Photo Credit: USA Badminton
Media Contact:
Jemelle Holopirek, Director of Public Relations: 316.660.6319, [email protected]
Wichita, Kan. (March 26, 2026) – For the first time in history, a USA Badminton national championship event will be hosted in Kansas. Visit Wichita, in partnership with Wichita’s Edge Sports Complex, will host the USA Badminton 2026 YONEX U.S. Junior National Championships. Competition will take place July 8-14, 2026.
“We are excited to partner with the Wichita community to host the 2026 YONEX Junior National Championships, one of USA Badminton’s most important events on our national calendar,” said John W. Ruger, Interim CEO of USA Badminton. “This championship brings together the country’s top young athletes, coaches and families for high level competition, development and connection. Wichita’s central location in the Midwest provides strong accessibility for athletes and families from across the United States, and the community’s commitment to our sport makes it an outstanding destination for this event. We look forward to welcoming participants from across the country to Wichita in 2026.”
Wichita’s Edge Sports Complex delivers a premier setting for competition, setting the stage to showcase the nation’s top junior badminton athletes. “Wichita’s Edge Sports Complex is proud to welcome USA Badminton to our city. This partnership reflects our commitment to bringing elite-level sport and national exposure to Wichita while continuing to elevate opportunities for athletes across all disciplines. We’re excited to showcase our facility and community on a national stage,” said Andy Sykes, owner and operator of Wichita’s Edge Sports Complex.
The event marks another major milestone for Wichita, which was recently named the Best Sports-Event Host City in the country by SportsTravel magazine. “Securing the 2026 YONEX U.S. Junior National Championships is a major milestone for Wichita and the state of Kansas,” said Josh Howell, vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita. “Hosting this event for the first time underscores Wichita’s reputation as a trusted host for national-level sporting events.”
The championship is expected to draw more than 600 youth athletes from across the United States, along with coaches and family members, for nearly a full week of competition and programming – bringing nearly an estimated $1 million in economic impact to the Wichita area.
This latest sports tourism win continues Visit Wichita’s streak of bringing premier, national sporting events to Kansas and Wichita for the first time. Others include:
- In January 2025, Wichita hosted the Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships, marking the first time the prestigious event had ever been held in the state.
- Earlier this month, Wichita hosted the USA Judo Youth Nationals, bringing USA Judo national championship event to Kansas for the first time.
- The 2026 Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WBIT) semifinals and finals will be held next week at Charles Koch Arena on the Wichita State University campus for the first time.
- Wichita will also become the first city in the nation to host the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup for three consecutive years (2026–2028).
- Visit Wichita brought USA Lacrosse’s Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA) national championship to Kansas for the first time in 2024.
“Wichita’s momentum as a sports destination continues to grow,” Howell said. “From basketball to judo to badminton and beyond, we’re demonstrating our ability to compete at the highest level. Each event enhances our economy, strengthens community pride and reinforces Wichita’s position as a leading sports destination.”
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About Visit Wichita
Visit Wichita markets the greater Wichita area as a premier convention, sports and tourism destination, increasing travel and tourism as a key economic driver for the city, county, region and state. Wichita was named the Best Sports-Event Host City by SportsTravel magazine, a national recognition that highlights the city’s proven success in hosting high-caliber sporting events with world-class venues, seamless operations and strong community support. Visit Wichita is led by President and CEO Susie Santo, and in 2024 travel and tourism contributed more than $1.5 billion in economic impact to the greater Wichita area. For more information, visit VisitWichita.com.
