Wichita to Host 2026 USA Badminton Junior National Championships

The event is expected to bring over 600 athletes and generate $1 million in economic impact.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 1:11am

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Wichita, Kansas has been selected to host the 2026 YONEX U.S. Junior National Badminton Championships. The competition will take place from July 8 to 14 at the Wichita Edge Sports Complex and is expected to bring over 600 athletes to the city, generating around $1 million in economic impact.

Why it matters

Securing this national-level sporting event underscores Wichita's growing reputation as a trusted host for major competitions, building on recent successes like hosting the USA Judo Youth Nationals and the 2026 Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament. This event will boost the local economy and strengthen community pride in Wichita's status as a leading sports destination.

The details

The 2026 YONEX U.S. Junior National Badminton Championships will feature over 600 of the top young badminton players from across the country competing at the Wichita Edge Sports Complex from July 8 to 14.

  • The competition will take place from July 8 to 14, 2026.
  • Wichita hosted the USA Judo Youth Nationals earlier this month.
  • The 2026 Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament semifinals and final will take place next week at Charles Koch Arena.

The players

Visit Wichita

The organization that announced Wichita's selection to host the 2026 YONEX U.S. Junior National Badminton Championships.

Josh Howell

The vice president of sports development at Visit Wichita.

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What they’re saying

“Securing the 2026 YONEX U.S. Junior National Championships is a major milestone for Wichita and the state of Kansas. Hosting this event for the first time underscores Wichita's reputation as a trusted host for national-level sporting events.”

— Josh Howell, Vice President of Sports Development, Visit Wichita

“Wichita's momentum as a sports destination continues to grow. From basketball to judo to badminton and beyond, we're demonstrating our ability to compete at the highest level. Each event enhances our economy, strengthens community pride, and reinforces Wichita's position as a leading sports destination.”

— Josh Howell, Vice President of Sports Development, Visit Wichita

What’s next

The 2026 YONEX U.S. Junior National Badminton Championships will take place from July 8 to 14, 2026 at the Wichita Edge Sports Complex.

The takeaway

Wichita's successful bid to host the 2026 USA Badminton Junior National Championships further solidifies the city's reputation as a premier sports destination, building on recent high-profile events and demonstrating the community's ability to compete at the national level across a variety of sports.