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Wichita named host for U.S. Youth Soccer Presidents Cup 2026–28; city wins national sports-hosting honors
Summary
Visit Wichita announced Wichita will host the U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup from 2026 through 2028 and was named Sports Travel Magazine’s top sports-event host city; officials cited $61 million in recent event-driven economic impact and renewed the contract with Visit Wichita.
Visit Wichita announced that Wichita has been selected as the host city for the U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup for 2026, 2027 and 2028, city officials said during the mayor’s briefing.
"Wichita has been named the best sports event host city in the country," said Jabelle Holoparek of Visit Wichita, announcing the national recognition from Sports Travel Magazine. A short video shown at the briefing credited Wichita’s venues, volunteers, hotels and local businesses for recent hosting successes.
Why it matters: City officials said sports tourism brings visitors and spending to Wichita. Visit Wichita reported more than 100 sporting events were held in a recent window and estimated a total economic impact of $61,000,000; $33,000,000 of that figure came from 16 major events that Visit Wichita directly supported.
Mayor (title only) said the city renewed its contract with Visit Wichita this week, citing the organization’s work in attracting “world class” events and reinforcing the administration’s emphasis on economic development.
The briefing highlighted several high-profile events cited in the video and remarks: the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships held in Wichita, NCAA March Madness games at INTRUST Bank Arena, the TBT title run that drew record crowds, and the inaugural season of an athletes-unlimited softball league at Wichita State University. The city also congratulated the Wichita Sports Commission for recent race events that drew participants from more than 30 states.
Officials urged residents and local businesses to support the events, noting tourism dollars boost restaurants, hotels and small businesses. The mayor said resident feedback used in national governance awards and future random resident surveys will help set priorities.
The briefing included no formal vote or legislative action; the announcements were informational and promotional. The city directed residents to wichita.gov/streets and Visit Wichita materials for schedules and visitor information.
