When the Maryland Stadium Authority and Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (now the Maryland Department of Commerce) partnered in 2008 to create the Office of Sports Marketing, their goal was bold and unmistakable: position Maryland as an elite destination for sports and a national leader in sports tourism. Rebranded in 2016 as the Maryland Sports Commission (MSC), the organization has since become one of the most influential and effective state-level sports commissions in the country.
MSC is one of only two free-standing state sports commissions in the United States, a structural advantage that allows it to operate with strategic agility while representing Maryland with a unified voice. That independence has fueled extraordinary results. Since its inception, MSC has facilitated over $2 billion in event recruitment dollars and generated more than $1.65 billion in direct spending impact. Its work has helped position Maryland on the international sports map while strengthening local economies and elevating community pride.
Maryland’s sports legacy has long extended beyond its iconic legends and today the state stands as a vibrant hub for sporting events at every level. MSC has influenced or directly supported a wide range of marquee events including international bids for the Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cup™ and Rugby World Cup, production of the Governors Challenge, and the statewide Maryland Sports Spelling Bee. Whether on land or water, in small towns or major cities, Maryland’s sports landscape thrives with year-round activity.
The Maryland Sports Commission maintains deep, longstanding relationships with tourism leaders, sports organizations, governing bodies, and community partners. Through collaborative bid development, volunteer coordination, sponsorship creation and event promotion, MSC positions Maryland as a trusted host and a top-tier competitor for major sporting events.
Supporting MSC’s mission is TEAM Maryland, a collaborative network of 22 destinations working together to market Maryland collectively to the sports industry. This alliance strengthens the state’s ability to attract and host community-based, revenue-producing sporting events by leveraging the full spectrum of Maryland’s venues, destinations and skilled partners.
TEAM Maryland provides tournament organizers with unparalleled access to resources, facilities, and event support. Together, these partners present a unified, statewide sports identity, one that showcases the diversity and depth of Maryland’s sports communities across counties, towns and cities.
Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland and the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant and Michael Erin Busch Fund program
To further expand the state’s sports tourism footprint, the Maryland Sports Commission launched the Sport and Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (SECMD), a nonprofit designed to support large-scale, multi-year events and advance major public-private partnerships.
Established in 2019 under the Affiliated Foundations Bill, SECMD is governed by a multi-member board, providing legal, administrative, accounting and community development support for hallmark events. As an incubator for high-impact, high-visibility projects, SECMD strengthens Maryland’s ability to attract, launch, and sustain world-class competitions.
Events Influenced or Supported by Sport Corp
- Maryland 5 Star at Fair Hill
- Maryland Cycling Classic
- Preakness Festival
A cornerstone of MSC’s mission is the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant and Michael Erin Busch Fund, a program that empowers the state to retain and attract impactful youth and amateur sporting events. Named in honor of the late Maryland House Speaker Michael Erin Busch, a lifelong champion of youth sports, the grant program reinforces Maryland’s commitment to developing the next generation of athletes and expanding equitable access to sports experiences.
Impact of the Grant & Fund (FY2025)
- 50+ events funded
- $277.3 million in direct business sales
- More than 595,793 attendees
- 37,115 jobs supported
- $18.2 million in total state tax revenue
- Return on Investment (ROI) of 1:1,808
Events Supported
- MARS Turf Wars 2025
- Kayak races
- Women’s Lacrosse
- Military Bowl
- Soccer
- Basketball
Major Event Fund
The Major Event Fund, created through Maryland legislative action (Chapter 61 /House Bill 897, 2022), enables MSC to recruit and support marquee international, national and large-scale events, including global soccer matches, major entertainment festivals and nationally televised competitions.
The fund elevates Maryland’s presence on the world stage by attracting events that boost tourism, fill hotels and restaurants, drive media exposure and generate substantial economic impact.
Events Supported by the Major Event Fund
The Major Event Fund works in sync with MSC’s other grant programs to continue advancing Maryland’s role as a premier host destination.
To further strengthen this commitment, the Maryland Sports Commission relaunched its online grant portal, introducing a streamlined, user-friendly platform for both the Major Events Fund and the Youth & Amateur Sports Grant and Michael Erin Busch Fund programs. The updated portal modernizes the application experience and incorporates a more data-informed and equitable review process through tools such as the Event Impact Calculator.
These resources help ensure that funding decisions meaningfully support events that drive economic impact, attract tourism, and elevate Maryland as a premier sports destination. Grants typically support youth and amateur events with awards that help sustain local competitions, while the Major Events Fund assists in securing large-scale national and international events that generate statewide visibility and community benefit.
Sports tourism is one of the most powerful economic engines in Maryland. Visitors attending sporting events generate impact through overnight hotel stays, restaurant spending, transportation, local shopping, and entertainment. What often begins at the youth and amateur level expands into regional, national, and international opportunities.
Before MSC’s creation, Maryland lacked a unified strategy for harnessing the economic potential of sports. Today, the state is regarded as a national model, recognized for its innovative approach, strong partnerships, and comprehensive statewide sports tourism vision.
Beyond the economic ripple effects, sports tourism enriches communities in powerful ways. Major events bring residents together, create volunteer opportunities, strengthen civic pride, and contribute to a heightened quality of life across Maryland. Every event hosted in the state leaves a lasting impression on the local community while positioning Maryland as a competitive, world-class destination for athletes, fans and sports organizations.
“The Maryland Sports Commission is at the forefront of the sports tourism industry, driving economic growth, fostering community spirit and positioning our state as a premier destination on the global stage. Our focus is ensuring that every event we pursue, big or small, leaves a lasting legacy for the community. We have not only boosted our economy but also enriched the lives of our residents and visitors alike. Our efforts have transformed Maryland into a premier destination for sports tourism.”
