Insider Info: 2026 The American Northwest Portland Nationals

The American Championships season gets rolling in the Pacific Northwest with the 2026 The American Northwest Portland Nationals, hosted at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon, on Dec. 5-6. 

All Star cheer teams will battle for titles, bids, and points in The Varsity Cheer League, and Varsity TV will stream every routine live.

What To Know About The Oregon Convention Center

The Oregon Convention Center recently underwent a $40 million renovation and features 255,000 square feet of exhibit space, multiple ballrooms, more than 50 meeting rooms and 30,000 square feet of outdoor space. 

The facility sits in Portland’s Lloyd neighborhood, easily accessible by light rail and streetcar — a convenient home base for competition weekend.

What Teams Are Competing For At The American Northwest Portland Nationals

Postseason opportunities are stacked, including partially Paid and At-Large bids to The Summit, The D2 Summit and The Youth Summit, plus At-Large bids to The Recreational Summit, a Silver Bid to The Quest and Golden Tickets to The U.S. Finals. 

Top teams in eligible divisions also can qualify for regional and Quest championship events.

Teams will earn points in to The Varsity Cheer League based on division and placement. 

Final season rankings use each team’s six best event scores across eligible Youth, Junior and Senior divisions, with champions across regions and divisions taking home cash and prizes.

Things To Do In Portland

Visiting teams can explore Portland’s distinctive neighborhoods, parks, gardens, and museums — and the city’s renowned food scene, anchored by multiple food halls, is worth the trip all by itself.

How To Watch The 2026 The American Northwest Portland Nationals

The action streams LIVE on Varsity TV on Dec. 5-6, with a 24-hour delayed rebroadcast available. 

Check the event schedule on Varsity TV for performance blocks and awards times as the weekend approaches.