KANSAS CITY, MO (October 28, 2026) – Kansas City is thrilled to be named a finalist to host the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four during the 2032–2036 hosting cycle. The prospect to deliver a modern Final Four in Kansas City represents the opportunity to continue a long tradition of college basketball in the region, engaging two states and countless communities along the way.
The Final Four and Kansas City have a long-shared history, intertwined in close and meaningful ways. Throughout history, Kansas City has hosted the Final Four on ten occasions. Most recently, the Final Four was held in at Kemper Arena in 1988, the 50th anniversary of the tournament. Now, Kansas City looks to host the tournament in the Kansas City Chiefs new stadium set to open in Kansas City, KS, in 2031.
“We are thrilled that Kansas City is moving on as a finalist in the next NCAA Final Four site selection process,” said Chiefs President Mark Donovan. “As we continue to make progress on our stadium project and we talk about the transformational opportunities that it can unlock, having the NCAA consider our future home for their Men’s Basketball Championship is a great indicator of how the greater sports and entertainment landscape perceives the Kansas City market. We want to thank Kathy Nelson and the entire Kansas City Sports Commission team for their continued work on this bid, and we look forward to further participating in this competitive bid process.”
The region’s reverence for college basketball is further reinforced through our host institutions, the University of Kansas and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). From the very beginning, Dr. James Naismith founded the KU basketball program and established a coaching tree that has become legendary. A reliance on one of the most credible legacies in college athletics will further advance Kansas City’s success as a potential Final Four host.
"With the success of the World Cup this past summer, Kansas City clearly demonstrated its ability to host premier sporting events, including a Final Four,” said Travis Goff, Kansas Director of Athletics. “The city has a rich history of hosting NCAA championships and Final Fours, most notably the unforgettable 1988 Final Four. We understand this is still in the preliminary stages, but we're excited to be involved alongside the Chiefs, UMKC and the Kansas City Sports Commission as we embrace this opportunity."
Across academics, research, and athletics, UMKC is holistically elevating its status as a resource for the area. Alignment with the NCAA and the Final Four will represent another momentous step forward for the institution and its ability to serve the Kansas City region.
“Kansas City has a rich basketball history and an extraordinary ability to bring people together around the game,” said C. Mauli Agrawal, Chancellor of University of Missouri–Kansas City. “Being named a finalist for the Men’s Final Four is a testament to that tradition and to the vision and collaboration of partners across our region. As Kansas City’s Division I university, UMKC is proud to support this bid and the opportunity to welcome college basketball’s biggest stage back to our community.”
Coming off a successful summer as a FIFA World Cup 2026™ host city, the region looks to further elevate their tournament experience. Food and beverage vendors, immersive cultural experiences, special transportation networks, community celebrations and other efforts added a distinctly Kansas City touch to the world’s largest sporting event. Now, it is clear that local partners have the creative vision and practical expertise to produce one-of-a-kind experiences for players and fans at the Final Four.
“Being named a finalist is a tremendous honor and a testament to Kansas City’s ability to bring people together through sports,” said Kathy Nelson, President and CEO of the KC Sports Commission and Visit KC. “Following the FIFA World Cup 2026™, we have an incredible opportunity to build on that momentum and showcase the passion, collaboration and hospitality that make our region special. Being named a finalist to host the Final Four is another testament to Kansas City’s emergence as a premier sports destination.”
In the months ahead, NCAA staff and committee members will continue evaluating the finalist cities through meetings, site visits and additional submitted materials. The selection process will culminate in July 2027, when representatives from each city will present to the committees during their summer meetings in Naples, Florida. Coming out of those meetings, the committees will formally announce the hosts for the 2032-36 Final Fours.
About The KC Sports Commission
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