Charlotte, already buzzing with sports fervor, is set to dial up the excitement even further as it gears up to host the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game. This event is being brought to the city with the aid of a $2 million state grant. The grant, as reported by Governor's Office, comes from the Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund, a dynamic new pot of money that ostensibly, aims to make North Carolina a prime destination for major national events.
Conversations around the benefits of hosting such events often circle back to the economic stimulus they're expected to pour into local economies. "I am proud that North Carolina has been chosen to host the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game,” Governor Stein said in his announcement. “Our state’s new Major Events Fund puts us in a stronger position to compete for these highly visible, top-tier events that draw people and their resources to our state. Visitors to Charlotte will see that North Carolina is a great place to live, work, and play." The anticipation to successfully compete for, and win, the chance to showcase the city on a national scale is palpable, as per the Governor's Office.
Stoking that fervor, Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley spoke on the significance of the selection for Charlotte, countering with insight into the competitive nature of these bids. “The selection process for major events like this are very competitive, and we appreciate the General Assembly providing another tool to help the state to win more of these national-level events and attractions," he said in a statement obtained by the Governor's Office.
The grant's origin can be traced back to the legalization of sports betting in the state through the passing of Session Law 2023-42/House Bill 347 in 2023. This law channelled 30 percent of the tax revenues from sports wagering into the Major Events Fund. Clearly earmarking these funds to both secure and execute major events, the state acknowledges the potential sports have to revitalize and shine a spotlight on the local area.
