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On the morning of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Semifinals, ESPN made an exciting announcement: the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad will be returning to the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah, in January 2026.
Scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026, the event will feature two quad meets. Session I is set to air live on ABC starting at 4 p.m. ET, while Session II will follow in primetime on ESPN2 at either 8 or 9 p.m.
Expressing enthusiasm for the event’s return, ESPN Events director Kristen Shaver stated, “We are thrilled to return to Utah for the third annual Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad.” The event’s sponsor aligns with its mission, emphasizing a commitment to supporting women in sports.
Nick Konat, president and COO, noted, “Sprouts is on a mission to empower women both on and off the mat, whether it’s fueling performance through nutrition or partnering with organizations who are changing the game in women’s sports.”
The 2025 competition in Oklahoma City gained significant recognition as one of the top regular-season events in the NCAA gymnastics calendar. It showcased fierce competition, with all eight teams participating advancing to this year’s postseason.
Five of those teams—including No. 1 LSU, No. 2 Oklahoma, No. 4 Utah, No. 5 UCLA, and No. 8 Michigan State—are now in contention for the national title. They will compete alongside No. 5 California, No. 9 Kentucky, and 2021 NCAA Champion Michigan in the upcoming 2026 roster.
Shaver emphasized the event’s significance, stating, “To have all eight teams make a postseason appearance with five advancing to the National Championship speaks volumes to the stature of this early-season event. We believe strongly in the power of women’s sports and are committed to furthering the growth of gymnastics.”
Primetime Production Value
After achieving record viewership figures in 2024 and 2025, the meet is set to return to primetime television in 2026. According to ESPN, the initial two editions of this event represent the “most-watched live, regular season collegiate gymnastics meets ever aired on ESPN platforms.”
Although the meet does not function as a postseason qualifier, its high-caliber presentation distinguishes it from traditional regular-season competitions. “The teams at ESPN working on the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad treat it as if it were the national championship,” said Hannah McSwain, an Associate Manager for ESPN Events.
From the podium and competition equipment to the broadcast featuring renowned postseason talent, the aim is to create a championship atmosphere at the season’s inception.
Reflecting on the event’s inaugural year, McSwain described it as “a learning experience” where they deepened their understanding of gymnastics’ nuances. “We familiarize ourselves with the sport, including its precision and passion. We collaborate with a seasoned production team, hire experienced meet directors, and seek insights from participating schools to ensure a top-notch experience for the athletes.”
Growth of the Sport Takes Center Stage
The event’s success contributes to a broader trend in women’s gymnastics and women’s athletics at large—something that is expected to resonate during this week’s championship.
“We’ve seen significant growth in women’s sports,” noted Mallory Kenny, Director of Programming. “Developing a consistent programming strategy, like SEC Network’s Friday Night Heights, and showcasing these athletes’ stories will attract viewers who will likely return.”
Kenny pointed to data illustrating this commitment, stating, “In just three years, we have nearly doubled the programming hours of women’s gymnastics across our platforms, making it more accessible.” Furthermore, the approach involves outreach and increased accessibility for both dedicated fans and newcomers to the sport.
“Our production team and commentators excel at making the events engaging for everyone, from die-hard gymnastics enthusiasts to casual viewers,” she added. Through partnerships formed under the new NCAA media rights agreement, they are exploring a variety of fresh event options and storytelling formats. ESPN’s original content series, Game On, directly addresses these emerging opportunities.
Broadcast Innovation And Upgrades
“Expanding the audience and connecting with younger fans through marquee events and enhanced production is crucial for the continued success of women’s gymnastics coverage,” Kenny remarked. This strategy is exemplified by the upcoming ABC broadcast of the national championship, representing just the start of enhanced viewer engagement.
Amanda Gifford, ESPN’s Senior Vice President of Production, reaffirmed the commitment to high-quality execution for Thursday’s semifinals and Saturday’s finals. “We’re constantly striving to elevate our presentations,” Gifford stated. “There are numerous opportunities for innovation within gymnastics.”
In 2024, the adoption of a new scoring tower garnered praise from coaches and fans alike for improving the viewing experience. This year’s broadcast will further feature a groundbreaking 4-dimensional replay for vault and uneven bars, employing 30 cameras for enhanced portrayal of the gymnasts’ dynamic performances.
“Each apparatus is surrounded by multiple cameras, allowing us to showcase the true athleticism of the gymnasts,” Gifford said. Acknowledging gymnastics as a complex sport for new viewers, she noted the responsibility lies with the broadcasters to make understanding easy and engaging.
“As the sport progresses, we must continuously evolve our storytelling and presentation,” she emphasized. Expressing pride in the evolution of gymnastics coverage, Gifford highlighted the impressive growth from a handful of televised meets to over 70, thanks to platforms like SEC Network and ACC Network, while incorporating a wider variety of competitions, including NCAA regionals and conference championships.
“The enthusiasm of the ESPN team working on gymnastics is palpable,” she concluded. “Many members are lifelong fans, former gymnasts, or have come to appreciate the sport over the years. This excitement is reflected in our coverage.”
How To Tune In: Fort Worth and Beyond
Fans interested in witnessing these innovations can catch the two national semifinals live on ESPN2 on Thursday, April 17. The National Championship, referred to as ‘The Four On The Floor,’ will be broadcast live on ABC on Saturday, April 19. Detailed scheduling and streaming information will be available for viewers.
Updates regarding timing and commentary for the 2026 Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad will come later, with tickets set to go on sale this Fall. Fans wishing to secure pre-sale access can do so by signing up for the event mailing list at www.sproutscollegiatequad.com/tickets.
Source
www.forbes.com