USHA and WPH Announce Historic Partnership for 2027 National Four-Wall Championships & Player’s Championship at the U.S. National Handball Center in St. Louis to Host Combined Event, April 28–May 2, 2027
TUCSON, Ariz. — The United States Handball Association and the World Players of Handball are proud to announce a landmark collaboration that will unite two of the sport’s premier events at the United States National Handball Center in St. Louis, Missouri, from April 28–May 2, 2027.
For the first time, the 76th USHA National Four-Wall Championships & Junior Nationals will feature the WPH Player’s Championship as part of a unified celebration of the sport. The partnership will showcase the best amateur and professional handball players in the world while creating an unprecedented championship atmosphere at the National Handball Center.
Under the agreement, the USHA will continue to administer and crown National Champions in all divisions of the National Four-Wall Championships. The WPH will administer the R48 Men’s Pro Singles, WR48 Women’s Pro Singles, and SR48 Men’s 40+ Singles divisions as part of its prestigious Player’s Championship. All matches will be contested under traditional USHA four-wall rules and scoring.
The event will feature professional matches and championship finals streamed live by WPH’s acclaimed production team, bringing fans around the world closer to the action than ever before.
“This partnership represents the best of what our sport can accomplish when organizations work together,” said Matthew Krueger, Executive Director of the USHA. “The National Four-Wall Championships have been the pinnacle of amateur handball competition for more than seven decades, while the Player’s Championship has become one of the most prestigious events in the professional game, serving as the season-ending championship on the WPH R48 Pro Tour. Bringing them together creates a truly special experience for players, fans, and the future of handball.”
“The WPH is thrilled to partner with the USHA in presenting the 2027 USHA Four-Wall National Championships and Race 4 Eight Player’s Championship next April in St. Louis,” said David Fink, Senior Writer/Historian for the WPH. “The National Handball Center is the perfect venue for this mega-event, where the world’s best players will compete on one of the sport’s most visually stunning courts before what will undoubtedly be one of the largest crowds ever assembled to watch the game’s top players. I want to thank the USHA staff and Board of Directors, along with the WPH staff and Board of Directors, for working together to create this monumental collaboration that benefits everyone in our sport.”
“Unifying the USHA National Championships with the WPH Player’s Championship is more than just combining events — it is a landmark moment that sets a new standard for our sport,” said David Vincent, Executive Director of the WPH. “By bringing our collective resources, production capabilities, and competitive depth together in St. Louis, we are creating a premier experience that honors the history of the game while aggressively building its future. This is a monumental step forward for every player, fan, and partner invested in the growth of handball.”
The championships will take place at the National Handball Center, the sport’s newest premier facility and home of the St. Louis Hinder Club. Since opening in 2025, the Center has quickly established itself as a focal point for handball growth and development in the United States.
Additional information regarding divisions, entry procedures, lodging, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and event activities will be announced in the coming months.
Players and fans are encouraged to save the dates and plan to join the handball community in St. Louis for what promises to be one of the largest and most significant handball events ever held in the United States. To accommodate the anticipated number of participants, Nationals competition will begin Wednesday, April 28, with the WPH Player’s Championship starting Thursday, April 29.
About the United States Handball Association
Founded in 1951, the United States Handball Association is the national governing body for the sport of handball in the United States. Its mission is to Organize, Promote and Spread the Joy of Handball…the Perfect Game. The USHA supports the growth and development of handball through competition, education, junior development, and preservation of the sport’s history.
About the World Players of Handball
The World Players of Handball is the leading professional handball organization, producing world-class events and broadcasts while showcasing the sport’s top athletes through premier professional competition. Its mission is to grow the sport through innovation, youth initiatives, and competitive events while empowering the next generation to develop integrity, discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong commitment to physical fitness.
Media Contacts
| Matthew Krueger Executive Director United States Handball Association mkrueger@ushandball.org (520) 795-0434 |
David Vincent Executive Director World Players of Handball Foundation dave.vincent@wphlive.tv (520) 336-6231 |