WERNER Celebrates 18 Years as Official Ladder of NCAA March Madness with Engaging Activations

Celebrating 18 Years of WERNER at NCAA March Madness

As the excitement builds for the 2026 NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, WERNER®, a global leader in ladders and fall protection equipment, proudly marks its 18th anniversary as the Official Ladder of NCAA® March Madness. This longstanding partnership has reinforced the significance of WERNER in supporting one of college basketball’s most cherished traditions—the net-cutting ceremony.

Unveiling the Custom PODIUM Ladders

Every year, WERNER designs and engineers specialized PODIUM ladders that are exclusively used during the NCAA Men’s and Women’s Regional and National Championship celebrations. These ladders are uniquely crafted with an expanded platform and extended guardrails, providing the utmost stability for athletes and coaches as they celebrate their triumphs. Stacy Gardella, the Head of Global Marketing Technology Operations at ProDriven Global Brands, emphasizes, "Every championship ladder we build reflects our commitment to safety, innovation, and supporting athletes in their pursuit of excellence."

Enhancing the Championship Experience Across Media

In 2026, WERNER is expanding its presence across various media platforms, including CBS Sports Network, CBSSports.com, Westwood One, and Bleacher Report. As part of this enhanced visibility, WERNER will also sponsor the Spanish-language audio broadcast of the Men's Final Four®, allowing for an even broader audience reach. Each tournament coverage will highlight WERNER’s vital role in the championship experience, making the brand synonymous with the excitement of March Madness.

Supporting Coaching Excellence

Beyond its support for tournament celebrations, WERNER is committed to recognizing coaching excellence through partnerships with esteemed organizations like the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). As the title sponsor of the Werner Ladder Naismith Men's and Women's College Coach of the Year Awards since 2017, WERNER honors the remarkable leadership that defines successful teams, with award ceremonies scheduled for April 1 in Phoenix and April 5 in Indianapolis.

Engaging Fans Through Immersive Experiences

WERNER is dedicated to bringing the net-cutting celebration closer to fans by hosting on-site activations during the tournament in both Phoenix and Indianapolis. These events will feature tours showcasing the championship ladders and opportunities for fans to connect with the storied tradition of NCAA basketball. Attendees will be encouraged to take photos, engage on social media, and share their Championship experience, making it a memorable event for everyone involved.

A Tradition Built on Excellence

The net-cutting ceremony is not just a moment of celebration; it represents the high standards and safety features that WERNER upholds in its products. From ladders to fall protection systems, every piece of equipment is designed for professionals working at heights. This dedication to safety and performance is critical, ensuring that each ladder used on the court is made to the highest standards. WERNER's motto, 'Safety Above All,' underscores this commitment, promising no shortcuts in the pursuit of quality and security.

As fans gear up for the Division I Women’s Final Four in Phoenix on April 3 and 5, and the Men’s Final Four in Indianapolis on April 4 and 6, WERNER remains at the forefront, celebrating 18 years of showcasing the pinnacle of college basketball.

About WERNER®

WERNER, a ProDriven Global Brand and the official ladder of NCAA® March Madness®, offers an extensive line of climbing and safety equipment designed for working at heights, including ladders, scaffolding, and fall protection gear. Every product meets stringent safety standards, making WERNER a trusted name for professionals and sports enthusiasts alike. For more information, visit www.wernerladder.com.

About NCAA®

The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) provides exceptional athletic and academic experiences for over 520,000 student-athletes. With 92 championships and nearly $4 billion in athletic scholarships awarded annually, the NCAA is dedicated to fostering lifelong well-being and success for student-athletes. To learn more, visit www.ncaa.org.