Our URLs have changed for 2025-26. Looking for our New England tournament? Click here!

On the weekend of March 13-15, 2026, the top qualified teams will battle it out for the Nebraska Middle School Basketball Championship.  After a long regular season playing against other teams in your area, the State Basketball Championship offers teams the shot to compete against fresh faces from all corners of the state. This is not your ordinary league tournament, but rather the chance of a lifetime for all kids... "Remember the time we went to State!?!"

Teams from Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri are also eligible to compete in Omaha and should complete an At Large Application to qualify for entry.

Championship Overview

• Two Championship divisions - "School" and "Club".  Both divisions offer exciting competition for Boys and Girls grades 3-8.
• All teams play a minimum of 4 games. Some will play 5 games.
• Play begins as early as 5pm Friday and the latest possible Sunday tip times are at 4:45pm.
• Entry fees are regularly $350 per team, however early sign up and multiple team discounts are available.
• Awards for teams and for 1st and 2nd places in both divisions
• Game results immediately posted to the website after completion

There's more! Here's what you'll get when we See You at STATE!

• Players and coaches will play youth teams that they've never faced before.  We'll have teams traveling from all over the region, including from the southern neighbors of Kansas and Missouri, and along the northern/eastern border of South Dakota and Iowa!  And, of course, we can't wait to welcome the hometown teams representing the Cornhusker State!
• Partner hotels and resorts offering discounted rates.
• Competition will be held at clean, multi-court facilities in Lincoln and Omaha, including games on the University of Nebraska and Creighton University campus! 
• Friday evening and Saturday will feature exciting pool play with Sunday bringing the magic of the semi-finals and Championship games.
• Certified referees from the local high school associations.
• All of the above while enjoying Lincoln and Omaha - two of the top travel destinations in the region! Click here to start planning your trip. 

Team Registration Deadline - Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Roster Changes Deadline - Friday, February 27th, 2026
Deadline to Submit Player Eligibility Documents - Friday, February 27th, 2026
Teams that qualify on February 28th and March 1st have until Monday, March 2nd to register. 

* Note these dates are in place to allow the State Eligibility Committee time to complete its satisfactory review of all players' Proof of Eligibility Documents.  Space limited to available team spots.

Questions about the Nebraska Middle School Basketball Championship?

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact our Nebraska State Tournament Director, Coby Grumbach, coby@statebasketballchampionship.com

#SeeYouAtStateNE

We really enjoyed the tournament!  It will be memories that last a life time for all of us...We have some younger teams that have been influenced by the experience they had watching their brothers at the State Tournament and are looking forward to Seeing You at State for many years to come.

Coach Ricks
Aurora Central 8th grade boys

I wanted to thank you for putting together an amazing tournament this weekend.  It was well organized with extremely nice facilities.  State College was the perfect location to host this event.

Our girls had a blast and made memories that will last a life time.

We look forward to year two next year!  

Dave S
Thomas Jefferson 5th Grade Girls