Beyond the Game: Inside the New NCAA Bid Cycle with Anthony Holman

Editor's Note: This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Sports ETA Symposium in April. As a result, some discussions reference upcoming events and opportunities that have since taken place.What does it take to bring the magic of an NCAA Championship to your city? In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Holman, Vice President of Championships and Alliances at the NCAA, to discuss the incredible economic and community impact of hosting collegiate sporting events.Coming off a wildly successful Spring Championship season, Anthony shares his insights on the shifting landscape of college athletics and why hosting an NCAA event is a uniquely low-risk, high-reward opportunity for destinations. We also dive into the brand-new NCAA bid portal and everything you need to know about the upcoming Championships Bid Cycle.In this episode, we cover:A recap of the record-setting Spring Championship season.How the rapidly changing collegiate sports landscape affects host cities.The true value and ROI of hosting an NCAA Championship.Step-by-step insights into the upcoming bid cycle and the new online portal.What the NCAA is looking forward to for the rest of 2026.Links & Resources:Learn more and submit your bid: www.ncaa.org/bidsFollow the NCAA on social media for championship updates.