Homeschool basketball championships drive at least $5.5M in Springfield spending, sports commission says

This week marks the 2026 National Christian HomeSchool Basketball Championships, taking place on 23 gym floors across Springfield, according to Lance Kettering, executive director of the Greater Springfield Area Sports Commission Inc.

Kettering said the commission, along with Visit Springfield, Missouri, estimates the economic impact of the homeschool basketball tournament as being worth some $5.5 million-$5.8 million in direct economic spending, with over 6,000 room nights for the event, comprising hotel and short-term rental stays.

Teams began arriving March 15 and compete through Friday, “which means people will be in Springfield through Friday and Saturday,” Kettering said in an email sent to Springfield Business Journal yesterday afternoon.

“This event is a true reflection of what makes Springfield successful in sports tourism — flexible, high-quality venues, strong local partnerships and a collaborative community approach,” Kettering said. “Having hosted this championship since 2009, it’s a testament to the long-standing relationship and trust built between the event organizers, the Springfield Sports Commission and Visit Springfield, all working together to consistently deliver a first-class experience.”

He added that 416 basketball teams are in competition from 97 programs hailing from 19 states, from Hawaii to Virginia, the largest number of teams ever for this event. Some 3,500 participants are joined by roughly 10,000 fans attending the games as spectators.

A deal announced in November 2025 means the homeschooling communities’ basketball championships will remain in Springfield for an additional five years, through 2030, according to past SBJ reporting. The five-year economic impact is expected to be approximately $30 million, Kettering said.

“Hosting this event shows Springfield can successfully deliver major national basketball events, showcasing the strength of both the Springfield Sports Commission and Visit Springfield as trusted partners,” Kettering said.

He added that the five-year extension for the championships “builds long-term credibility and momentum, helping us attract even more high-profile events and drive continued visitor spending in our community.”

Venues for the event are as follows, Kettering said:
• AG Financial Arena, Evangel University
• Ashcroft Center, Evangel University
• Betty & Bobby Allison Sports Town (4 courts)
• The Fieldhouse Sportscenter (4 courts)
• O’Reilly Family Events Center, Drury University
• O’Reilly-Tefft Gymnasium
• Ozark Community Center (2 courts)
• Ozark High School (2 courts)
• Ozark Middle School (2 courts)
• Strafford Sports Center (4 courts)
• W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse, Mission University