Visit Lake Charles, McNeese State to host NJCAA Women’s Basketball Championship

Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University in Louisiana will host the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championships in 2026, 2027 and 2028 at the Legacy Center in Lake Charles.

2026 will mark the first year Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State have hosted an NJCAA championship. The Legacy Center, a $35.9 million, 142,000-square-foot venue, is home to McNeese State’s basketball and volleyball programs, as well as the Department of Health and Human Performance.

“Securing the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship underscores Lake Charles’ growing reputation as a premier sports destination,” Visit Lake Charles President and Chief Executive Officer Kyle Edmiston said. “We are excited to shed light on our community’s hospitality and first-class amenities to athletes, fans, and visitors from across the nation.”

The 24-team championship will March 22-30, 2026, March 23-29, 2027, and March 21-27, 2028.

“We are excited for Visit Lake Charles and McNeese State University to welcome the DI Women’s Basketball Championship to Louisiana in 2026,” said Brian Luckett, NJCAA senior vice president for external affairs & development. “The Legacy Center will be a great location to host this championship and we look forward to the top-quality national tournament experience that will be provided to NJCAA student-athletes, coaches, and fans.”

The basketball arena seats 4,242 and opened in 2018 with a men’s basketball game against Loyola-New Orleans on November 16 with the first women’s basketball game against Louisiana College on December 19, 2018. The arena has previously hosted events including the Southland Conference Basketball Championships.

“We are honored to host the NJCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship at the Legacy Center,” McNeese State Athletic Director Heath Schroyer said. “This event not only underscores the caliber of our facility but also our commitment to fostering athletic excellence and providing an unparalleled experience for participants and spectators alike.”