Maryland Sports Commission Opens FY27 Grant Applications for Sports Tourism and Major Entertainment Events
Funding opportunities support youth and amateur sports, major events and sports tourism across Maryland
BALTIMORE, Maryland — The Maryland Sports Commission, a division of the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), announced the opening of its FY27 grant application portal for the Major Sports & Entertainment Events Fund (Major Event Fund) and the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Program and Michael Erin Busch Fund. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The opening follows MSA Board approval of updated FY27 program guidelines and policies designed to strengthen consistency, transparency, accountability and the administration of public funding supporting sporting and entertainment events throughout Maryland.
Applications will be evaluated using established program criteria, including the Event Impact Calculator (EIC), a national economic-impact evaluation model available through Maryland Sports’ partnership with Destinations International and Tourism Economics. The EIC helps quantify the anticipated economic impact of proposed events and provides Maryland Sports with additional data to evaluate opportunities competing for State support.
“These programs allow Maryland to strategically invest in events that bring athletes, families, spectators and visitors into communities across our State while generating economic activity and showcasing Maryland as a premier national and international destination for sports and events,” said Lindsey V. Parker, Executive Director of the Maryland Stadium Authority. “With the FY27 application cycle now open, the updated framework provides greater consistency and accountability while helping ensure public resources are directed toward opportunities that deliver meaningful benefits for Maryland.”
“Opening the portal puts the updated FY27 policies into practice and gives event organizers a clear pathway for bringing opportunities to Maryland Sports for consideration,” said Ashley Harper Cottrell, Interim Manager of the Maryland Sports Commission and MSA Marketing & Communications Group. “Our goal is to create a process that is transparent and consistent for applicants while giving Maryland the information and flexibility we need to evaluate opportunities strategically. Whether we are supporting a youth tournament in a Maryland community or pursuing a major national or international event, these programs are ultimately about using sports and entertainment to generate economic activity, attract visitors and create positive experiences across the State.”
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements established for the applicable funding program. Applications must be submitted before an event occurs, and submission of an application does not constitute approval or a commitment of funding.
Grant recipients are also required to comply with Maryland Sports and MSA brand recognition requirements, including appropriate acknowledgement of State support through event signage, marketing materials and applicable digital assets.
The FY27 application portal is open now and will remain available through Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Event organizers interested in applying through either program can visit MarylandSports.us/Grants-Overview for program guidelines, eligibility requirements, policies, brand requirements and access to the application portals.
To support applicants during the FY27 grant cycle, the Maryland Sports Commission will host a virtual information session for organizations interested in learning more about the grant programs and application requirements. The session will provide an opportunity to ask questions about eligibility, program guidelines and the application process.
The virtual information session will be held Wednesday October 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Pre-registration is required, and can be done by filling out the information below:
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