UNC Charlotte could get millions to build ‘Athlete Village’ for Military World Games
UNC Charlotte is slated to get millions in state money as the city prepares to host a major international sporting event.
Read more Stock watch: Who improved their standing on Panthers’ roster after Bills game?
The state budget adjustment bill signed into law by Gov. Josh Stein on Tuesday includes $25 million to help put on the 2027 CISM Military World Summer Games in Charlotte. The games are one of the largest multi-sporting events in the world and are expected to bring about 10,000 military athletes from over 100 countries to the city.
The new legislation calls for $7.5 million of the state funding to go to UNC Charlotte to reserve facilities for the games.
Asked for more details on how the school will use the money, university spokeswoman Christy Jackson said UNC Charlotte is working with the local organizing committee for the games on next steps and will share more details “in the near future.”
“We look forward to serving as one of the venues for competitors from around the globe,” she said in a statement.
The campus will serve as the “Athlete Village” during the games and host multiple competitions, organizing committee spokeswoman Emily Moody said.
Read more Beat the heat: Charlotte opens sites to stay cool during dangerous weekend temps
“The $7.5 million will support the world-class facilities and housing the university offers, which is a vital aspect to the success of the Games in 2027,” she said in a statement.
Most of the $25 million in state funding is contingent on organizers securing the participation of at least 50 countries with a minimum of 7,500 total participants.
Game organizers also previously asked the city of Charlotte for $23 million in cash and in-kind contributions, though that request was revised down in early August.
The games are scheduled for June 25 through July 4, 2027 and will feature events including archery, boxing and diving, plus military competitions such as aeronautical pentathlon and naval pentathlon.
Read more Stock watch: Who improved their standing on Panthers’ roster after Bills game?
This story was originally published August 14, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
