Maryland Stadium Authority Adopts Updated FY27 Guidelines for Maryland Sports Grant Programs
Revised policies strengthen grant administration, accountability and future-year funding framework ahead of FY27 application portals opening.
BALTIMORE, Maryland – The Maryland Sports Commission, a division of the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), announced updated guidelines and policies for its two primary event grant programs ahead of the opening of the FY27 application cycle.
The MSA Board of Directors unanimously approved the updates during its September 1, 2026, meeting. The changes apply to the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Program and Michael Erin Busch Fund and the Major Sports & Entertainment Events Fund.
The updated framework addresses program administration, funding limitations, payment structure, grant closeout and reconciliation, grantee documentation, and the consideration and administration of future-year funding.
Key updates include:
• Clearer requirements and expectations for applicants and grant recipients;
• Updated funding limitations and payment administration;
• Strengthened post-event reporting, documentation and closeout requirements;
• Updated guidance for the review and administration of grant awards;
• New Grant Program Brand Guidelines & Requirements; and
• A formal framework for considering future-year and multi-year funding for events secured several years in advance.
“As these programs have grown, it is important that MSA and Maryland Sports continue to strengthen how they are administered and ensure they meet the needs of both the State and the events we work to attract,” said Joseph C. Bryce, a member of the MSA Board of Directors and Chair of the Sports Oversight Committee. “These grants help Maryland remain competitive for national and international sports and entertainment events, while clear policies and strong accountability help ensure that we maintain responsible stewardship of public funds.”
“The updated guidelines establish clearer expectations from application through final closeout and provide a more consistent framework for administering the programs,” said Ashley Harper Cottrell, Interim Manager of the Maryland Sports Commission and MSA Marketing & Communications Group. “They also give Maryland Sports a stronger foundation for planning beyond a single fiscal year as we compete for events that are often awarded to host destinations several years in advance.”
Maryland Sports anticipates opening the FY27 grant application portals later this month. Once opened, the application period is expected to remain available for approximately 45 days. Maryland Sports is not currently accepting requests under the Future-Year Funding Policy. Additional information regarding the submission and consideration process will be announced separately.
Organizations seeking FY27 funding for events scheduled to occur before the application portals open may submit a Notice of Intent to Apply (NOI) to establish eligibility during the transition period. Submission of an NOI does not constitute a grant application, reserve funding or guarantee an award. Organizations submitting an NOI will be required to complete the applicable FY27 grant application once the portals open.
More information regarding FY27 grant opportunities, updated Program Guidelines and policies, eligibility requirements, Brand Guidelines, and the Notice of Intent process is available at MarylandSports.us/Grants-Overview.
Youth and Amateur Sports Grant and Michael Erin Busch Fund
The Youth & Amateur Sports Grant Program and Michael Erin Busch Fund support eligible youth and amateur sporting events throughout Maryland, including events that generate sports tourism, economic activity, participation opportunities and quality-of-life benefits for Maryland communities.
Approximately $1.5 million in funding is available for FY27. Funding is awarded through a competitive process based on program eligibility, published evaluation criteria, available funding and applicable approval requirements.
More information is available at MarylandSports.us/grants-overview/about-grant-fund/
Major Sports and Entertainment Events Fund (Major Event Fund)
The Major Sports & Entertainment Events Fund supports Maryland’s efforts to attract, retain and host major sporting and entertainment events that draw visitors to the State, generate economic impact and media exposure, and strengthen Maryland’s competitiveness as a host destination.
The program provides up to $10 million annually for eligible major sports and entertainment events and is administered by the Maryland Sports Commission through the Maryland Stadium Authority.
More information is available at MarylandSports.us/grants-overview/about-mef/.
About Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA)
The Maryland Stadium Authority was established by the Maryland General Assembly in 1986 to build, manage and maintain quality facilities to retain Major League Baseball and return the National Football League to Maryland. MSA’s mission has expanded significantly over four decades to include school construction, convention facilities, racing, economic development, sports tourism and other public infrastructure initiatives throughout Maryland.
For more information, visit mdstad.com.
About Maryland Sports Commission (Maryland Sports)
The Maryland Sports Commission, a division of the Maryland Stadium Authority, works to enhance Maryland’s economy, image and quality of life through the attraction, promotion, retention and development of regional, national and international sporting events. For nearly two decades, Maryland Sports has helped showcase the State to athletes, spectators and visitors from around the world.
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