The NCAA has approved two new championship sports: stunt and acrobatics & tumbling. Both will officially start national competitions in spring 2027, creating historic opportunities for student-athletes.
Stunt, a team-based sport derived from cheerleading, focuses on technical skills, strength, and coordination. Teams perform lifts, tosses, and tumbling routines while being judged on precision and execution. With NCAA recognition, stunt gains national visibility and structured competition similar to other championship sports.
Acrobatics & tumbling, which combines flips, jumps, and synchronized routines, also becomes an official NCAA championship sport. The recognition allows athletes to compete at the highest collegiate level, with formal scoring, rankings, and scholarship opportunities.
The addition of these sports marks a significant milestone for women’s athletics. NCAA leaders emphasized that the move expands competitive opportunities and highlights the organization’s commitment to diversity in collegiate sports.
“Adding stunt and acrobatics & tumbling opens new pathways for student-athletes,” said an NCAA official. “These sports have grown rapidly at colleges, and championship status gives them the recognition and support they deserve.”
Colleges across the U.S. are preparing programs for both sports. Universities are investing in coaching, facilities, and recruitment, ensuring that student-athletes have the resources to succeed on a national stage.
The NCAA’s spring 2027 season will feature Division I, II, and III schools competing in both stunt and acrobatics & tumbling. Competitions will be scored on difficulty, execution, creativity, and teamwork, providing athletes with clear benchmarks for national success.
Fans and athletes welcomed the announcement, praising the NCAA for recognizing emerging sports. Social media reactions highlighted excitement about more opportunities for women to compete, earn scholarships, and gain exposure in collegiate athletics.
This historic move reflects broader trends in collegiate sports, where organizations increasingly embrace diverse and growing disciplines. By sanctioning stunt and acrobatics & tumbling, the NCAA supports student-athletes’ ambitions while promoting growth and visibility for these sports nationwide.
Overall, the approval of stunt and acrobatics & tumbling as NCAA championship sports marks a new era in collegiate athletics. These sports will allow women athletes to showcase skill, dedication, and teamwork while competing for national titles starting in 2027.
