In a major announcement for Cary and Wake County, The Soccer Tournament (TST) is here to stay. The world’s premier 7v7 soccer festival has signed a new long-term agreement to keep its high-energy event at WakeMed Soccer Park through 2029.
The partnership is supported by a significant $6.8 million grant from the NC Department of Commerce Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund. This state-level investment recognizes TST’s massive impact on driving tourism and local spending, but according to Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, it’s also a nod to the town’s welcoming spirit.
“What makes Cary special is our people,” said Mayor 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… for years to come”.
Now entering its fourth year, TST’s growth has been explosive. The 2025 event saw a record attendance of 51,730 and doubled the women’s tournament to 16 teams. Nearly 2,000 players from 34 countries competed, with past participants including global soccer legends like Carli Lloyd and Sergio Agüero, sports icons like JJ Watt and Steve Nash, and world-renowned clubs like Wrexham AFC and Borussia Dortmund.
The economic impact on Wake County is undeniable. According to the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau, TST has generated $23.9 million in total economic impact for the area since 2024. The 2025 tournament alone brought in $14.7 million in direct economic impact and $547,000 in local tax revenue.
A staggering 31,657 fans traveled from outside Wake County, with 80% of attendees calling TST the best soccer event they had attended in the past year.
“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. TST co-owner and NBA superstar Chris Paul added, “We love hosting the event in Cary and I can’t wait to see everyone back at TST next year!”.
The partnership also ensures the return of The Cary Cup, the popular youth tournament that uses TST’s signature 7v7 format.
To celebrate the new four-year deal, 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 will be announced in the coming months, and applications for teams to enter are now open at tst7v7.com and check out out previous article on the tournament here.
