State of North Carolina Awards $6.8 Million Grant to Keep The Soccer Tournament (TST) in Cary Through 2029

• The four-year agreement to keep The Soccer Tournament (TST) in Cary is expected to generate tens of millions of dollars in continued economic impact for Wake County.
• A grant from the NC Department of Commerce Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund will reimburse qualifying expenses through 2029.
• The Cary Cup youth soccer tournament will also return each year through 2029.

CARY, N.C. -The Town of Cary and The Soccer Tournament (TST) today announced a new long-term agreement that will keep the world's premier 7v7 soccer festival at WakeMed Soccer Park through 2029. The partnership is supported by a grant from the NC Department of Commerce Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund, recognizing TST's impact in attracting visitors, driving local spending, and showcasing North Carolina on the global stage. The fund will reimburse eligible in-state expenses up to $6.8 million over the duration of the agreement.

"What makes Cary special is our people," said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. "Our staff, our volunteers, and our citizens always show up and take pride in making visitors feel welcome. The State's investment is a recognition of that and how amazing our facilities are. We're proud to keep hosting The Soccer Tournament and to continue sharing this experience with our community and the world for years to come."

Now entering its fourth year in Cary, TST has continued to expand its global reach and influence. The 2025 event doubled the size of the women's tournament to 16 teams and achieved a record attendance of 51,730. Nearly 2,000 players representing 34 countries competed across the men's and women's fields. Notable past participants include Carli Lloyd, Sergio Agüero, Heather O'Reilly, Luis Nani, Hope Solo, JJ Watt, Steve Nash, Ali Krieger, and Pat McAfee, alongside entries from world-renowned clubs such as Atlético de Madrid, Inter Milan, Club América, Borussia Dortmund, West Ham United, and Wrexham AFC.

"The Town of Cary and its residents have played a major role in TST becoming the preeminent small-sided soccer festival in the world," said TST CEO Jon Mugar. "Our number one goal is to deliver an unforgettable experience to fans and participants, further cementing TST as a worldwide destination. This support will go a long way toward ensuring we are able to continue to deliver on that."

"We love hosting the event in Cary and I can't wait to see everyone back at TST next year!" said NBA superstar and TST co-owner Chris Paul.

An estimated 31,657 fans traveled to Cary from outside Wake County, including visitors from all 50 states, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Fans raved about their experience at TST 2025, which featured a larger festival footprint with club activations, international food, and two live broadcasts of ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show."In post-event surveys, 80% of attendees called TST the best soccer event they had attended in the past year, and 87% said they would recommend it to friends and family.

According to the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, TST has generated $23.9 million in total economic impact for Cary and Wake County since 2024.

The 2025 tournament generated more than $14.7 million in direct economic impact, including over $547,000 in local tax revenue. Nearly 20,000 room nights were utilized from out-of-county visiting fans, driving $3.8 million in local lodging and transportation spending.

TST has been held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary since its inception in 2023. The 158-acre park is known for its top-tier fields, natural setting, and long history of hosting championship soccer at every level, including the upcoming NCAA Division I Men's College Cup in December and a doubleheader of both the men's and women's soccer championships in 2026.

This year also marked the debut of The Cary Cup, the first youth tournament to use TST's signature 7v7 format and Target Score Time™. More than 130 boys' and girls' teams from nearly 60 clubs across the country competed, with championship matches played on TST's stadium fields at WakeMed Soccer Park. As part of the agreement, The Cary Cup will return each year alongside the main tournament. Teams interested in competing in the 2026 edition of The Cary Cup can find more information at carync.gov/thecarycup.

To celebrate the new four-year partnership, TST and The Town of Cary will host a Kickoff Party at Sports & Social in Fenton on November 18, featuring giveaways, special announcements, and a live watch party for the USA vs. Uruguay soccer match.

Details for TST 2026, including dates, participants, and expanded fan experiences, will be unveiled in the coming months.

TST remains open to all teams, from global legends to local hopefuls. Applications to enter a team for TST 2026 are now open at tst7v7.com.

About The Tournament

Founded in 2014, The Tournament is owned by Jon Mugar and Chris Paul. Its flagship property, The Basketball Tournament (TBT), has crowned 12 champions, awarded more than $15 million in prizes, and introduced innovations such as the Elam Ending®. In 2023, The Tournament launched its second property - The Soccer Tournament (TST) - which has become the preeminent small-sided soccer festival in the world. For more information on The Tournament and its properties, visit TheTournament.com.

For more information on The Soccer Tournament, contact Jake Pavorsky, The Tournament - [email protected]

About Cary, NC

With excellence and innovation at its core, Cary is a thriving community of around 190,000 residents representing more than 60 nationalities, positioned at the heart of North Carolina's renowned Research Triangle region. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 Best Place to Live in North Carolina and No. 5 in the nation for 2025-2026, Cary is known for its safe neighborhoods, extensive greenways, environmental stewardship, and premier sports and cultural venues. Its "people first" philosophy drives collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking public investments that make Cary an exceptional place to call home and an inspiring destination for visitors. For more information, visit CaryNC.gov/about and follow us on social media @caryncgov.

Primary Contact

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].