Road to 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa begins with 2026 state qualifiers

More than 12,500 athletes ages 50 and older — including 500+ tennis players — competed in the National Senior Games last summer in Des Moines, Iowa. For the second straight time, the National Senior Games will take place within the USTA Missouri Valley when Tulsa hosts the event in 2027.

One of the world’s largest multisport championship events for adults 50+ is set for June 30 to July 11, 2027. It will mark the 40th anniversary of the National Senior Games, which originated within the USTA Missouri Valley in 1987 in St. Louis.

The 1989 rendition also occurred in St. Louis before returning to the USTA Missouri Valley for the first time in 36 years last summer. More than 100,000 individuals across the U.S. annually engage in a local, state or national event affiliated with the National Senior Games.

“It’s just a great opportunity for our section to showcase some of the wonderful talent we have across the board in all ages 50 and above,” said Scott Howes, USTA Missouri Valley manager of adult play. “It’s great for the active, older population to stay fit, socialize, compete and promote overall health and well-being in all sports.

“But specifically, we want them out there on the court playing tennis. If they haven’t picked up the racquet in a while, this is the perfect time to do so.”

Over 25 individual and team sports will be offered in Tulsa, from archery to basketball to softball to swimming. For the sport of tennis, singles, doubles and mixed doubles divisions are available.

To qualify for the 2027 National Senior Games in Tulsa, individuals must first compete in a qualifying state senior games in 2026.

According to the 2027 National Senior Games rulebook, individuals placing in the top four in tennis at a qualifying state senior games book their spot for the National Senior Games. Oklahoma residents have a special opportunity to qualify for the national event in their home state (see Oklahoma section below). Learn more about qualifying here.

Check out the state-by-state details of the state senior games occurring within the USTA Missouri Valley in 2026. For all of these options, both state residents and non-residents are eligible to participate.

“It’s a great way to get outside and relive memories of your youth; it’s a good social and active way to get people out into the community,” Howes said. “We’re lucky to have it twice in a row. We should take advantage of it as much as we can. It’s in our back doorstep. Let’s get some people out there, promote it and make it bigger and better than ever.”

Iowa

The 2026 Iowa Senior Games feature tennis on June 5-6 at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School in West Des Moines. Singles play is on June 5, while doubles and mixed doubles is June 6.

Registration is $35 if completed by May 1 and $40 when completed after that date. The final registration deadline is May 20, as on-site registration is not available. For more information and to register, click here.