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NCAA Cheer & Dance Championships: Divisions Explained

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 16th 2026 at 1:48 GMT by Sporting News

A Growing Spectacle: Understanding the Divisions

The NCAA Cheer and Dance Championships isn't just a single competition; it's a multi-faceted event showcasing three distinct divisions: Premier, GameDay, and Jazz. Each division represents a unique style and focus within the world of cheer and dance. The Premier division spotlights high-performance routines characterized by intricate choreography, demanding technical skills, and visually stunning presentations. GameDay focuses on routines designed to energize and support a basketball game atmosphere, emphasizing spirit, crowd interaction, and powerful movements. Jazz, as the name suggests, centers on a vibrant, expressive dance style rooted in improvisational movement and contemporary music.

The Schedule - What to Expect Each Day

The competition unfolds over four days, with a carefully curated schedule designed to maximize excitement and showcase the talent across all divisions. Here's a breakdown of what fans can expect:

• Thursday, January 16th: The championships kick off with the Jazz Dance Preliminaries. This initial round will see teams from across the nation perform their jazz routines, with judges evaluating their technique, artistry, and overall impression. The best teams will advance to the finals.
• Friday, January 17th: A packed day sees the GameDay Cheer Preliminaries and the Jazz Dance Finals. The GameDay Cheer Preliminaries will establish the teams moving on to the final round. The Jazz Dance Finals will crown the national champion in this expressive dance category. This is often a fan favorite, filled with innovation and creative musical choices.
• Saturday, January 18th: Saturday is dedicated to the Premier Cheer routines, with the Premier Cheer Preliminaries taking place. The GameDay Dance Preliminaries will also take place, further narrowing the field for Sunday's finals.
• Sunday, January 19th: The grand finale! Sunday brings the Premier Cheer Finals, where the top Premier Cheer teams will battle it out for the national title. The culmination of the competition arrives with the GameDay Dance Finals, declaring the GameDay Dance national champion.

For the full, detailed schedule including specific times for each performance, fans are encouraged to visit the official NCAA Cheer and Dance website: [ https://www.ncaa.com/cheerdance ].

How to Watch: ESPN's Coverage

For those unable to attend the championships in person, ESPN is providing comprehensive coverage across its various platforms. Live routines will be broadcast on ESPNU, while many other performances will be streamed on ESPN3 and ESPN+. This widespread availability ensures that fans nationwide can witness the incredible talent and dedication of these student-athletes.

More Than Just a Competition: The Significance of NCAA Cheer & Dance

The NCAA Cheer and Dance Championships represent more than just a sporting event; it's a demonstration of discipline, teamwork, and artistry. These athletes dedicate countless hours to perfecting their routines, balancing rigorous training with academic commitments. As the sport continues to gain prominence within the NCAA, these championships underscore the athleticism, skill, and dedication of the competitors, solidifying its place as a vital and exciting part of collegiate athletics. Stay tuned to NCAA.com for the latest results, scores, and highlights throughout the weekend.