Under the control of the NWA Board of Directors (consisting of various prominent, regional promoters), the governing body oversaw wrestling's national territory system, a system which saw promotions (referred to as "territories") recognize one world heavyweight champion, participate in talent exchanges, and collectively protect the territorial integrity of NWA members.
As other territories withdrew from the governing body, the NWA would discontinue its memberships in August 2012 and adopted a licensing model.
[3][4][5] In October 2023, while still under the ownership of Billy Corgan's Lightning One, Inc., the NWA reintroduced the territory system.
[6] The following promotions joined the NWA after the re-establishment of the territory system in October 2023.
† indicates a founding member of the NWA Michigan Mississippi New JerseyConnecticut Nevada Frisco, Texas