before the madness, let there be gladness
March Gladness is a month-long celebration of the transformative power of sports—how a ball, a court, and a chance to belong can change the trajectory of a young life. It builds toward the March Gladness Do Like Duke 3v3 Basketball Tournament at HomeField, but what happens in March reaches far beyond a single day.
March Gladness is ShareWaves’ annual platform for storytelling, activation, and community connection—using sports as an early intervention to help kids build confidence, find connection, and discover who they are becoming. It’s about creating moments where kids feel seen, supported, and capable—on the court and in life.
ARE YOU READY TO BALL FOR A CAUSE?
The 6th annual March Gladness Celebration is here, and we’re bringing the heat with our most exciting event yet: The March Gladness Do Like Duke 3x3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, March 28th, 2026, at the legendary HomeField Kansas City Showcase Center hosted by Sharewaves, Do Like Duke, and 810 Radio WHB.
Do like duke
In 2026, we are honored to partner with the Do Like Duke Foundation, celebrating the life and spirit of Duke Ommert not through loss, but through purpose. Do Like Duke is a call to action—to lead with kindness, include others, persevere through challenges, and play with grit and heart. These are the values Duke lived every day as a teammate, competitor, and friend—and they will be woven into every part of March Gladness, from powerful radio storytelling to every court on tournament day.
WHY YOU CANT MISS THIS
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Everyone plays. No early exits. No sitting around.
All teams compete in round-robin group play, guaranteeing a minimum of three games for every team before advancing to the March Gladness Championship Battle. This format keeps the energy high and ensures kids get real run, not one-and-done disappointment. -
When you’re not on the court, the action keeps rolling.
We’re bringing the streetball vibe with half-court heat, PIG battles, and skill challenges running throughout the day—plus dope prizes for the champs. Players stay engaged, parents stay entertained, and the momentum never drops. -
Every baller leaves geared up.
Each player receives custom March Gladness gear, including a tournament t-shirt, water bottle, and slick drawstring bag. This isn’t throwaway swag—it’s part of the experience. -
This feels like a basketball festival, not just a tournament.
Expect a live DJ, nonstop energy, vendors, and a crowd that brings the hype all day long. Whether you’re playing, coaching, or cheering, the atmosphere is built to feel special. -
Teams of up to 5 players can register together
Free agents welcome—we’ll place you on a team
Boys & girls, grades 2nd–12th
Every player plays. Period.
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The day starts with intention.
We kick things off with a Ballers Breakfast and a short opening ceremony to set the tone—sportsmanship, kindness, inclusion, perseverance, and grit. Then it’s game on.
be a sponsor
be a sponsor
sponsorship
A Month-Long Platform for Purpose, Visibility, and Impact
When you sponsor the March Gladness Do Like Duke 3v3 Basketball Tournament, you’re not just supporting an event—you’re joining a movement that lives all month long. Your brand becomes part of a citywide effort amplified through radio, digital storytelling, community engagement, and a high-energy culminating celebration.
Every sponsorship directly fuels ShareWaves’ #Ready2Play Camps and Clinics, helping remove barriers so more kids can access sports, mentors, and opportunity.
Support ShareWaves in bringing life-changing opportunities to underserved youth—because every kid deserves a shot.
MAKE REAL PLAYS:
From Sports Radio 810 WHB shoutouts to viral social media, your brand will be the MVP of multi-channel promotions.
ALL-STAR EXPOSURE:
Show the community your brand stands for greatness by investing in the next generation of game-changers.
LEGENDARY IMPACT:
national championship title
($10K)
elite eight
($1K)
final four
($2500)
sweet sixteen
($500)
field of 64
($250)
last team in
($100)
vendors
become a vendor $250
Vendor partners play a critical role in creating a vibrant, festival-style environment that celebrates sports, community, and opportunity for kids.
On-site booth space in high-traffic common areas
Direct engagement with athletes, parents, and spectators
Opportunity for product sampling, demonstrations, or lead capture
Inclusion on the March Gladness website vendor listing
Recognition in select social media posts leading up to the event
Alignment with ShareWaves’ youth sports access mission
What’s in it for the spectators?
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Explore a curated Youth Sports Vendor Fair featuring local businesses, nonprofits, and brands that believe in kids, play, and community. Interactive booths, giveaways, and activations make it more than just basketball.
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March Gladness is amplified all month long on Sports Radio 810 WHB, and the energy carries right into the building. You’re not just attending an event — you’re part of a citywide moment.
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Every cheer, every ticket, every sponsorship supports ShareWaves’ #Ready2Play programs, helping more kids access camps, clinics, mentors, and opportunities — regardless of zip code or income.
March Gladness isn’t just a tournament, it’s a full-scale celebration of youth, community, and the power of sports. Whether you’re cheering on a player or just love the game, this is a can’t-miss day at Homefield.
halftime
Exhibition
KC Kings Wheelchair Basketball Team
At this year’s March Gladness: Do Like Duke 3x3 Tournament, the audience will experience a halftime exhibition unlike any other. For the first time, ShareWaves and Do Like Duke are partnering with Midwest Adaptive Sports to feature the Kansas City Kings Wheelchair Basketball Team.
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These athletes compete with courage, grit, and focus, proving that sports are about effort, teamwork, and determination—not limitations. Their fast-paced, physical, and strategic style challenges traditional ideas of athleticism, showing the power of mindset and heart on the court.
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Many players face challenges most of us can’t imagine. Yet when the ball goes up, none of that defines them. What matters is their drive, teamwork, and will to compete—and the inspiration they bring to everyone watching.
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This exhibition highlights a new partnership with Midwest Adaptive Sports, an organization dedicated to ensuring that every athlete, regardless of physical ability, has the chance to play, grow, and belong. By showcasing the Kansas City Kings, March Gladness is helping remove barriers so more kids can access sports, mentorship, and opportunity.
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When the crowd sees these athletes take the floor, they will not see limitations. They will see courage, determination, and resilience. They will see what it truly means to Do Like Duke—a lesson in inspiration that extends far beyond the scoreboard and leaves a lasting impact on athletes and fans alike.
thank you to our sponsors
