The GSAC will be represented by Hope International in the 2026 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship, as the Royals earned a spot in the 64-team national field announced by the NAIA.

Hope International secures the conference’s lone bid into this year’s championship and will make its fourth appearance in the national tournament. The Royals last competed on the national stage in 2023.

The 64-team bracket opens with the NAIA Women’s Basketball First & Second Rounds presented by Ballogy on March 13–14 at host sites across the country. The winners of the Second Round will advance to the NAIA Championship final site in Sioux City, Iowa, where the remaining teams will compete at the Tyson Events Center from March 19–24 for the Red Banner.

Hope International enters the national tournament as the No. 13 seed in the Duer Quadrant and will travel to Lewiston, Idaho, for the First & Second Round hosted by Lewis-Clark State.

The Royals will open tournament play on March 13 at 5:30 p.m. PT against No. 4 seed Lewis-Clark State (Idaho). The winner will advance to the Second Round on March 14 at 5:30 p.m. PT to face the winner of the matchup between No. 5 Montana Tech and No. 12 Nelson (Texas).

With its selection to the national field, Hope International continues the GSAC’s presence in the NAIA postseason as the Royals look to advance through the opening rounds and earn a trip to Sioux City for the championship’s final site.