The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced that the Orange Beach Sportsplex in Orange Beach, Alabama, in partnership with Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events, will host the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championships for 2025, 2026, and 2027. This prestigious event marks a return of the NAIA soccer championship to the Gulf Coast, as Orange Beach previously hosted both the Men’s and Women’s National Championships from 2010 to 2013.

“Orange Beach Sportsplex is the ideal venue for the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship,” said Austin Bennett, championship director at the NAIA. “The convenient and beautiful coastal setting will provide student-athletes and fans alike with an unforgettable national championship experience.”

The Orange Beach Sportsplex, situated near the scenic Gulf Coast, offers various high-quality sports facilities, including fields for softball, baseball, and soccer, along with a three-court sand volleyball area. The Orange Beach Championship Stadium, which will host the men’s soccer games, has been home to numerous high-profile sporting events, including both previous NAIA championships. The venue's proximity to the beach and local amenities ensures an exceptional experience for all participants, making it an attractive destination for student-athletes and fans alike.

“Welcoming the NAIA Men's Soccer Championship back to Alabama's Beaches in 2025 is an exciting win on many levels, from economic impact to community engagement,” said Michelle Russ, STS, vice president of sales, sports, and events at Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events. “The NAIA has been a long-term strategic partner for our organization, and we are honored to host hundreds of student-athletes, families, and fans, who will undoubtedly stimulate the local economy during an otherwise slower time in the destination. From a community impact standpoint, the NAIA's core values and Champions of Character program bring intentional outreach programs to our local schools.”

The NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship is a single-elimination tournament featuring 16 of the top collegiate teams from around the country. The tournament will take place over a week in late November and early December, with Orange Beach set to host the matches from December 1–8 in 2025, November 30–December 7 in 2026, and November 29–December 6 in 2027. In 2023, the championship was held at the Scheels Stryker Sports Complex in Wichita, Kansas, where MidAmerica Nazarene University captured the national title.

The decision to bring the championship back to Orange Beach highlights the area’s reputation as an excellent host for major sporting events, supported by its combination of high-quality facilities, favorable coastal setting, and a community ready to welcome guests. Local businesses and tourism officials are optimistic about the positive economic impact of the event, which is expected to bring in visitors during a traditionally quieter period for tourism. The partnership between NAIA and Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events continues to strengthen, with a shared commitment to enhancing the championship experience for student-athletes and fostering a positive influence on the local community.