• The Soccer Tournament (TST) delivered a record-setting fourth year in Cary, generating an estimated $16.2 million in direct economic impact, a 10% increase over 2025.
• The Cary Cup youth tournament also generated an estimated $1.48 million in direct economic impact and welcomed 10,000 attendees.
• Fans can join TST’s 2027 ticket interest list and sign up for emails from The Cary Cup for updates on next year’s tournaments.

The Soccer Tournament (TST) delivered its biggest year yet in Cary in 2026, generating an estimated $16.2 million in direct economic impact while drawing record in-person and global audiences to WakeMed Soccer Park.

According to the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB), TST’s estimated direct economic impact increased 10% from $14.7 million in 2025. Of the tournament’s 57,942 attendees, an estimated 34,488 traveled from outside Wake County, including 23,304 overnight visitors. The six-day event generated an estimated 22,385 room nights and more than $607,000 in direct local tax revenue.

The Tournament also reached its largest viewership audience to date. Its NBC semifinal averaged 433,000 viewers, making it the most-watched match in TST history. Matches generated 35.5 million impressions on YouTube and reached more than 1 million unique viewers, with audiences tuning in from more than 180 countries.

“TST’s record year is something all of Cary can be proud of,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “Each year, our residents get a front-row seat to a world-class soccer festival right here in Cary, while our local businesses benefit from the tens of thousands of visitors it brings. People from around the world get to see what makes Cary special, and I’m thankful to our outstanding staff and partners who work so hard to make it happen.”

TST’s fourth year featured 76 teams, more than 2,000 athletes, and 159 matches. Athletes from 27 countries traveled to Cary to compete with teams representing 14 nations. For the first time, the event included three $1 million winner-take-all competitions. Hernandez United claimed the men’s championship, Iowa Demon Hawks won the women’s championship, and Peluche Hawks FC captured the inaugural mixed title.

“TST continues to grow every year in Cary,” said TST founder and CEO Jon Mugar. “We are proud of the impact the tournament has had on the community and look forward to working with Cary to make the event even bigger in the years ahead.”

The Cary Cup Broadens the Impact

Cary launched The Cary Cup in 2025, in coordination with TST, to bring the professional tournament experience to youth players from across the country. The youth tournament uses TST’s 7v7 format and Target Score Time™, and games are played across western Wake County at parks in Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs. Finalists advance to WakeMed Soccer Park to compete during TST.

In its second year, The Cary Cup generated an estimated $1.48 million in direct economic impact, according to a separate GRCVB analysis. The youth tournament welcomed 10,000 attendees, including 4,019 visitors from outside Wake County. More than 2,500 were overnight visitors, bringing in nearly $58,000 in direct local tax revenue.

“What stands out is the scale of overnight visitation these events are generating,” said Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance Executive Director Scott Dupree. “In addition to the TST fans, The Cary Cup brought another significant group of traveling families to Wake County. These visitors support hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses well beyond the soccer fields.”

Cary expanded The Cary Cup in 2026 with additional boys’ and girls’ age divisions, a dedicated Cary Cup Night at TST, and championship matches during TST’s Sunday semifinals. Registered players also received access to TST sessions, further connecting the youth and professional tournaments.

Building for the Future

The record-setting 2026 results are the first under Cary and TST’s long-term agreement to keep TST and the partnered youth tournament through 2029.

Announced in October 2025, the agreement is supported by the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Major Events, Games, and Attractions (MEGA) Fund. The state grant will reimburse qualifying in-state expenses up to $6.8 million over the duration of the agreement, recognizing TST’s ability to attract visitors, generate economic activity, and showcase North Carolina to audiences beyond the state.

“North Carolina created the MEGA Fund to compete for major events that bring visitors and spending to our communities,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “TST’s continued growth in Cary demonstrates the kind of long-term opportunity that strategic investments in major events can create.”

Cary has hosted TST at WakeMed Soccer Park since the tournament began in 2023. The 158-acre park has a long history of hosting championship soccer and will add another milestone in December, when Cary hosts both the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s College Cups.

Fans can join TST’s 2027 ticket interest list and sign up for emails from The Cary Cup for updates on next year’s tournaments.