The Final Countdown: 2026 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth

The chalk is flying, the leotards are shimmering, and the stakes have never been higher. As the collegiate gymnastics season reaches its fever pitch, all eyes are turning toward Fort Worth, Texas. This April, the city known for its "Cowboys and Culture" becomes the epicenter of the gymnastics world as it hosts the 2026 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships.

The pinnacle of the weekend—the "Four on the Floor" final—is more than just a competition; it is a high-octane showdown where the top four teams in the nation battle for the ultimate crown.

Event Overview

For the sixth consecutive year, Dickies Arena serves as the battlefield. This state-of-the-art venue has become a sanctuary for the sport, known for its intimate atmosphere and deafening crowds. Fans will witness a masterclass in precision, power, and grace as eight teams are whittled down to the final four on championship Saturday.

• Location: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, TX

• The Format: Two semi-final sessions on Thursday determine the final four teams that will compete in the winner-take-all "Four on the Floor" session on Saturday.

Schedule & Broadcast Information

Planning your watch party or trip to Fort Worth? Here is the breakdown of the championship weekend.

Note: The Saturday final will be broadcast live on ABC, bringing the gravity-defying action into millions of homes nationwide. Check your local listings to confirm the exact start time in your region.

The Road to the Championship

As of February 2026, the rankings are a shifting landscape of powerhouse programs and rising underdogs. Currently, the Oklahoma Sooners remain the team to beat, holding onto the #1 spot with historic scores and a deep roster. However, challengers like Florida, LSU, and UCLA are breathing down their necks, each boasting Olympic-level talent and the consistency needed to pull off an upset.

Why "Four on the Floor" Matters

In previous eras, the team champion was decided in a "Super Six" format. The move to the "Four on the Floor" has intensified the pressure. With only four teams competing simultaneously—one on Vault, one on Uneven Bars, one on Balance Beam, and one on Floor Exercise—there is nowhere to hide. Every stuck landing and every pointed toe counts toward a total score where the margin of victory is often less than a tenth of a point.

Essential Links

Stay updated with live scoring, ticket availability, and official announcements through these resources:

• Official NCAA Gymnastics Site: NCAA.com/Gymnastics

• Venue Information: Dickies Arena Official Site

• Tickets: NCAA Ticket Portal

What to Watch For

1. The Perfect 10 Hunt: Keep an eye on stars from programs like Utah and Michigan State, who have already flirted with perfection this season.

2. The Freshmen Phenoms: Several former Elite and Olympic hopefuls are in their debut college seasons, bringing high-difficulty skills that could tip the scales.

3. The Fort Worth Atmosphere: If you're attending in person, don't miss the "Fan Festival" outside Dickies Arena before the sessions begin.