The National Cheerleaders Association is heading back to the Jersey Shore in 2026!

The 2026 NCA Toms River Classic will be taking over the RWJ Barnabas Health Arena, which has been a hub for the Toms River Regional School District for more than 20 years.

The Toms River Classic, a one-day event, will be part of a three-event, three-city weekend for the NCA. Competitions also will be happening in Atlanta (Jan. 31) and Roseville, California (Jan. 31-Feb. 1). They are three of more than 20 events on the 2025-2026 NCA schedule.

Oh, and Varsity TV will be there to provide live coverage of all the action!

The NCA was created in 1948 and focuses on competition, camps/instruction and philanthropy, all geared toward helping participants become the best cheerleaders, leaders and people they can become.

Enjoy complete coverage of the 2026 NCA Toms River Classic, as standout teams go head-to-head with their sights set on obtaining points to The Varsity Cheer League and a bid to one of the prestigious end-of-season championships!

• Who: All Star Cheer Teams
• When: Jan. 31, 2026 
• Where: RWJ Barnabas Health Arena in Toms River, New Jersey
• Watch: LIVE on Varsity TV
• Rebroadcast: Watch HERE
• The Varsity Cheer League: 300 Points Up For Grabs

What To Know About The RWJ Barnabas Health Arena

Since 2003, the RWJ Barnabas Health Arena has been a multi-use centerpiece for the Toms River Regional School District, hosting everything from cheerleading to sporting events to concerts, trade shows, graduations and other student activities, and the nonstop traffic helps generate revenue for the school district.

This year will mark a return visit to the venue for the NCA Toms River Classic, and there’s no doubt the 3,500-seat arena will be overflowing with support for the All Star cheer teams. 

Check out this helpful information about the venue. 

Things To Do In Toms River, New Jersey

The Jersey Shore is such an iconic destination that a reality show by the same name has been one of MTV’s biggest hits for a decade and a half.

The Varsity TV cameras also have been rolling in the area for more than a few years, and there’s no doubt the teams will put on another great show in 2026.

Even though it will be winter, the NCA athletes and their families will be able to enjoy many of the things the Jersey Shore and Toms River have to offer. The list includes beautiful beaches along more than 125 miles of coastline, boardwalks, arcades, welcoming seaside towns, awesome food and many fun things to do.

Click here to learn more about the Toms River area or here to read more about the history of the Jersey Shore in general. 

Toms River has plenty of activities, shops, restaurants and other things to keep everyone occupied and fed. 

Nearby, visitors will find the famed Seaside Heights (from the hit MTV show “Jersey Shore”), which includes a boardwalk, amusement area and souvenir stops. Point Pleasant offers much of the same. Even Atlantic City, which is a bit of a drive, offers some historic charm and fun activities, though much of the fun is geared toward adults.

Check out more info about the area: Things To Do Outdoors | Best Historic Places | Museums | Night Life | 30 Best Restaurants In Toms River

Additionally, New York and Philadelphia - even Boston - aren’t too far away, if time allows for a road trip. 

Need a car to get around Toms River? Visit Avis!

How To Watch The 2026 NCA Toms River Classic

The 2026 NCA Toms River Classic will stream LIVE on Varsity TV.

If you’re going to be in New Jersey and want to see the event in person, click HERE for spectator and ticket information.

Missed the Action? Watch The Rebroadcast

The rebroadcast will stream on Varsity TV on a delay of 24 hours.

Relive The Action With Varsity TV 24/7 Network

Whether you're a die-hard fan, a coach or an athlete, Varsity TV 24/7 Network brings the action of the competitive cheer and dance season straight to you—anytime, anywhere. 

The always-live stream will feature all-access content and video replays hand-picked by experts on the Varsity TV team. Tune in to Varsity TV 24/7 Network live, starting on Nov. 1. 

The 2026 NCA Toms River Classic Results

Results for the 2026 NCA Toms River Classic can be found here.

The 2026 NCA Toms River Classic Schedule

The schedule for the 2026 NCA Toms River Classic can be found here.

Bids Up For Grabs At The 2026 NCA Toms River Classic

• 6 Wild Card Bids to The Summit
• 6 Wild Card Bids to The D2 Summit
• 6 Wild Card Bids to The Youth Summit
• Top 3 teams in eligible divisions qualify for The Regional Summit
• 1 Partially Paid Bid to The Recreational Summit 
• 5 Wild Card Bids to The Recreational Summit 
• Top 3 teams in eligible divisions qualify for The Quest
• Golden Tickets to The U.S. Finals

The Varsity Cheer League 

The Varsity Cheer League is the official ranking system for the sport of All Star cheerleading, changing the conversation from “Who won the weekend?” to “Who ranks at the top this season?”

Every All Star elite team in Youth, Junior and Senior divisions will be included in the Varsity Cheer League.

Team rankings are determined by the point system displayed here. 

At each Varsity All Star event your team completes, your team will earn points based on the assigned event and placement point value. 

At the end of the season, your six best Varsity All Star event scores will be used to calculate your final rank.

In total, 92 winners will be recognized from first to third place across each region.

One champion will be crowned in each of the five regions across the six eligible divisions and two League 6 conferences. Champions will win cash and prizes!

Click here to learn more about The Varsity Cheer League.

300 Points Up For Grabs In Toms River

Click here to view the full points system/breakdown.

Tune in to Varsity TV on Jan. 31 to watch all the action live from the 2026 NCA Toms River Classic in Toms River, New Jersey.

Join The Conversation On Social

• Follow us on Twitter @VarsityAllStar
• Follow us on Instagram @VarsityAllStar
• Follow us on TikTok @VarsitySpirit
• Watch us on YouTube @VarsitySpirit
• Like us on Facebook @VarsityAllStar