Handball in the US: Tournament Aims to Boost a Growing Sport

Kyle Jordan of SETU and Mark Doyle of MNSU faced off in the Men’s Final of the 73rd USHA National Collegiate Championships on Sunday, marking a high point for collegiate handball in the United States. The championship match, held as part of a larger weekend of competition, underscores a continuing effort to elevate the profile of a sport that remains relatively niche within the American sporting landscape.

The US Handball Association (USHA) is currently hosting the 2026 3-Wall Masters Kick Off in Palm City, with draws and start times already published. This event, alongside the collegiate championships, represents a concentrated push to build momentum for the sport at various levels of play.

Even as handball enjoys a significant following internationally, particularly in Europe, its presence in the U.S. Has historically been limited. The USA Team Handball organization is attempting to bolster the sport’s collegiate ranks, with registration currently open for the 2026 College Nationals in Raleigh, North Carolina. Three championship divisions are planned for the event, signaling an ambition to attract top collegiate clubs.

The 2025 USA Team Handball National Championships, held in May of last year, saw New York City emerge victorious in the Men’s Elite Division, defeating the New York Athletic Club. The Women’s Elite Division was won by New York City, with Apex-Irvine taking second place. The tournament featured a round-robin format leading to knockout rounds, and was livestreamed on YouTube.

Looking ahead, the World Series of Handball is preparing to host its largest event to date in 2026, anticipating over 100 teams, including 96 in combined men’s and women’s divisions and 8 wheelchair teams. The tournament is scheduled to start on August 5th, with some teams opting to start play the following day.