Tournament Hosting as Revenue: How Clubs Monetize Weekends
Hosting a tournament is one of the biggest revenue levers a club has. Here's the 2026 playbook to host profitable events.
A well-run tournament can net a club $25,000-$80,000 in a single weekend. Here's where the revenue comes from and how to capture every dollar.
Entry fees
Price at or slightly below market. 40-60 teams at $400-$800 each. Lock with a non-refundable deposit within 7 days of registration.
Concessions
Run your own concession stand. Outsourcing cuts margin in half. Pre-order staffing through a volunteer signup with hourly shifts.
Merch
Tournament tees, hoodies, and spirit wear. Sell online during registration (zero inventory risk) and at the door (higher margin).
Sponsorships
A local orthodontist, chiropractor, or pizza chain will pay $1,500-$5,000 to be the "Official [X] of the tournament." Include a logo on the bracket page and a PA announcement every 90 minutes.
Ticketing
If your tournament attracts spectators, ticket the door. $10 per adult, $5 for students, pass-the-gate wristbands for a 2-day pass.