---

2026 American Cup Event Overview

The American Cup has historically been the "Who’s Who" of gymnastics. Past champions include legends like Simone Biles, Nastia Liukin, and Mary Lou Retton. For 2026, USA Gymnastics is shaking things up by introducing a mixed-team international competition.

This format, which pairs male and female athletes on the same team, mirrors the style planned for the LA28 Olympic Games. It’s not just a competition; it’s a preview of the next generation of Olympic greatness.

Venue and Location

The event will be hosted at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, NV. Located just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, the venue offers a state-of-the-art experience for fans traveling from across the country.

---

Event Schedule and Times

The action isn't limited to just the American Cup. The day kicks off with the Nastia Liukin Cup, a showcase for the top Level 10 junior and senior gymnasts in the United States.

Date	Time (Pacific)	Event	Broadcast / Stream
March 6	TBD	Podium Training (All Nations)	FlipNow.tv
March 7	11:00 AM	Nastia Liukin Cup	USA Gymnastics YouTube
March 7	6:00 PM	2026 American Cup	NBC / Peacock

Note: Doors at Lee’s Family Forum are scheduled to open at 4:30 PM for the evening session.

---

How to Watch: TV and Streaming

For those who can’t make it to the Nevada desert, the coverage will be extensive.

• Live TV: The American Cup will air live on NBC.

• Streaming: You can stream the main event live on Peacock.

• Digital Coverage: The Nastia Liukin Cup and additional podium training sessions will be available via USA Gymnastics’ YouTube channel and their subscription service, FlipNow.tv.

---

Participant and Qualification Details

The U.S. roster for the American Cup is typically finalized following the Winter Cup (held in February). As this is an international invitational, you can expect to see top-tier athletes from at least eight different nations competing in the new mixed-team format.

The 50th Anniversary Milestone

The 2026 edition is particularly special as it celebrates 50 years since the event's debut in 1976. USA Gymnastics is expected to honor historical champions and celebrate the legacy of the sport throughout the evening.

---

Athletes to Watch: A Clash of Global Icons

The 2026 American Cup isn't just a domestic meet; it's a global showdown. The international roster already features over a dozen Olympians and 24 World Championship veterans. Here are the headliners you can’t afford to miss.

The International Heavyweights

These athletes have already confirmed their spots and are expected to be the leaders of their respective mixed-team pairings:

• Daiki Hashimoto (Japan): The four-time Olympic medalist and 12-time World medalist is arguably the greatest gymnast in the world today. His presence in Henderson makes this a "can't-miss" event for purists.

• Zhang Boheng (China): A 2024 Olympic triple medalist and the primary rival to Hashimoto. Their rivalry is the stuff of gymnastics legend, and seeing them go head-to-head on U.S. soil is a rare treat.

• Alba Petisco & Joel Plata (Spain): This veteran Spanish duo brings a wealth of Olympic experience. Plata, a six-time World Championship team member, is known for his incredible consistency and leadership.

• Ruby Stacey & Abigail Martin (Great Britain): Representing a surging British program, Stacey (2021 World team member) and Martin (2024 Olympian) are expected to challenge for the podium.

The Team USA "Hot List"

The U.S. roster will be officially named on February 22, following the Winter Cup. Based on early season training and registrations, keep an eye on these frontrunners:

Athlete	Key Strength	Why They’re a Contender
Hezly Rivera	All-Around / Beam	A standout from WOGA with a massive difficulty score on the balance beam.
Yul Moldauer	Floor / Parallel Bars	The veteran "heart" of the Men's program, seeking another American Cup title.
Riley Loos	Rings / Vault	The defending Winter Cup champion who has shown incredible power this season.
Claire Pease	Bars / All-Around	A rising star making waves with her elegant lines and high-level release moves.
Simone Rose	All-Around	A fan favorite known for her dynamic power and high ceiling in the all-around.

---

Why the "Mixed-Team" Format Changes the Game

In traditional gymnastics, men and women compete in separate sessions. For the 2026 American Cup, they will be unified.

The Breakdown: Teams will consist of a mix of male and female athletes from the same nation (or combined international groups). Every point counts toward a single team total.

This format requires a new level of strategy: do you lead with a high-scoring Men's Vault, or save a steady Women's Beam routine for the final rotation? It’s a "team-first" mentality that adds a layer of drama never before seen at this event.

---

Official Links and Resources

To ensure you have the most up-to-date information on ticket availability, athlete bios, and results, bookmark these official sources:

• Official Event Page: USA Gymnastics - American Cup

• Venue Website: Lee’s Family Forum

• Ticket Purchases: AXS Official Ticketing

---

Planning Your Trip to Henderson

If you are traveling to the event, Henderson offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than the neighboring Las Vegas Strip while still providing easy access to world-class dining and entertainment.

1. Transport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the closest major hub.

2. Stay: Look for hotels in the Green Valley area for the shortest commute to the arena.

3. Tickets: All-session passes are available, allowing you to see both the future stars at the Nastia Liukin Cup and the elite pros at the American Cup.