Kansas high school basketball tournament gets major overhaul
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas State High School Activities Association will consolidate multiple classes at single venues for state basketball tournaments beginning in 2026, marking the first time since 1953 that classes will share championship sites.
The KSHSAA Board of Directors approved the new format Tuesday, responding to member school administrators who requested class consolidation to create a more unified tournament atmosphere. The changes affect both the 2026 and 2027 tournaments.
"The KSHSAA is an association of member schools, and the school leaders have asked for class consolidation of championships," said KSHSAA Executive Director Bill Faflick. "This new format will achieve that result and provide a greater focus on the student-athletes competing at the highest level."
In 2026, the Hutchinson Sports Arena will host both Class 3A and Class 4A semifinals and finals. Koch Arena in Wichita gets Classes 5A and 6A, while White Auditorium in Emporia hosts Class 2A and Class 1A Division II. Class 1A Division I will play at United Wireless Arena in Dodge City.
The 2027 tournament redistributes classes again. Tony's Pizza Events Center in Salina will host both Class 1A divisions, while Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan gets Classes 2A and 4A. Class 3A moves to Hutchinson Sports Arena alone, and Classes 5A and 6A shift to White Auditorium in Emporia.
The new format also changes quarterfinal arrangements. Games will be held March 10-11, 2026, and March 9-10, 2027, at seven venues across five cities. Matchups will be determined by proximity to the higher seed rather than by classification.
"With the top four seeds earning the right to play close to home, the quarterfinal rounds will provide a better environment and experience, allowing more friends and family to attend," said KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Kyle Doperalski.
Schools more than 250 miles apart may have their quarterfinal games moved to centrally located venues. State brackets remain unchanged after the quarterfinals.
The semifinals and finals will follow March 12-14, 2026, and March 11-13, 2027.
KSHSAA officials said the changes mirror recent adjustments to championship soccer and football formats designed to increase visibility and fan engagement. The new approach aims to reduce travel burdens while making it easier for fans, coaches and media to follow tournament action.
The format changes stem from a 2022 survey of member schools in which each classification expressed support for consolidating sites at the state tournament level.
Quarterfinal venues include United Wireless Arena in Dodge City, Tony's Pizza Events Center and Mabee Arena at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina, Koch Arena and Garvey Center at Friends University in Wichita, White Auditorium in Emporia, and KCKCC Fieldhouse in Kansas City.
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