The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) is set to kick off the opening rounds of the 2026 Boys State Basketball tournament on February 24th, with games continuing through February 28th. This initial phase of the competition will take place at various locations across the state, setting the stage for the championship games scheduled for March 4th-7th. The 2026 Boys State Basketball tournament promises exciting matchups and showcases the talent of young athletes from across Washington.
The tournament is divided into classifications – 1B, 2B, 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A – allowing schools of similar size to compete against one another. The opening rounds will determine which teams advance to the championship brackets, culminating in the final games at Numerica Veterans Arena in Spokane, WA, for the 1B and 2B classifications, the Yakima Valley Sundome in Yakima, WA, for the 1A and 2A classifications, and the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA, for the 3A and 4A classifications. The WIAA website provides detailed schedules and location information.
Tournament Schedule and Locations
The WIAA has designated specific venues for each classification. The 1B and 2B classifications will compete for the state championship at Numerica Veterans Arena, located at 720 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201. The 1A and 2A classifications will head to the Yakima Valley Sundome, situated at 1301 S Fair Ave, Yakima, WA 98901. Finally, the 3A and 4A classifications will battle it out at the Tacoma Dome, 2727 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421. These locations will host the championship games from March 4th to March 7th, 2026.
The opening rounds, running February 24th-28th, will be held at “various locations” throughout the state, as confirmed by the WIAA. Specific site assignments for these opening round games can be found on the WIAA Tournament Central page. Fans interested in attending can purchase tickets and watch live on the WIAA website.
Key Contacts and Sponsorship Information
Andy Barnes serves as the WIAA Sport Contact for the boys basketball tournament. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can reach out to [email protected]. The WIAA, based in Renton, Washington, can be contacted at (425) 687-8585. The association encourages schools to sign up for team accounts to receive discounts on Baden basketballs through the Baden Team Store.
Looking Ahead to the Championships
Following the opening rounds, the focus will shift to the championship brackets. The March 4th-7th games at the three designated arenas will determine the state champions for each classification. The WIAA provides detailed schedules for each classification on its website, allowing fans to follow their favorite teams throughout the tournament. The 3A and 4A schedules, 1A and 2A schedules, and 1B and 2B schedules are all available for review.
The WIAA’s commitment to providing a platform for high school athletes is evident in the organization of this tournament. With games scheduled across the state and culminating in championship showdowns at premier venues, the 2026 Boys State Basketball tournament is poised to be a memorable event for players, coaches, and fans alike. The WIAA continues to update its website with the latest information, including game schedules, bracket updates, and ticket availability.
The next major update from the WIAA will be the release of the full bracket following the conclusion of the opening rounds on February 28th. Fans and teams are encouraged to stay tuned to the WIAA website for the latest news, and information.
What are your predictions for the 2026 Boys State Basketball tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow basketball enthusiasts!
