GULF SHORES — Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, has announced the 2025 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism, including the NCAA National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship.

This year’s winners are responsible for contributing a more-than-welcome boost of more than $1.4 billion to the national economy over the past year.

The 2025 championship, produced in cooperation with the City of Gulf Shores, host institution University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events and The Hangout Hospitality Group, stood out for its resiliency, being executed in less than 100 days. When Huntington Beach, California, was unable to host due to West Coast wildfires, AB Sports & Events and UAB stepped in to ensure the event’s success. The host destination and institution are confirmed to hold the tournament through at least 2031.

“We are honored to receive this award alongside our fantastic partners at Alabama’s Beaches Sports & Events and the University of Alabama Birmingham,” noted Kristin Fasbender, director of championships and alliances with the NCAA. “Without their hard work and dedication to the NCAA National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship every year, this event wouldn’t be the unique and successful event it is today. Every year is a chance for us to come up with ways to be even bigger and better, and that is reflected in the enthusiasm from fans and participating teams. Gulf Shores has been an incredible host city to all those who travel, both near and far, to attend this championship.”

All winners of awards have been recognized in a special feature published in the November/December 2025 issue of Sports Destination Management. The entire article with full details on the winners listed below can also be found online.