-News Release-
The 2026 UTR Sports NIT Championship began on Tuesday in at the Rome Tennis Center at Berry College.
The national championship will feature top college tennis teams from across the country looking to cap off their seasons with a national title.
“College tennis is facing a pivotal moment as athletic departments reckon with a new funding model for high-level college athletics. But, as it always has, UTR Sports is again stepping up for college tennis programs, giving them a platform to compete and raise awareness about their top-notch programs and student-athletes,” said Chase Hodges, UTR Sports Senior Vice President and 23-time national coach of the year. “These teams have battled all season for this opportunity, and UTR Sports is thrilled to elevate college tennis with the fourth annual NIT Championship.”
UTR Sports has long led the way in supporting collegiate tennis with tens of millions of dollars invested in new technology, data science, analytics, and events, including camps, circuits, clinics, and the UTR Pro Tennis Tour (UTR PTT). These investments fuel the growth and financial sustainability of college tennis programs at a time when they need it most.
The Virginia Tech Hokies from the ACC are the top seed on the men’s side, with Kansas State University of the Big 12 leading the women’s draw. Seedings are based on the April 29 UTR Sports College Team Rankings. The innovative rankings are powered by a trio of data points: a team’s Power 6 (combined UTR Ratings of their top six players); win-loss record; and strength of schedule.
“We are super excited to play in the UTR Sports NIT Championship. The facilities in Rome are very good, and I feel like it will give our guys another great opportunity to finish off this season. Our guys are excited to compete!” said Jim Thompson, head coach of the Virginia Tech men’s tennis team.
Complete draws, live-streaming links, and further team information can be found below and at utrsports.com/nit.
