Roller derby continues to grow as a global sport, with international tournaments, national teams, borderless collectives, and massive multi‑day events drawing thousands of skaters and fans. Whether you’re new to derby or looking to follow the competitive circuit more closely, 2025–2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting periods in modern derby history.
Here we list some of the major events – WFTDA, MRDA, World Cups, and borderless/state team tournaments – with dates and locations.
Derby Season Overview (Quick Primer)
For context, WFTDA operates on a two-year competitive cycle. Rankings and sanctioned gameplay begin after July 1 of an even year and run until June 30 two years later. Playoffs occur in spring/early summer of even years, with global championships in the fall.
This structure helps leagues schedule travel games, regional bouts, and ranking-eligible competitions ahead of postseason events.
WFTDA Playoffs & Global Championships (2026)
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) runs the largest and most prestigious competitive structure in roller derby. The 2026 postseason includes multiple regional playoffs and culminates in the first‑ever four‑day Global Championships held in Europe.
2026 WFTDA Playoffs
WFTDA has announced a full slate of regional playoff tournaments across the Americas. Confirmed events include:
- Latin America Playoffs – April 3–5, 2026, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted by Avas Roller Derby
- North America – California – May 15–17, 2026, Richmond, California, hosted by Bay Area Derby
- North America – South Carolina – May 22–24, 2026, Columbia, South Carolina, hosted by Columbia Roller Derby
- North America – Michigan – May 29–31, 2026, Lansing, Michigan, hosted by Lansing Roller Derby
- North America – Ontario – June 5–7, 2026, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
These playoffs determine rankings and qualification for the Global Championships.
2026 WFTDA Global Championships – Malmö, Sweden
- Dates: October 15–18, 2026
- Location: Malmö, Sweden
- Host: Crime City Rollers
- More Info: https://wftda.com/2026-wftda-global-tournaments-hosting/
Significance:
– First WFTDA Champs ever held in Europe
– First four‑day championship format
– This is expected to be one of the most watched derby events of the decade.
Roller Derby World Cups
Women’s Roller Derby World Cup (2025 Recap)
- Dates: July 3–6, 2025
- Location: Innsbruck, Austria
- Teams: 48 national and borderless teams
- Champion: United States
This event occurs every four years, so the next Women’s World Cup is expected in 2029 unless organizers adjust the cycle.
Men’s Roller Derby World Cup (2026)
- Dates: April 30 – May 3, 2026
- Location: Orléans, France
- Venues: Palais des Sports & Gymnase Claude Robert
- Organizer: Men’s Roller Derby Association (MRDA)
This edition emphasizes accessibility, inclusivity, and global representation.
Borderless & Collective Team Tournaments
One of the most unique aspects of modern roller derby is the rise of borderless teams – groups formed around shared identity rather than geography. These teams often compete in large multi‑day tournaments.
Skate Wars 2025
- Dates: September 5–7, 2025
- Location: Lansing, Michigan
Format:
– 24 teams
– State, province, territory, and borderless collectives
– Minimum 4 games per team
– WFTDA ruleset
Skate Wars 2026
- Dates: May 29–31, 2026
- Location: Lansing Center, Lansing, Michigan
- Teams: 24 women’s flat track teams
- Structure: 3 tracks, 3 days, 4+ games per team
Borderless teams commonly featured:
- Black Diaspora Roller Derby
- Jewish Roller Derby
- Indigenous Rising
- Fuego Latino
- Team Salaam
- Divergence Roller Derby
- Trans Rollers United
- State/province teams (Michigan, Florida, New York, Ontario, etc.)
These teams help expand representation and community within the sport.
Other Notable Events & Regional Highlights
While not part of the WFTDA postseason path, several tournaments and invitational events remain fan favorites and competitive highlights:
Cactus Cup 2026
March 20–22, 2026 – Phoenix, Arizona (USA)
A strong early-season WFTDA-sanctioned tournament hosted by Arizona Roller Derby. Teams from across North America compete over three days of games.
Five Nations Roller Derby Championships (UK & Ireland)
2026 Season – United Kingdom and Ireland
An annual league competition featuring teams from across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Known for tiered play across multiple levels of competition.
MRDA League Events (2026)
The Men’s Roller Derby Association also hosts league‑level events throughout the year, including:
- Rainy City Rumble – February 13, 2026
- Dumpster Fire 2026 – February 27, 2026
- Clover Cup – March 13, 2026
How to Watch Roller Derby in 2025–2026
Many major tournaments offer livestreams—especially WFTDA and MRDA events.
Fans should check for streams during:
- April–May (MRDA World Cup + WFTDA Playoffs)
- September (Skate Wars)
- October (WFTDA Global Championships)
Livestreams are typically hosted on YouTube, Twitch, or official event websites.
Why 2026 Is a Landmark Year for Roller Derby
Between the first European WFTDA Championships, the Men’s World Cup in France, and the continued growth of borderless tournaments, 2026 marks a major step in roller derby’s global expansion. More countries are fielding national teams, more collectives are forming, and more fans are tuning in worldwide.
For skaters, it’s an incredible time to get involved.
For fans, it’s the perfect moment to follow the sport more closely.
For RollerDerbyRoster.com, it’s the ideal opportunity to become a central hub for derby information, names, and community.
