October 3, 2025 — The NCAA Swimming and Diving Oversight Committee has approved updates to the format and qualification standards for the NCAA Division I Swimming & Diving Championships, effective for 2026. The decision was finalized on September 24, 2025, following initial approval by the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships Committee in June 2025.
These updates come at a critical juncture for the sport, as collegiate swimming and diving must continue to evolve to remain competitive. The proposal reflects years of conversations, committee meetings, and input from industry leaders across the collegiate swimming and diving ecosystem. The changes are supported by USA Swimming, USA Diving, the American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA), and Lasser Productions (producer of the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships for ESPN for the past 15 years), and are the result of a careful assessment of both current needs and the future of the sport.
“These concepts are not new, and this process has not been quick,” said Samantha Barany, Executive Director of the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). “But in a moment that demands forward momentum, the NCAA Committee has taken a step to advance our sport. It may not be perfect—few things ever are—but it is a step, not the final destination. Doing nothing would leave our sport far more vulnerable than taking proactive action, and the CSCAA is ready to work with the NCAA to make the next iteration of our Division I championship a success for everyone.”
The approved changes—including an updated championship format and qualification process—are designed to expand team representation, enhance the value of conference championships, meet broadcast media needs, and improve championship operations.
Full details of the approved changes will be released by the NCAA Swimming and Diving Oversight Committee directly.
