2025 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship Moving to Alabama

The 2025 NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship on May 2–4 will be relocated to the Gulf Shores in Alabama from Huntington Beach, California, given the Southern California region’s relief efforts after massive fires throughout the area.

The NCAA and the Orange County Sports Commission collaborated with host school Long Beach State on the decision to move the championship.

“In light of the ongoing recovery efforts approximately 50 miles up north in Los Angeles County, our focus is currently on ensuring hotel rooms and other resources remain focused on supporting those in need,” said Anthony Brenneman, Orange County Sports Commission executive director.

Huntington Beach was scheduled to host the NCAA beach volleyball championship event for the first time. Gulf Shores has hosted the event since the inaugural tournament in 2016.

“We are fortunate to have an alternative site in Gulf Shores that beach volleyball student-athletes, coaches and fans are familiar with,” said Ashley Armstrong, NCAA Women’s Beach Volleyball Committee chair and deputy athletics director at Loyola Marymount University. “Relocating the championship is in the best interest for all involved.”

Huntington Beach is scheduled to host the 2026 championship before the event goes to the Gulf Shores again from 2027 through 2031.

“Orange County is proud to host the future championship at Huntington Beach, with its world-famous backdrop, which will provide an unparalleled experience for the athletes, coaches and fans,” Brenneman said. “We look forward to showing the NCAA beach volleyball community a positive championship experience.”

The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events, will collaborate on organizing the 2025 tournament. Gulf Shores already planned for future NCAA events to have the addition of spectator stadium seating and additional hospitality space, with upgrades to the television compound.

“When we were approached about this opportunity, we felt confident that we could provide a similar championship experience as in past years,” said Beth Gendler, president and chief executive officer of Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events. “Our community is excited to have the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship return to Gulf Shores.”