NC one step closer to hosting 2027 World University Games

By Jessica Patrick, WRAL senior multiplatform producer

Raleigh, N.C. — North Carolina is one step closer to hosting the 2027 World University Games.

Gov. Roy Cooper on Tuesday joined Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin at the Governor's Mansion to sign a proclamation officially expressing the state's desire and ability to host the games, the second-largest international athletic competition after the Olympics.

North Carolina’s bid is for the “University Hub region,” including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary and Greensboro. The other finalist to host the games is Chungcheong, South Korea.

The final decision will be made in November by the Executive Board of the International University Sports Federation.

The 2027 World University Games will feature 7,000 athletes from over 150 countries and more than 600 universities. Cooper estimated the economic impact on North Carolina would be between $150 million and $370 million.

"Obviously we want it right here in North Carolina," said Cooper, who signed a proclamation earlier this year declaring N.C. the center of the college basketball universe. "The love of sports here in North Carolina is a real passion ... and these games will emphasize not only how sports can bring us all together across the world but the importance of our colleges and universities."

Cooper said, of the 130 colleges and universities across our state, 19 of them are in the Triangle and the Triad.

"We know that this will be a fantastic place to host these games," he said. "I believe that in my heart sports are a reflection of life and you can learn so much about life participating in sports."

The Durham Bulls Athletic Park could be one of several venues in the state hosting competition on a worldwide scale.