OTTAWA, ONT. (Sept. 9, 2026) – Today marks exactly one year until the nation’s capital becomes the global epicenter of wheelchair basketball, hosting the largest wheelchair basketball competition in Canadian history and the biggest single-sport para championships in North America.
Event at a Glance
- What: 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships
- Who: 300+ elite athletes representing 28 nations (16 men’s teams, 12 women’s teams)
- When: Sept. 9-19, 2026
- Where: The Arena at TD Place and Carleton University, Ottawa, Ont.
Compelling Story Opportunities
- Home Soil Advantage: Team Canada’s championship pursuit will be on home turf—a rare opportunity for fans to cheer in person for the maple leaf as the team builds towards the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. The Senior Men’s and Women’s National Team athletes will bring momentum from recent successes including double gold at the inaugural IWBF 3×3 Open World Championships.
- Grassroots Revolution: Permanent legacy through donated courts and a Schools Program that has already reached over 7,000 youth, creating pathways for the next generation of Canadian wheelchair basketball talent.
- Accessibility Transformation: Through comprehensive venue upgrades and local business outreach programs, Ottawa 2026 will establish new accessibility standards and position the city as a premier inclusive sporting destination for future events.
- Economic Powerhouse: Projected $25+ million economic impact across Ottawa’s hospitality, tourism and service sectors, demonstrating the significant financial benefits of hosting world-class para-sport competitions.
Ottawa 2026 is more than just a championship—it’s a movement. Learn more and join us on the #RoadtoOttawa at https://ottawa2026.ca.
Media Contact
For more information about Ottawa 2026 and to coordinate interview opportunities, please contact:
Caroline Soble
Director, Marketing & Communications
csoble@wheelchairbasketball.ca
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About Wheelchair Basketball Canada
Wheelchair Basketball Canada (WBC) is the national sports governing body responsible for the organization of the sport in Canada and host of the Ottawa 2026 IWBF Wheelchair Basketball World Championships. It is a non-profit, charitable organization committed to excellence in developing, supporting, and promoting wheelchair basketball programs and services from grassroots to high performance for all Canadians. Wheelchair basketball is a fast-paced, hard-hitting, competitive sport in which Canada is held in high esteem worldwide for winning six gold, one silver, and one bronze medal over the last nine Paralympic Games.