Move Elevate

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has officially announced that stunt, acrobatics, and tumbling will become recognized championship sports, with national championships set to begin in spring 2027. The decision marks a major milestone in collegiate athletics and highlights the NCAA’s continued push to expand competitive opportunities, particularly for women athletes.

Stunt, acrobatics, and tumbling are highly demanding sports that blend athletic strength, balance, coordination, and teamwork. Drawing elements from competitive cheer and gymnastics, athletes perform structured routines that include stunts, pyramids, synchronized tumbling passes, and aerial skills, all judged on difficulty and execution. While many colleges already sponsor these programs at the club or emerging varsity level, official championship status elevates them to a new level of recognition and legitimacy.

The NCAA’s move carries particular importance for women’s sports. As universities continue to seek meaningful ways to expand participation and meet Title IX requirements, the addition of these sports provides new scholarship opportunities, roster spots, and pathways for female athletes who previously had limited options at the collegiate level. With standardized rules and national championships, athletes now have a clearer route from youth and high school programs to elite college competition.

Beyond gender equity, the decision reflects a broader evolution in college sports. By embracing non-traditional yet fast-growing disciplines, the NCAA is responding to changing athlete interests and modern participation trends. Athletic departments have also noted that stunt, acrobatics, and tumbling can be more cost-effective than some traditional programs while still delivering strong fan engagement and competitive depth.

With the first national championships scheduled for spring 2027, programs across the country are expected to grow rapidly over the next two seasons. Schools will invest in recruiting, coaching, and facilities as they prepare to compete on the NCAA stage. Fans can look forward to new championship events, emerging rivalries, and an exciting addition to the college sports calendar.

The NCAA’s decision to officially recognize stunt, acrobatics, and tumbling is more than an administrative update. It represents a meaningful step toward inclusivity, innovation, and expanded opportunity in collegiate athletics. As these sports take center stage in 2027, they are poised to reshape the landscape of women’s college sports and inspire the next generation of athletes.