Middle School National Championship
64 TEAMS. 8 CITIES.
ONE NATIONAL CHAMPION.
Where the nation's top middle school programs compete.
ACTIV8
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DOMIN8
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ELEV8
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MOTIV8
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SEPAR8
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VALID8
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ACTIV8 ✳︎ DOMIN8 ✳︎ ELEV8 ✳︎ MOTIV8 ✳︎ SEPAR8 ✳︎ VALID8 ✳︎
What is the Gr8 Eight?
THE FIRST AND ONLY NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BUILT FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL.
The Gr8Eight Middle School National Championship is the first and only national championship specifically designed for middle school basketball programs in grades 6–8.
The championship features 64 teams selected across eight regional cities, competing in an NCAA-style format with regional champions advancing to the Elite 8 National Finals in Las Vegas.
WHY THE GR8 EIGHT
The Gr8 Eight was created to ELEV8 the middle school basketball experience by bringing together the best teams, players, and communities from across the country. Through regional competition and a true national pathway, we aim to GENER8 opportunity,MOTIV8 excellence, and CULTIV8lasting relationships both on and off the court.
Our mission is to ACTIV8 young athletes,INNOV8 the tournament experience, and OPER8 with a standard that reflects the dedication required to compete at the highest level. Every team that earns its place must VALID8 its reputation, CALCUL8 every possession, and ultimately DOMIN8 the moments that matter most.
The journey continues until the nation's best teams SEPAR8 themselves from the field and earn the opportunity to compete on basketball's biggest stage. There, the road narrows, champions are ELIMIN8D one game at a time, and the season finally CULMIN8S with one team standing above the rest.
Compete. Connect. Culture. The Gr8 Eight.
EAST REGION
Girls Tour Stops
Nov 12th–14th 2026
Girl's East Stop #1 (Boston, MA)
Nov 19th–21st 2026
Girl's East Stop #2 (Philadelphia, PA)
Boys Tour Stops
Nov 26th–28th 2026
Boy's East Stop #1 (Washington, D.C.)
Dec 3rd–5th 2026
Boy's East Stop #2 (New York, NY)
SOUTH REGION
Girls Tour Stops
Dec 10th–12th 2026
Girl's South Stop #1 (Dallas, TX)
Dec 17th–19th 2026
Girl's South Stop #2 (Orlando, FL)
Boys Tour Stops
Dec 22nd–24th 2026
Boy's South Stop #1 (Atlanta, GA)
Dec 29th–31st 2026
Boy's South Stop #2 (New Orleans, LA)
MIDWEST REGION
Girls Tour Stops
Jan 7th–9th 2027
Girl's Midwest Stop #1 (St. Louis, MO)
Jan 14th–16th 2027
Girl's Midwest Stop #2 (Chicago, IL)
Boys Tour Stops
Jan 21st–23rd 2027
Boy's Midwest Stop #1 (Indianapolis, IN)
Jan 28th–30th 2027
Boy's Midwest Stop #2 (Kansas City, KS)
WEST REGION
Girls Tour Stops
Feb 4th–6th 2027
Girl's West Stop #1 (Bay Area, CA)
Feb 11th–13th 2027
Girl's West Stop #2 (Phoenix, AZ)
Boys Tour Stops
Feb 18th–20th 2027
Boy's West Stop #1 (Portland, OR)
Feb 25th–27th 2027
Boy's West Stop #2 (Los Angeles, CA)
THE ROAD TO VEGAS
EIGHT CITIES. ONE STAGE.
Elite 8 National Finals
Boys Showcase
Girls Showcase
Team Selection
BY APPLICATION.
BY INVITATION.
Participation is by application and invitation.
Teams are selected by the Gr8 Eight Selection Committee to preserve competitive balance and championship integrity.
Submission of an interest form does not guarantee acceptance.
INTERESTED IN COMPETING? START HERE.
Programs interested in participating should complete the Team Interest Form.