USA CURLING INTRODUCES HIGH-PERFORMANCE QUALIFICATION FRAMEWORK FOR 2027-28 SEASON AND BEYOND
Photos by: Jalen Marlowe
[EDEN PRAIRIE, MN, August 6, 2026] — USA Curling is introducing a new High-Performance Qualification Framework designed to identify and support the nation's highest-performing teams while creating a clear and objective pathway for developing athletes.
The framework recognizes sustained international performance, rewards success at USA Curling Men’s & Women’s and Mixed Doubles Nationals, and provides opportunities for emerging junior teams to transition into the senior high-performance system.
Published criteria will be reviewed annually. Results from the upcoming 2026-27 season will be used to determine eligibility for designated High-Performance programming and support in the 2027-28 season.
“Creating a clear and objective pathway is an important step as we work to continue to advance elite-level curling in the United States,” said Brad Gushue, USA Curling High-Performance Director. “This framework gives athletes and teams a better understanding of what is required to be a part of the National Team Program, and ensures that competition results drive the process.”
THREE TIER SYSTEM
The framework establishes a three-tier system.
Tier 1 is available to teams that meet one of the following criteria:
2027 USA National Champion (Men’s / Women’s) and finishing Top 6 at the 2027 World Curling Championships
Ranked between 1 and 10 in the World Curling Team Rankings as of May 15th, 2027
USA National Champions or Top 10 teams from 2025/2026 returning from injury, illness and/or family leave
2026 World Mixed Doubles Playdown Event Champion and finishing Top 6 at the 2027 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championships
Tier 2 recognizes teams that have demonstrated the ability to compete successfully at the international level and are progressing toward elite performance.
Teams qualify for Tier 2 by being ranked between 11 and 25 in the World Team Rankings as of May 15th, 2027
Teams ranked 11 – 25 from 2025 / 2026 returning from injury, illness and/or family leave.
2027 USA National Champion (Men’s / Women’s) but did not achieve a Top 6 finish at the 2027 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, provided the team have not otherwise qualified for Tier 1 through the World Team Rankings.
2027 USA National Champion (Mixed Doubles) provided the team has not otherwise qualified for Tier 1 through the World Team Rankings. (Team will not compete at the World Championship until 2028)
2026 World Mixed Doubles Playdown Event Champion but did not achieve a Top 6 finish at the 2027 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, provided the team have not otherwise qualified for Tier 1 through the World Team Rankings.
Tier 3 supports the transition of the country's top junior athletes into the adult high-performance pathway, and will be awarded to the winners of the 2027 USA Curling Junior Men’s & Women’s National Championships, and to medalists at the 2027 World Junior Men’s & Women’s Championships.
Tier designation establishes eligibility for High-Performance support, but the level of financial support available each season will be determined by the funding that is available under the budget approved by USA Curling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Tier 1 teams will receive first consideration for available funding, followed by Tier 2 and Tier 3 teams.
The complete USA Curling High-Performance Qualification Framework, including qualification criteria, key dates, ranking methodology, team eligibility, continuity requirements, funding principles and administration procedures, is available below.
About USA Curling
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, the Dale’s family of beers, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Ice, Sports & Solar (ISS), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of World Curling and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.
