The 2027 FISU World University Games have been awarded to Chungcheong as the South Korean province edged out North Carolina for hosting the esteemed summer event.
A release from the International University Sports Federation noted that the international delegation felt both sites had strong facilities, vast support for college athletics and an impressive history of sports woven into the fabric of the region.
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“FISU offers its sincere congratulations to Chungcheong. Korea has a proud tradition of university sport and will, I am sure, be an ideal place for the world’s best university athletes to come together in peaceful celebration in the summer of 2027,” said FISU Acting President Leonz Eder. “Chungcheong 2027 has the potential to be a very special FISU World University Games, making a lasting contribution to university sport.”
The games are considered FISU's flagship event in the summer and consist of 18 sports across 31 venues. Eder complimented North Carolina and added the organization will consider the state as a site for future games.
“While Chungcheong is today’s choice for 2027, we would be delighted to have North Carolina as a host for the FISU World University Games in the future at the first available opportunity. FISU would like to thank both candidates for their professionalism and for the sporting way in which they have conducted themselves throughout the process.”
In September, Gov. Roy Cooper and Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin signed a proclamation officially expressing the state's desire and ability to host the games, the second-largest international athletic competition after the Olympics. An international site selection delegation visited Durham Bulls Athletic Park earlier this year in consideration of North Carolina.
"It was a major disappointment," Baldwin told WRAL News after hearing about the news. "We scored higher in the technical evaluation. South Korea offered $450 million to stage the games. Obviously money won out over community."