Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Charlotte will host the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game. This announcement is a result of a $2,028,950 grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund. The fund was established to help attract major events to the state.
Governor Stein expressed pride in North Carolina being chosen for this event. “I am proud that North Carolina has been chosen to host the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game,” he said. “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.”
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the significance of hosting such an event. “Bringing the MLS All Star Game to Charlotte will showcase the talent of one of the most dynamic and fast-growing sports leagues,” he stated.
The fund has also supported other events earlier this year with grants given to Winston-Salem for a NASCAR race and Richmond County for races at Rockingham Speedway.
The Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund was created following a law passed in 2023 which established sports betting in North Carolina. A portion of tax revenues from wagering activities supports this fund.
