2027 Military World Summer Games to include both Carolinas

Axios Charlotte | 12.03.2025

The 8th CISM Military World Summer Games have expanded to include North and South Carolina.

Why it matters: Charlotte will remain the Games‘ home base, but venues in both North and South Carolina are expected to be used. Adding South Carolina provides more potential venues, organizers tell Axios.

State of play: Roughly 20 venues in both North and South Carolina are expected to be used.

The latest: Invitations for the Games go out to the organization’s 142-member nations this month, the Games’ local organizers tell Axios.

What to expect: More than 8,000 military athletes and delegates are expected for the Games. They will participate in roughly 40 events, which will span from traditional Olympic sports like track and field to military-specific events, like parachuting.

Context: CISM awarded the Games to the United States with Charlotte as the host city earlier this year.

• CISM leaders visited North Carolina in August, exploring potential venues for the Games. Local organizers declined to share specific venues until they have been finalized.

What’s next: Participating nations, athletes and venues are expected to be finalized in spring 2026.

• The Games will be June 25–July 4, 2027. This will be the first time the Games will be held in the U.S.

The big picture: Event organizers expect this to be the biggest Games ever. It’s expected to generate roughly $3 billion in economic impact for North Carolina, the Observer reported.