The Wait is Over! McDonald's Drops Final Rosters for the 49th Annual All American Games

Rhea-AI Summary

McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) announced the final rosters for the 49th McDonald's All American Games, featuring 24 girls and 24 boys. Games take place Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, with related events on March 30 and broadcasts on ESPN platforms.

The event supports Ronald McDonald House chapters; Arizona restaurants helped raise more than $1.3 million for local chapters to date.

Key Figures

All American players: 24 girls, 24 boys Player nominations: More than 700 nominations Event history: 49th annual Games +5 more

8 metrics

All American players 24 girls, 24 boys 2026 McDonald's All American Games rosters

Player nominations More than 700 nominations High school prospects considered for 2026 Games

Event history 49th annual Games Legacy of McDonald’s All American Games

Arizona donations More than $1.3 million Raised for Ronald McDonald House in Arizona

Arizona restaurants Nearly 290 restaurants McDonald’s footprint in Arizona

Families supported More than 4,700 families Arizona Ronald McDonald House support in 2024

Current share price $315 Pre-news market context

52-week range $283.47–$326.32 52-week low and high for MCD

Market Reality Check

Price: $318.53 Vol: Volume 2,843,231 is sligh...

normal vol

$318.53 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,843,231 is slightly below the 20-day average of 3,136,778 (relative volume 0.91x). normal

Technical Price $315 is trading above the 200-day MA at $306.38 and about 3.5% below the 52-week high of $326.32.

Peers on Argus

MCD slipped 0.16% while peers were mixed: SBUX -0.83%, QSR -0.13% vs YUM +0.51%,...

MCD slipped 0.16% while peers were mixed: SBUX -0.83%, QSR -0.13% vs YUM +0.51%, DRI +0.22%, DPZ +0.94%. Moves do not indicate a unified sector trend.

Common Catalyst Peer headlines focus on sustainability (SBUX recycling) and international expansion (QSR China JV), while MCD’s news centers on brand/grassroots sports marketing.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Nov 20 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Nov 20	Promotional campaign	Positive	+0.5%	Launch of limited-time Grinch Meal with new fries and themed merchandise.
Nov 05	Earnings results	Positive	+2.2%	Q3 2025 results with higher sales, operating income, and EPS growth.
Oct 22	Dividend increase	Positive	-1.0%	5% dividend hike to $1.86 per share and 49-year raise streak.
Sep 29	Promotional campaign	Positive	-0.7%	Return of MONOPOLY game with physical and app-based prizes.
Sep 02	Value promotion	Positive	+0.7%	$5 and $8 Extra Value Meals reintroduced to emphasize affordability.

Pattern Detected

Recent brand and promo news has often led to modest moves, with some instances of short-term selloffs even on positive announcements.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, McDonald’s has combined promotional campaigns with solid fundamentals. Brand initiatives like the Grinch Meal, MONOPOLY relaunch, and Extra Value Meals drove customer engagement, while Q3 2025 results showed revenue of $7.078B, operating income of $3.357B, and diluted EPS of $3.18. The dividend was raised 5% to $1.86 per quarter, marking 49 consecutive annual increases. Today’s All American Games announcement fits the pattern of marketing and community-focused news following these financial and shareholder-return milestones.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement underscores McDonald’s emphasis on brand equity and community impact. The All Amer...

Analysis

This announcement underscores McDonald’s emphasis on brand equity and community impact. The All American Games showcase elite high school talent while tying into Ronald McDonald House support, with more than $1.3 million raised in Arizona and aid to over 4,700 families in 2024. In the context of prior promotions and steady dividend growth, investors may watch how such initiatives reinforce customer loyalty and complement core sales and earnings trends over time.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

The next generation of all stars will hit the hardwood in Glendale, Arizona on Tuesday, March 31

CHICAGO, Feb. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The desert heat is about to get even hotter! The 49^th annual McDonald's All American Games is heading to Glendale, Arizona for the first time ever and the official rosters were just released featuring the nation's top 24 girls and 24 boys basketball players. This new class of hoopers represents the next wave of elite talent, with each player proving they've got the skills, stats and the heart to solidify their name in high school basketball history. Now, the countdown is officially on for the girls and boys games taking place on Tuesday, March 31 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, AZ.

A New Class Joins a Storied Legacy
An independent committee of top analysts, prep scouts, media and coaches hand selected the final 24 girls and 24 boys from more than 700 nominations of the nation's best high school prospects. This new wave of players is poised to add their own chapter to the Games' 49-year legacy.

"Nearly five decades into the McDonald's All American Games, I continue to be amazed by the talent who raise the bar every year, and the fans who show up to support them," said Elizabeth Campbell, Vice President of Marketing, McDonald's USA. "We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2026 into this storied legacy and cheer them on as they write the next chapter of basketball history."

Turning Up the Heat in Phoenix
The Phoenix area will make history as it hosts the McDonald's All American Games for the first time ever. This year, we're bringing the nation's premier high school talent to a market long connected to basketball greatness and home to McDonald's All American icons such as Skylar Diggins, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Richard Jefferson, Jerryd Bayless and Aaron Gordon. Phoenix continues to thrive as a proving ground for rising stars, making it the perfect backdrop for the next generation of basketball royalty.

Don't Miss a Moment of the Action
The best seat in the house is in the house. Catch all the action on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31.

Events & Tickets:

• Sprite® Jam Fest on Monday, March 30 at Millennium High School featuring a 3-Point Contest, dunk competition and skills challenge. Ticket details will be announced soon.
• McDonald's All American Games on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Desert Diamond Arena. Tickets are available now at ticketmaster.com and mcdaag.com.

Watch on ESPN:

• Media Day: Monday, March 30 streaming on ESPN+, giving fans the chance to hear directly from all 48 players. Additional broadcast details to follow. 
• Sprite® Jam Fest: Monday, March 30 at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN2
• Girls Game: Tuesday, March 31 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN
• Boys Game: Tuesday, March 31 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN

Playing for a Purpose
The McDonald's All American Games have benefitted Ronald McDonald House® and its network of local Chapters since their inception. Ronald McDonald House helps bring communities together to support children and families throughout their healthcare journey by providing comfort, care and vital resources when they're needed most.

In Arizona, McDonald's, its owner/operators and customers across nearly 290 restaurants have helped raise more than $1.3 million for Ronald McDonald House directly supporting the Ronald McDonald House mission to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. In 2024 alone, Ronald McDonald House Chapters and programs in Arizona provided support to more than 4,700 families.

Stay plugged into community events, ticket info, player updates and more by visiting mcdaag.com or following @mcdaag on X, Instagram, and TikTok.

About McDonald's USA
McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald's approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent business owners. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, and follow us on social: X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. 

About Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House® is an independent, nonprofit 501(C)(3) organization that cares for families when they have children who are ill or injured. Through a global network of 250+ independently operated Chapters in 60+ countries and regions, we surround families with the resources, services and support they need, removing barriers so they can be at the heart of their child's care and ensure the best possible health outcomes.

For more information, visit ronaldmcdonaldhouse.org.

Media Contact
mcdaagmedia@golin.com 

 

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SOURCE McDonald's USA

FAQ

When and where will the McDonald's All American Games (MCD) Class of 2026 be played?

The games will be played on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. According to McDonald's, related events including Media Day and Sprite Jam Fest occur Monday, March 30 with ticket and broadcast details available online.

How many players were selected for the McDonald's All American Games 2026 roster (MCD)?

A total of 48 high school players were selected: 24 girls and 24 boys for the Class of 2026. According to McDonald's, selections were made by an independent committee from more than 700 nominations nationwide.

Where can fans buy tickets and watch the McDonald's All American Games (MCD) broadcasts?

Tickets are available now at ticketmaster.com and mcdaag.com for the March 31 games. According to McDonald's, ESPN will air the girls and boys games, with Media Day streaming on ESPN+ and Sprite Jam Fest on ESPN2.

What events are scheduled around the McDonald's All American Games in Glendale (MCD)?

Events include Media Day and the Sprite Jam Fest on Monday, March 30 featuring a 3-point contest, dunk contest, and skills challenge. According to McDonald's, Sprite Jam Fest will showcase top prospects and fan activities before the March 31 games.

How does the McDonald's All American Games (MCD) support Ronald McDonald House in Arizona?

The games benefit Ronald McDonald House and its local chapters; Arizona restaurants helped raise over $1.3 million to date. According to McDonald's, Arizona Chapters supported more than 4,700 families in 2024 through these programs.

Will fans be able to hear from the 48 players before the McDonald's All American Games (MCD)?

Yes. Media Day on Monday, March 30 will stream on ESPN+, giving fans access to all 48 players. According to McDonald's, Media Day provides interviews and player perspectives ahead of the March 31 games.