Where to watch NCA, NDA College Nationals: Schedule, channel, live stream for 2026 cheer and dance championships

There's no competition quite as big as this one. The NCA and NDA College Nationals are returning to Daytona Beach this week for another edition.

For many college athletes, this competition marks the pinnacle of their career. The National Cheerleader and Dance Associations host these College Nationals each year on the "bandshell" stage in Florida, just feet away from the ocean.

Netflix's show "Cheer" gave ordinary viewers a glimpse into the intensity of College Nationals, following Navarro College's powerhouse program through several seasons from 2019-21. Though the show is no longer filming, fans can still watch the Bulldogs as they perform in the 2026 competition. 

Make sure to tune in for the action.

Here's everything you need to know about the NCA and NDA College Nationals, including TV channel and streaming options for the competition in Daytona Beach.

Where to watch NCA, NDA College Nationals 

• TV channel: N/A
• Live stream: Varsity TV

The 2026 NCA and NDA College Nationals will not be broadcast nationally. Instead, each day of the competition can be streamed on Varsity TV.

A re-broadcast will be streamed on a 24-hour delay. 

2026 NCA, NDA College Nationals start time

• Date: Wednesday, April 8 – Saturday, April 11
• Time: 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET

The 2026 NCA and NDA College Nationals will start on Wednesday, April 8, and continue through Saturday, April 11, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Performances will go from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET each day, depending on the flow of competition. 

There will be three venues for performances — Ocean Center Arena, Ocean Center Hall and the outdoor Bandshell. 

2026 NCA, NDA College Nationals schedule

Competition will be split up into several divisions, like All-Girl, Small Co-ed, Large Co-ed and Game Day on the cheerleading side, and Jazz, Team, Dance Spirit and Hip-Hop on the dance side. 

For a block schedule of all three days, click here.