INDIANAPOLIS – A significant milestone is on the horizon for acrobatic and stunt sports, with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announcing that both disciplines are poised to achieve official championship status by spring 2027. This exciting development marks the culmination of years of growth and investment within these dynamic sports. Acrobatic and tumbling first emerged as an emerging sport in 2020, followed by the formal designation of stunt in 2023, signaling a growing recognition of their athletic merit and competitive potential. Currently, over 40 schools across the three NCAA divisions are actively sponsoring these sports, representing a crucial threshold for championship accreditation. The proposed timeline for achieving championship status by 2027 is contingent upon confirming continued sponsorship support and robust participation numbers following preliminary competition in spring 2025. Initially, a single championship event will be held for each sport, accommodating athletes from all three divisions and showcasing the diverse skillsets within these disciplines. Acrobatic and tumbling is a remarkably fast-paced, team-based sport demanding exceptional athleticism and coordination. Athletes engage in synchronized performances that incorporate a wide range of skills, including acrobatic elements, intricate pyramid construction, daring tosses, challenging tumbling sequences, and complex team routines. Meets are structured to assess the difficulty and flawless execution of these skills, with scoring reflecting the ambition and precision of the routines. The National Collegiate Acrobatics & Tumble Association currently governs the sport, ensuring standardized rules and fair competition. Stunt, a comparatively newer discipline, has rapidly gained traction by transforming traditional cheerleading skills into a highly competitive, head-to-head format. This evolution emphasizes athleticism, precision, and strategic teamwork, transforming a performance into a dynamic four-quarter contest. Teams compete in partner stunts, constructing impressive pyramids, executing complex jumps, and demonstrating mastery of tumbling skills. Scoring is based on the flawless execution of these elements, rewarding both individual skill and coordinated teamwork. Championships are structured through a rigorous double-elimination tournament, guaranteeing a thrilling and decisive conclusion. Currently, USA Cheer oversees the sport, providing leadership and support to teams and athletes.

Stunt, a comparatively newer discipline, has rapidly gained traction by transforming traditional cheerleading skills into a highly competitive, head-to-head format. This evolution emphasizes athleticism, precision, and strategic teamwork, transforming a performance into a dynamic four-quarter contest. Teams compete in partner stunts, constructing impressive pyramids, executing complex jumps, and demonstrating mastery of tumbling skills. Scoring is based on the flawless execution of these elements, rewarding both individual skill and coordinated teamwork. Championships are structured through a rigorous double-elimination tournament, guaranteeing a thrilling and decisive conclusion. Currently, USA Cheer oversees the sport, providing leadership and support to teams and athletes.