The Desert Duel '26

In an effort to be as transparent as possible on the Desert Duel tournament costs, organizational fees, and expenses for venders, social event and hotel costs, here is a breakdown of an estimated costs to host the Desert Duel to its magnificence.  

This tournament is not organized by USAWP. And is one of the biggest individual run masters water polo tournaments in the Country. It focuses on the individuals experience, promoting community and competitive play. The tournament usually runs a financial deficit or breaks even. And with little to no donors or sponsors the organizers are all volunteers and work to promote the sport the club and the comradery that comes from the masters water polo community.  Thank you for being apart of this legacy.

We hope to continue to grow the sport in a diverse and equitable way, connect the local community to the work ethic, dedicated time and effort to the betterment of oneself, through water polo and the positivity of that community.

EXPENSES

*(Final Costs for 2026)
 NAME COST
USAWP Sanction $85
TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT (ECOMMERCE CRM) $400
MONA PLUMMER POOL RENTAL $14,686
USAWP REF $16,121

Varsity-Tavern

  • w/Food(Nacho taco bar )
  • 1premium drinks per person. 
  • Music 
  • Balcony Bar 
 $7802

Other expenses

  • Balls
  • Stickers
  • winners gifts 
  • Participation gifts
  • Referee Hospitality
  • Tournament Shirts
  • Tournament Hotel
 $3,686

TOTAL

 $43,022

INCOME COST PER TEAM

 #0fTeams cost/p/Team TOTAL
38 1200 45,600
0 -50 ( Early discount ) 0
2.9%-3.4% + .30 per transaction Transaction fees  -1,216

T-SHIRT SALES

Shop T's  Sales Gross 1,179

 

TOTAL INCOME

 INCOME 45,563
EXPENSES  -43,022

Final Remaining Cost / Surplus

(not including time/effort/labor of volunteers and organizers )

2025 BALANCE 820
2026 NET BALANCE 2541
END BALANCE 3361

 

 We took a major loss in 2024 and made a surplus in 2025 which covered the loss and now we're back to a bit of a cushion! We'll let that simmer for a bit to figure out what to do with it later. or We add it to the social costs! :) 

The tournament directors time and tournament staff are all volunteer positions.  Very much appreciated and necessary to run the greatest tournament in the world! The Desert Duel.  Thank you to all those who attended and hope to see you all next year. 

Any purchases of tournament merch designed by aiclothing.com  will go to building and growing water polo and the community.

Thank you for joining us, supporting the growth of water polo and helping build a more diverse and equitable sport.