Former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl Jr. Named Honorary Chairman of 2027 Military World Summer Games in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, NC — In a move that signals a massive boost for what will be one of the largest sporting spectacles in United States history, the Local Organizing Committee for the 2027 Military World Summer Games has officially named Hugh McColl Jr. as its Honorary Chairman.
The announcement, made on January 27, 2026, brings a legendary figure of American finance and Charlotte’s civic architecture to the forefront of an event that will host over 10,000 military athletes from more than 100 nations. For organizers, the appointment of McColl is more than a ceremonial nod; it is a strategic masterstroke intended to galvanize corporate support and institutional backing for an event never before held on American soil.
A Marine’s Return to the Global Stage
While many know Hugh McColl Jr. as the architect of Bank of America, turning a regional North Carolina bank into a global financial juggernaut, his foundational identity is rooted in the military. Before he was a titan of Wall Street, McColl was a Marine Corps lieutenant.
“My time in the Marines taught me everything I know about leadership, discipline, and the value of a mission-oriented team,” McColl said in a statement following the announcement. “To see Charlotte chosen as the first U.S. host for these games is a proud moment for our city. I am honored to help welcome the world’s finest service members to our home.”
McColl’s military background is expected to bridge the gap between the corporate suites of Charlotte’s “Uptown” and the high-performance demands of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), the governing body behind the games.
The “McColl Effect”: Securing Corporate Charlotte
The Military World Games are second only to the Olympics in terms of international participation. However, unlike the Olympics, these games rely heavily on regional partnerships and private-sector momentum.
Erik Spanberg, Managing Editor of the Charlotte Business Journal, noted that McColl’s name brings “instant credibility.” In the competitive landscape of 2026, where cities are vying for post-pandemic tourism dollars and global visibility, McColl’s involvement is a signal to sponsors like Duke Energy, Honeywell, and Lowe’s that the 2027 games are the region’s top priority.
Economic Projections for the 2027 Games:
- Spectator Turnout: Expected to exceed 300,000.
- Regional Revenue: Projected local economic impact of $400–$500 million.
- Global Broadcast Reach: Estimated audience of 1.2 billion across digital and linear platforms.
A Historic “First” for the United States
The 2027 Games in Charlotte will mark the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games. Since the inaugural event in Rome in 1995, the games have been hosted by nations including China, India, and Brazil, but never the U.S.
The selection of Charlotte—often called the “New Energy Capital” and a hub for veteran-owned businesses—was no accident. The city’s infrastructure, including the U.S. National Whitewater Center and UNC Charlotte’s athletic facilities, stood out to CISM scouts during their 2025 tours.
“Charlotte’s outstanding sporting facilities and commitment to the values of CISM—Friendship through Sport—make it the ideal host for this historic event,” said Colonel Nilton Rolim, CISM President.
What to Expect at the 2027 Games
The competition, scheduled for June 25 to July 4, 2027, will feature a unique blend of traditional Olympic sports and specialized military disciplines.
| Sport Category | Notable Events |
| Traditional Olympic | Track & Field, Swimming, Boxing, Basketball, Soccer. |
| Military Specific | Military Pentathlon (shooting, obstacle run, grenade throwing), Parachuting, Naval Pentathlon. |
| Emerging Tech | Cybersecurity “Capture the Flag” and Drone Racing. |
The games are also expected to serve as official qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, further elevating the stakes for the active-duty service members competing.
The Legacy of Hugh McColl Jr.
For the 90-year-old McColl, this chairmanship is yet another chapter in a life defined by building Charlotte into a world-class destination. From his work in establishing Fourth Ward as a residential hub to his efforts in bringing the Carolina Panthers to the city, McColl has spent four decades ensuring Charlotte “punches above its weight class.”
As the honorary chair, McColl will lead a local organizing committee that includes former governors, military generals, and tech innovators. His primary task over the next 18 months will be ensuring that the “Queen City” is prepared for the logistical challenge of housing and transporting nearly 10,000 athletes during the humid North Carolina summer.
“We aren’t just hosting a sports tournament,” McColl noted. “We are hosting a peace mission. In a world of divisions, there is no better message than soldiers from around the globe meeting on a field of play rather than a field of battle.”
