From undefeated MMA star Bilal Hasan chasing UFC dreams, record-shattering UFC Seattle, and exciting FIFA World Cup 2026 prep with murals, countdown clocks, and fan zones—2025 was an epic year for sports in Snohomish County and the Seattle area! Below is Lynnwood Times sports coverage from 2025.
Undefeated Everett fighter Bilal Hasan has mighty UFC ambitions
Bilal Hasan, an undefeated MMA flyweight from Everett, draws inspiration from UFC stars like Max Holloway, Randy Couture, and Demetrious Johnson (with whom he trains weekly in Sumner). A Kamiak High School alum from Mukilteo and Snohomish County native, Hasan shifted from taekwondo and wrestling to MMA, debuting professionally in 2022. He captured and defended the Cage Fury Fighting Championship flyweight title, with his next bout set for June 6, 2025, in North Dakota against Jason Eastman. Training at Charlie’s Combat Club in Everett, he aims to join the UFC and elevate Seattle-area flyweights, supported by a strong Indonesian fanbase and mentorship from Johnson.
SeattleFWC26 holds FIFA World Cup Draw Event watch party at Stoup Brewery
On December 5, 2025, SeattleFWC26 hosted a watch party at Stoup Brewery in Capitol Hill for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw in Washington, D.C. The event, 187 days before the tournament, revealed group assignments for 48 teams, with U.S., Mexico, and Canada as co-hosts. Seattle will host six matches, anticipating 750,000 visitors. CEO Peter Tomozawa discussed preparations, including $625 million in funding, security, and economic planning. Speakers included former Sounders player Lamar Neagle and coach Peter Fewing. In Snohomish County, Everett was designated a FIFA Fan Zone, with Rep. Rick Larsen pushing for infrastructure support. Full match schedules were announced the following day.
Heroes and Hoops Charity Basketball Tournament tips off for a good cause
The Heroes and Hoops Charity Basketball Tournament took place on December 7, 2025, at Marysville Pilchuck High School. Teams from local law enforcement and fire departments (Arlington Police, Everett Police, Marysville Police, Marysville Professional Firefighters, Shoreline Firefighters, Granite Falls Fire District, Snohomish County Sheriff, Tulalip Police) competed to raise funds for Seattle Children’s Hospital and Toys for Tots. Attendees could donate new unwrapped toys for prize drawings and $10 ticket entries, with all proceeds benefiting the causes. Santa provided free photos from noon–2 p.m., doors opened at 9:30 a.m., and games started at 10 a.m. The event strengthened community ties across Snohomish County.
Nathan Caferro Promoted to Sports Events Manager of Sports Commission
Nathan Caferro, a Marysville native and Archbishop Murphy High School/Gonzaga University graduate, was promoted to Sports Events Manager at the Snohomish County Sports Commission in August 2025. Previously Sports Event Coordinator since 2022, he earned the Sports ETA Rising Star award in 2023 and contributed to award-winning events like the 2024 USA Softball Class B Western Nationals and Snohomish United Bigfoot Soccer Tournament. In his new role, he will oversee the Event Services Program, support annual events, and launch an Equipment Donation Program. The commission promotes the county as a sports destination to drive economic growth and community engagement.
Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 26™ murals celebrate human rights and counterculture
In August 2025, the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Local Organizing Committee unveiled two large-scale murals in downtown Seattle as part of a public art series curated by Street Art for Mankind. United Currents by Leo Shallat (at Spring Street & 5th Avenue) celebrates Seattle’s countercultural history with vibrant wave imagery. United by Nature by INO (17 stories tall at 1306 Western Avenue) depicts solidarity and human rights. These #UnityLoop works aim to inspire reflection, boost tourism, and leave a lasting legacy for the 2026 tournament, which will draw massive global attention to the region.
NBA/MLB star Mark Hendrickson returned to Mount Vernon for one-night-only speaking event at Lincoln Theatre
On August 21, 2025, Mount Vernon native Mark Hendrickson—one of only 13 athletes to play in both the NBA and MLB—returned home for a speaking event at Lincoln Theatre. The 60-minute talk shared career stories, motivational insights, and lessons on mindset, discipline, and physical preparation. A high school legend with four state titles, Hendrickson now coaches youth on mental performance. Tickets started at $55, with VIP/group options. The event inspired local athletes and highlighted Pacific Northwest sports roots.
The Y hosted first-ever “Clash at Camp Casey” flag football tournament
The YMCA of Snohomish County hosted its inaugural “Clash at Camp Casey” flag football tournament on August 2, 2025, at Camp Casey Sports Fields in Coupeville, Whidbey Island. Open to boys and girls of all ages and skill levels (including current/past YMCA teams and other leagues), the one-day event featured fast-paced games, a festival atmosphere with food trucks and music, and a free agent list. The $175 team entry fee supported YMCA Youth Sports Scholarships, promoting confidence, teamwork, and community among young athletes.
Green Earth Cup Unites 11 Nations in SeaTac’s Epic Soccer and Cultural Celebration
The inaugural Green Earth Cup soccer tournament and cultural festival occurred on August 2, 2025, at Valley Ridge Park in SeaTac. Organized by the Greater Seattle Korean Association, it featured 15 teams from 11 nations (Afghanistan, Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Laos, Mexico, Nepal, Senegal, Somalia, South Korea, U.S., Vietnam) in open and over-50 divisions. Mexico won open, Laos took over-50. Over 1,200 attendees enjoyed no-tackle games, halftime performances (Korean drumming, Somalian dance, Taekwondo, K-Pop), and multicultural foods. Started as a World Cup preview, it emphasized unity and plans to expand annually.
SeattleFWC26 unveils Countdown Clock, commemorating one year until the FIFA 2026 World Cup
On June 11, 2025, the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee unveiled a “One Year to Go” Countdown Clock at Seattle Center outside the Museum of Pop Culture, marking 365 days until the June–July 2026 tournament. Seattle, one of 16 host cities (alongside Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, etc.), will host six matches and welcome ~700,000 visitors. The event featured remarks from CEO Peter Tomozawa on showcasing Seattle’s diversity and soccer passion, Mayor Bruce Harrell on inclusivity, and former Sounders player Steve Zakuani. Seattle Center will serve as the official Fan Celebration site. In Snohomish County, Everett was designated a FIFA Fan Zone, with local leaders emphasizing community excitement and infrastructure readiness.
UFC Seattle shatters records, chins, and eardrums to 18,000 roaring fans at Climate Pledge Arena
On February 22, 2025, UFC Fight Night: Cejudo vs. Song returned to Seattle after 12 years, drawing a record 18,287 fans and $3.84 million gate at Climate Pledge Arena—the highest for a non-championship North American Fight Night. UFC CEO Dana White praised the electric atmosphere and vowed a quick return. Highlights included regional fighters like Ricky Simon (Clark County) with a first-round KO, Andre Fili (Federal Way) in a submission loss, and bonus-winning bouts like Alonzo Menifield vs. Julius Walker. The main event ended in a doctor’s stoppage due to an accidental eye poke on Henry Cejudo. The event boosted Seattle’s MMA profile with strong local ties and fan enthusiasm.
Washington state’s new pickleball license plate launches
Washington state introduced a specialty license plate honoring pickleball—its official state sport—on November 19, 2025, following approval via Senate Bill 5444 (2025 omnibus bill). The second of seven phased specialty plates costs $157.25 (plus personalization fees). Proceeds benefit the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association for building and maintaining public courts statewide. The launch follows three years of development and underscores pickleball’s growing popularity in the region, with no specific mentions of new facilities or regulations in Lynnwood or Snohomish County.
Pickleball Kingdom in Lynnwood is now open
Pickleball Kingdom opened on April 25, 2025, at 3115 196th Street Southwest in Lynnwood—the first in Snohomish County and eighth in Washington—inside the former Bed Bath & Beyond building. The 40,000 sq ft facility features 12 indoor courts with iPads/monitors for stats via app, a dink wall, pro shop, community room (beer/wine on weekends), terrace, showers, and lockers. It offers daily open play (reservations required), memberships with perks, and discounts for first responders/families. The grand opening included free play, food trucks, and remarks from Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell and Snohomish County Sports Commission leaders, highlighting year-round access and community energy. Owners plan potential expansion in North Snohomish County.
FIFA World Cup 26™ unveils new official Seattle host city poster design
On April 3, 2025, during Pioneer Square’s First Thursday Art Walk, SeattleFWC26 announced Shogo Ota as winner of the Official FIFA World Cup 26™ Seattle Host City Poster contest. The Camano Island-based artist (originally from Japan) created a design inspired by Seattle’s landscapes, including icons like the Chinatown Gate, Pacific Science Center, and stadiums under Mount Rainier, emphasizing inclusivity. One of 16 host-city posters (first time FIFA commissioned local artists per city), it will promote Seattle internationally. A volunteer panel selected from 40 entries (four finalists from Washington). Posters go on sale April 19 at FIFAWorldCup.com, with more merchandise planned.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
