Varsity Spirit.
Competition began Friday and continues through Sunday at the George R. Brown Convention Center and Toyota Center, with finals set for tomorrow. A total of 1,516 teams from 410 programs are competing across divisions, including 176 Worlds-level teams. Athletes represent 40 states and nine countries.
While participation is just shy of last year’s record-setting 30,410 athletes, the 2026 numbers underscore NCA’s standing as one of the sport’s most influential and consistently attended championships.
First Year in Houston
This marks the first time the NCA All-Star National Championship has been held in Houston. The event launches a three-year agreement between NCA, a Varsity Spirit brand, and Houston First Corporation to host the competition through 2028.
“We are extremely pleased to be able to bring the NCA All-Star Championship to Houston,” said Michael Heckman, president and CEO of Houston First. “This is a high-impact event, with tens of thousands of attendees, that will activate our convention campus and bring business to more than 150 hotels.”
The competition footprint spans multiple venues, extending from the convention center into Discovery Green and Toyota Center. The expanded campus approach is designed to manage athlete movement and spectator flow at scale, with an estimated 65,000 competitors and spectators in attendance over the weekend.
$50 Million Impact Projected
The economic impact of the 2026 championship is estimated at $50 million. Over the course of the three-year agreement, officials project $150 million in direct and indirect spending in Houston.
“As one of the largest all-star events in the country, NCA All-Star National Championship deserves a city that matches its scale and enthusiasm, and Houston was the clear choice,” said Justin Carrier, vice president of event operations and experience for Varsity Spirit.
Houston First and Varsity Spirit are coordinating with campus partners, including Fertitta Entertainment, which operates Toyota Center, along with local law enforcement and event personnel to manage safety and operations throughout the weekend.
Beyond the attendance milestone, the competitive field remains the focus. With 176 Worlds teams entered, the event serves as a key benchmark in the latter half of the season. Programs are refining routines, testing upgrades and evaluating execution under high-pressure conditions ahead of April championship events.
Division depth is evident across levels, and margins are narrow. For athletes, Saturday’s prelims and semifinal rounds set the stage for Sunday finals, where 210 champions will be crowned. Nearly 30,000 athletes are competing for national titles, and tomorrow’s finals will determine who leaves Houston with them.
