Genesee County, MI — The Genesee County Board of Commissioners is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, which will return to downtown Flint on July 25–26, 2026.

The tournament will bring players, families, visitors, and basketball fans together for one of the nation’s most recognizable community basketball events. This will be the third year that The Salvation Army L.I.F.E. Center has hosted the event, which will feature as many as 200 teams. The tournament feels right at home in a community with a basketball tradition that is second to none. 

“Genesee County has a proud sports tradition, and events like the Gus Macker tournament allow us to lean into that tradition,” said Dale K. Weighill, Chairman of the Genesee County Board of Commissioners. “By supporting events like this, we are helping strengthen our reputation as a destination for sports and recreation while creating opportunities for families, athletes, and visitors to experience all that our community has to offer.”

Founded in 1974 by Scott “Gus Macker” McNeal, the tournament began as a small backyard gathering of friends in Lowell, Michigan, on the west side of the state. Since then, it has grown into a nationwide phenomenon, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels to compete and create memories that will last a lifetime. 

The tournament has deep roots in Flint. Linnell McKenney, a longtime friend of Scott McNeal and one of Genesee County’s greatest basketball players, played in the earliest games held in McNeal’s driveway, his mother’s backyard, and neighborhood streets. McKenney later helped bring the event to Flint, hosting the first Flint tournament at Northern High School in the early 1980s, before it moved downtown for several years. After a 20-year absence, McKenney helped bring the tournament back to the community in 2021.

“Gus Macker has always been about more than basketball,” said Linnell McKenney, Director of The Salvation Army Flint’s L.I.F.E. Center. “Flint has always had a special connection to this tournament, and I’m proud to see it continue growing in downtown Flint with the support of Genesee County.”

Gus Macker tournaments are designed to be inclusive and family-friendly, welcoming everyone from first-time players to seasoned competitors. In addition to 3-on-3 basketball action, the events include music, food, family activities, and opportunities to support local communities.

The Board of Commissioners’ sponsorship reflects its continued commitment to making a positive impact for residents by promoting community and economic growth opportunities across Genesee County. 

More information about registration, tournament details, and event activities can be found at //macker.com/local/flint-mi.