A total of 450 host sites for preliminary round and championship events have been awarded by the university sports organisation.

The NCAA said it had received more than 3,000 bid submissions from NCAA member schools, conferences, sports commissions and cities vying to host predetermined rounds for 86 of the NCAA’s 90 championships.

The sites were selected by the respective NCAA sports committees and approved by the divisional competition oversight and championships committees.

Division I baseball, Division I softball and the championship game of the Football Championship Subdivision were omitted from the process due to existing contracts.

The Division III women’s ice hockey was also not included, due to predetermined sites not being selected.

"The response of our membership, host cities and local Organising Committees to this process was tremendous,” said Joni Comstock, NCAA senior vice president of championships.

"Thanks to their commitment, we are excited that our student-athletes will play in some of the top locations and venues in the United States."

California has been awarded the highest number of championship events, with 34 set to take place in the state.

Texas boasts 30 events, while North Carolina and Pennsylvania have 28 and 27 respectively.

The NCAA highlighted the selection of the 2025 and 2026 Division I Women’s Final Fours basketball event.

The Amalie Arena in Tampa will serve as the site in 2025, with the city having welcomed more fans to the event than any other city.

A total of 123,039 spectators attended the event in 2008, 2015 and 2019.

The Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix will host the event for the first time in 2026.

"This bid cycle was significant for Division I women’s basketball, as we were able to identify two outstanding future host cities for the Women’s Final Four in 2025 and 2026 and named the eight regional host sites that will be part of our new two-site regional format that is in play beginning in 2023," said Lynn Holzman, NCAA vice president of women’s basketball.

"I am pleased that over the next six years we will play in several new markets, while providing enhanced hosting opportunities."

The NCAA say the selection of host sites was based on criteria that included the ability to create an outstanding experience for student-athletes, along with adherence to NCAA sport-specific bid specifications.

Specifications can include providing optimal facilities, ease of travel to the location and ample accommodation.

Bids were also required to adhere to NCAA principles, which include providing an atmosphere that is safe and respects all attendees.