NAIA narrows relocation list to three

TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics named its top three picks Friday for a new headquarters -- Fort Wayne, Ind.; Olathe, Kan., and St. Charles County, Mo.

The Tulsa-based league had been expected to announce the location of its new home this month. But the NAIA Relocation Committee instead narrowed the list from five sites to three and asked for clarification of their bids by Feb. 20.

The latest list eliminates Cleveland and Lexington, Ky., from the running.

"We are extending our decision process with the future of the NAIA in mind because this move will have a profound, long-term effect on our organization," said NAIA President Steve Baker.

"While the final five communities were all worthy of being our new home, we believed that these three offered the greatest potential for our organization."

Tulsa has served as the NAIA's national headquarters and host of its national Division I men's basketball tournament since 1993, when it relocated after more than 35 years in Kansas City, Mo.

The league's plans for a new headquarters include the addition of a center where seminars and other programs supporting the league's character-based sportsmanship initiatives can be offered.

The NAIA also wants to add an interactive sports museum and hall of fame.

The league began its search for a new home in May and received expressions of interest from 42 communities nationwide.

Baker has said key considerations in choosing a new base are finding a community with an understanding for the NAIA's philosophy, a willingness to partner financially for NAIA facilities and programs and an interest in NAIA championships, including putting up seed money for the events.

Baker said the relocation committee's goal was to have the most extensive and clear proposals possible with which to make its decision.

"Although we have a great deal of confidence in these three communities, we don't feel like we have reached that point," he said.