The framework for the 2026 CrossFit Games season was announced earlier this week. And now, it has been announced that CrossFit has partnered with the Air National Guard (ANG) for the upcoming year. The ANG will be the official presenting sponsor of the 2026 CrossFit Open and will co-host several events throughout the year.
The partnership expands CrossFit’s ties with the U.S. Military. The U.S. Border Patrol has been an official sponsor of the CrossFit Games for the past several seasons.
“Partnering with CrossFit allows the Air National Guard to demonstrate how fitness, resilience, and service go hand in hand,” said Chief Master Sergeant John D. Hawley, Marketing Branch Chief, Air National Guard. “Together, we’re not only strengthening the readiness of our Airmen but also inspiring Americans everywhere to embrace a lifestyle of discipline, teamwork, and service to something greater than themselves.”
The ANG will be involved throughout the 2026 season, from the Open to the CrossFit Everyday Hero Service Games to several experiential events across the United States. Here’s a look at what the new partnership will entail:
- Airmen Participation in Open Announcements. In advance of the Open, CrossFit Seminar Staff will spend a week at an Air National Guard base to teach CrossFit classes to over 140 Airmen. These Airmen will nominate three of their peers that they believe embody “Excellence and Service Before Self” during their CrossFit training to participate in a Live Open Announcement. These Airmen will be featured in the Livestream, competing against their peers.
- CrossFit Everyday Hero Service Games. The ANG will also sponsor this November’s Service Games at CrossFit Mayhem, a competition exclusive to active-duty military, first responders, healthcare workers, and government employees. ANG will participate in the opening ceremonies, honor those who serve with a Salute to Service, and engage with over 20 Airmen and ROTC members on-site.
- CrossFit x ANG Experiential Events. Throughout 2026, CrossFit and ANG will host six community activations across the United States, bringing together affiliate owners, trainers, athletes, and ANG/ROTC members for educational sessions, workouts, and community-building experiences.
“This marks the most integrated partnership CrossFit has ever done with a Military branch. Through our partnership, we’ll demonstrate to the world how CrossFit enables peak physical and mental readiness for all careers, especially for those who want to be the tip of the spear,” said Greg Schwartz, Vice President of Global Partnerships at CrossFit. “The CrossFit community will gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content created with the Air National Guard, showcasing the lives and training of Airmen.”
