COLUMBUS – The NCAA Women’s Final Four may return to Columbus in a few years.
The NCAA announced Monday that Columbus is one of four finalists invited to bid for the 2025 and 2026 Women’s Final Four. Tampa, Phoenix and Portland are the other cities looking to host.
Nationwide Arena hosted the games two years ago.
“When Columbus played host to the 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four, it united our community in a meaningful way and provided opportunities to introduce thousands of people – whether players, coaches, fans or those watching on TV – to our great city,” said Linda Shetina Logan, executive director of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the NCAA on the bid process and are excited about another opportunity to host these amazing student-athletes and women’s basketball fans in Columbus,” she said.
Final bids are due by April 13, after which NCAA committee and staff will visit each finalist city from June through August.
The Columbus commission will make its in-person presentation to committee members in September before the NCAA makes the formal recommendation and final approval, which will be announced in October.