Upcoming events in Greater Raleigh, N.C.:

View our full 2026 calendar, here!
 

Recent travel:

  • Sports ETA Women's Summit, Scottsdale, Ariz., April 1-3
  • Sports ETA Annual Symposium, Las Vegas, Nev., April 20-23
  • Simpleview Summit, Atlanta, Ga., May 4-6
     

Volunteer opportunities for major upcoming sporting events:

Tickets on sale for major upcoming sporting events:

 

The Soccer Tournament (TST) 2025

Exciting new additions to The Soccer Tournament (TST)

The fourth annual TST returns to WakeMed Soccer Park, May 27-July 1, bringing international attention to Cary, N.C., and transforming the area into a weekend-long soccer festival. The 7v7 competition attracts elite teams and passionate fans from around the world, further cementing the Greater Raleigh as a premier soccer destination.

New for 2026, TST is rolling out several additions designed to spark excitement, build energy and engage fans in fresh ways. Visitors can look forward to a brand-new Mixed Tournament, a Soccer Home Run Derby and a Creator Game featuring popular soccer personalities. Adding to the tournament’s growing reach, NBC Sports will broadcast the event, expanding its national audience.

The Soccer Home Run Derby, developed in collaboration with USA Baseball, blends the iconic format of baseball’s Home Run Derby with the creativity and technical skill of world-class soccer players. The inaugural event will take place on Thurs., May 28 (during the second day of TST). 

Also debuting is TST Mixed, a third $1 million winner-take-all competition featuring co-ed teams, with men and women rotating on and off the field throughout each match. The 2026 event will also include a Creator Game, bringing together top soccer content creators and streamers from across the country for a showcase that blends competition and entertainment.

 

PPA tour

Cary welcomes two championship events

On top of TST, more big things are coming to Cary this summer as two other major events take center stage. The Veolia Pickleball National Championships will bring top talent from across the country, highlighting one of the fastest‑growing sports in the country. With elite competition and a passionate fan base, the event is expected to draw significant national attention. Read more, here.

Adding to the excitement, Cary will also host the inaugural World Rugby Nations Cup in 2026, welcoming international teams for a brand-new global competition. This milestone event further cements the region’s reputation as a premier destination for high‑profile sports. Read more, here.

 

LCS Finals Esports

Sports trends on the rise

Sports in 2026 are evolving faster than ever, and Greater Raleigh is helping lead the way. From the continued rise of women’s athletics to the growth of adaptive sports and tech-driven fan and athlete experiences, Raleigh, N.C., is at the forefront of innovation in the industry. The area’s commitment to investment, inclusivity and cutting-edge facilities continues to attract premier events, national attention and diverse audiences.

As new trends reshape how sports are played, experienced and shared, Greater Raleigh remains a destination where progress meets performance, creating opportunities for athletes, organizers and fans alike. Whether it is expanding access, embracing emerging technologies or elevating the tournament experience, the momentum here is undeniable.

Here are four sports trends poised to shape the year ahead.

 

NHSI baseball

USA Baseball's summer lineup

USA Baseball’s summer programming brings a full slate of elite youth and national-level events to Cary, positioning the destination as a hub for amateur baseball throughout the season. From June through July, the National Team Championships North Carolina draw talent from across the country to compete at the USA Baseball National Training Complex, serving as a key identification pathway for future Team USA athletes.

The summer schedule also includes the 10U and 11U Futures Invitational, showcasing the nation’s top youth teams, along with a variety of training camps and athlete development programs. The season culminates in August with the NTIS Champions Cup, where regional all-star teams compete for national recognition.

  • USA Baseball 15U/16U National Team Identification Series Champions Cup, Aug. 13-16, 2026, at USA Baseball National Training Complex  
  • USA Baseball 12U/14U National Team Identification Series Champions Cup on Aug. 20-23, 2026, at USA Baseball National Training Complex 
  • USA Baseball 11U/13U National Team Identification Series Champions Cup on Aug. 27-30, 2026, at USA Baseball National Training Complex   
     

New Video highlights Raleigh, N.C.'s esports scene

The Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance recently partnered with students from North Carolina State University’s (NCSU's) College of Design to produce a new video highlighting esports in Greater Raleigh.

The video illustrates how Raleigh, N.C., is a premier destination for esports events and showcases our venues, including Lenovo Center, plus top dining and entertainment offerings for gamers, including The Pit, Morgan Street Food Hall and more.

With a growing number of esports tournaments and gaming-related events hosted in the area, Raleigh, N.C., is a thriving hub for esports, blending innovative venues, world-class technology and a vibrant creative community.

Check out the video here: