Charlotte gears up for a massive sports year in 2026

Driving the news: The local nonprofit's 2025 events generated a record $118.25 million in economic impact, according to CSF's recently released annual report. The report is based on Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority data.

• That's up from $90.6 million last year.

Zoom in: A major boost came from the Savannah Bananas' two-night stint at Bank of America Stadium, which drew 148,000 people over two games, generating $38.6 million in economic impact, per CRVA.

By the numbers: 362,612 fans attended last year's CSF events — also a record. 74,100 hotel rooms were booked.

State of play: Immediately ahead for CSF is the ACC men's basketball tournament at Spectrum Center, March 10-14, which the organization helped organize.

• You'll also see more CSF involvement with Tepper Sports & Entertainment on the soccer side, from supporting this summer's MLS All-Star Game to the United States Men's National Team's FIFA World Cup send-off match in May.
• Plus, this will be the first year CSF will operate the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, which the group acquired in January.

• CSF will be involved in more than a dozen events total, from signature college basketball events, like the Ally Tipoff, to a tennis showcase Charlotte Invitational.

What we're watching: CSF is also involved in the bid for Charlotte to host the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2031 men's Rugby World Cup. There are no updates at this time, per a CSF spokesperson.

See the full report.