Dodgeball World Cup coming to Birmingham Crossplex in 2028

The Magic City is adding another major trophy to its international sports mantle. Following the success of the 2022 World Games and the 2025 World Police and Fire Games, the World Dodgeball Association (WDA) is officially bringing the World Cup to the Birmingham CrossPlex in summer 2028.

This week, the Birmingham City Council’s Budget and Finance Committee moved the $50,000 funding agreement for the event to the consent agenda, signaling a green light for what officials are calling the next “cog in the wheel” of Birmingham’s growing reputation as a global sports destination. City Council passed the consent agenda at its Tuesday, March 24 meeting.

This will be the first WDA World Cup since 2022, which was held in Cairo, Egypt. The WDA held continental championships from 2023-2025 instead of the World Cup event.

Why Birmingham?

David Galbaugh, Vice President of Sports Sales and Marketing for the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the city’s recent “resume” of hosting international athletes was one of the deciding factors for the Manchester-based WDA.

“I think Birmingham’s a great sports destination first and foremost. But if you look at what we’ve done in the past, particularly on the international side with the World Games and World Police and Fire Games, I really think that resume speaks to these international federations about what Birmingham can accomplish.”

David Galbaugh, Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau

Galbaugh estimates there will be $2 million in visitor impact and 2,000 hotel room nights.

This win, however, wasn’t an overnight success. Galbaugh noted the visitors bureau started discussions with the world dodgeball leadership “a couple of years ago now.” WDA President Tom Hickson decided to “put his faith” in Birmingham for the 2028 cycle.

The event is expected to bring thousands of international visitors to the Five Points West area, further cementing the CrossPlex as a “crown jewel” for world-class indoor sports.

A ‘hardcore’ world stage

Don’t let the playground nostalgia fool you. The WDA World Cup features elite athletes from dozens of countries competing in the high-stakes “cloth” ball format.

“This is a World Cup, so you’re going to have really special dodgeball players. I think there’s going to be a mix, but you’re going to have hardcore athletes and then people that just love dodgeball and love to watch sports in general.”

David Galbaugh, Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau

Dodgeball in Birmingham

Folks who are interested in participating in or spectating dodgeball tournaments don’t have to wait till 2028. There are plenty of local leagues in addition to a larger upcoming event taking place.

• USA Dodgeball Premier Tour 2026 — From June 6 to 7, USA Dodgeball will host its fifth stop in the premier tour at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex.
• HotMess Dodgeball — Registration is still open for Birmingham’s local LGBTQ-friendly dodgeball league. The last day to register for the spring 2026 season is April 26, and opening day is May 7.
• SkyZone — Just want a fun, competitive opportunity to play with friends? SkyZone located at 6009 Tattersall Drive offers “ultimate dodgeball,” which brings the game to a new level with trampolines.
• Urban Air — Another venue to have a bouncy game of dodgeball is Urban Air, which has locations in Homewood and Trussville.

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