Accor Arena in Paris will host a two-day sumo event next year, as the Japanese sport continues its expansion into overseas territories.
The Paris Sumo Tournament will take place on June 13-14, 2026 and will celebrate the historic ties between France and Japan.
Accor Arena hosted the most recent sumo event in France, back in 1995. Next year’s event will be organised by sports promoter David Rothschild in collaboration with AEG Presents France.
Nicolas Dupeux, chief executive of Paris Entertainment Company, which operates Accor Arena, said: “It is a great source of pride to host such a major event at the Accor Arena, the last venue to host sumo wrestlers just 30 years ago. Today, we are honoured to celebrate Japan and its iconic representatives, while showcasing a rich and fascinating culture.”
Nobuyoshi Hakkaku, chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, added: “In 1986, we were invited by former President Jacques Chirac, who was a great fan of sumo and was the mayor of Paris at the time, to perform in Paris for the first time.
“In 1995, we performed in Paris for the second time, and for many years, the winning wrestler at the main sumo tournament has been awarded the Japan-France Friendship Cup, and we are grateful for the deep and long-standing bond between sumo and France.
“We feel a new joy and a strong responsibility in being able to hold the third Paris tournament in 2026. We will make every effort to convey the charm of sumo, an ancient traditional culture of Japan, to the people of France, and to ensure that everyone can enjoy it to the fullest. We look forward to meeting many of you there.”
Last month, it was announced that London’s Royal Albert Hall will host a Grand Sumo Tournament from October 15-19 this year. The event will be organised in partnership with the Japan Sumo Association and will mark the first sumo event in the UK in over three decades.
Accor Arena was a host venue during the Paris Olympics last year. It has also hosted NBA games, UFC events, League of Legends finals, the Handball World Championship and the Ice Hockey World Championship.
