Could the 2026 CrossFit Games return to Carson, California? According to Daniel McCoy, an Albany County Executive, it sure sounds that way. In a recent press conference, published yesterday, McCoy stated that next year’s CrossFit Games would be heading to the west coast.
“The CrossFit Games for 2025 was huge coming here for three days and the fact next year they’re going to be on the West Coast because it’s a bigger deal,” shared McCoy in his opening remarks.
That bigger deal likely alludes to the 2026 CrossFit Games marking the 20th year of crowning the Fittest on Earth.
The CrossFit Games began in 2007 on Dave Castro’s family ranch in Aromas, California. After three years, the CrossFit Games headed to the Home Depot Center in Carson in 2010. It remained there through the 2016 CrossFit Games, albeit the venue had changed its name to the StubHub Center.
From there, Madison, Wisconsin, hosted the CrossFit Games from 2017 through 2023 (2020 was back in Aromas thanks to COVID). In 2024, the CrossFit Games headed to Ft. Worth, Texas, and, of course, this year’s CrossFit Games was in Albany.
Talk of heading back to Carson for the 2026 CrossFit Games was rampant as this year’s Games came to a close. However, nothing concrete had surfaced…until this press conference.
After saying the Games were headed west next year, McCoy spoke about the economic impact the CrossFit Games had on Albany. Here are some of the key stats McCoy mentioned:
- $4.5 million direct spending from spectators visiting Albany for the Games;
- $1.0 million spent on lodging;
- $1.0 million spent on recreation activities;
- Over 5,300 rooms booked throughout the weekend, accounting for one out of every four hotel rooms;
- Albany invested $116,000 to bring the CrossFit Games to MVP Arena.
McCoy said the CrossFit Games was “well worth the investment.”
Back in 2027?
But while it appears the CrossFit Games are moving away from Albany next year, Albany officials believe that the CrossFit Games could return in 2027.Â
“The County executive is spearheading a significant amount of development that’ll be happening in downtown and a lot of that will be realized in time for a second go around of the CrossFit Games in Albany, New York, in 2027,” said Mike McLaughlin, Deputy County Executive.
McLaughlin added, “They [CrossFit Games officials] said that they had the best experience of any place they’ve ever hosted it. And I feel really good, that to Dan’s credit, we are likely going to have this back and I’d love to see it back in 2027.”
This, however, is in contrast to previous remarks by Dave Castro where he said he hoped to move the CrossFit Games overseas in 2027.
I guess time will tell if Albany officials are right or if Castro’s wish to go abroad pans out. In the meantime, pack your bags…it looks like we’re going to Carson!
