Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Rugby World Cups in U.S. Could Cost $500M

Rugby World Cup/Design: John Regula

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

The cost to host the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups in the U.S. is expected to reach approximately $500 million, according to USA Rugby, the sport’s national governing body. 

USA Rugby submitted a bid in October 2021 to host the 2027 or 2031 Rugby World Cup. A month later, World Rugby, the event’s organizer and governing body for the sport, entered into exclusive talks with USA Rugby to host the 2031 tournament. 

Hosting the Rugby World Cups, which are held every four years, in the U.S. is an effort to grow the sport and attract new fans. 

  • Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York have expressed interest in hosting.
  • Some of the tournament’s matches could be played in NFL stadiums.
  • A final decision on hosts for the 2027 and 2029 tournaments is expected on May 12. 

USA Rugby has also submitted bids to host the 2029 and 2033 women’s Rugby World Cups. The events would allow USA Rugby to showcase its ability to host successive tournaments. A final decision on the 2029 women’s tournament will also be delivered on May 12. 

Better Days Ahead

In March 2020, USA Rugby filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to “insurmountable financial constraints” sparked by the global pandemic. Six months later, USA Rugby exited bankruptcy with a five-year reimbursement plan with creditors.

USA Rugby plans to fund its bid for the Rugby World Cup with support from the U.S. government and World Rugby.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?

NFL Says There Will be ‘Heightened’ Security at Paris Game

The Saints and Steelers are set to play amid civil unrest.

Netflix Releases Q3 Earnings, Preps Big Q4 for Sports

The streaming giant tried to put a hopeful spin on staff cuts.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/21/26 – T-Mac Backs Clippers Penalty, 80-to-1 Rays Haunt Sportsbooks, Jay-Z Picks Jay-Z

0:00

Featured Today

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Action Images/Peter Cziborra
October 9, 2026

Is Leicester City’s $264 Million Price Tag Too Rich for Hungry Investors?

After falling from grace, how much is a former top club worth?
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
October 7, 2026

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.

Atlanta Dream to Use Entire NBA Arena for WNBA Finals

The Dream have averaged about 9,700 fans per game during the playoffs.
October 9, 2026

Royals $3 Billion Ballpark Development Gets Key Approval

The city council overwhelmingly approved three stadium-related measures.
October 14, 2026

Bears Stadium Fight Erupts During Illinois Governor’s Debate

The stadium debate has become a flashpoint in the political race.
Sponsored

Blake Griffin’s Plan for Media Domination

The former NBA star is building a second act across media & entertainment.
Dec 24, 2011; Kansas City, MO, USA; General view of the exterior of Arrowhead Stadium (left) and Kaufmann Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
October 7, 2026

Arrowhead Stays, Kauffman Goes in County’s Post-Chiefs, Royals Plan

County officials are looking to repurpose the stadium area.
October 2, 2026

NFL Puts Pressure on Illinois in Latest Bears Stadium Talks

Roger Goodell and JB Pritzker had their first face-to-face meeting.
Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) drives to the basket during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center.
September 29, 2026

Trail Blazers Affirm Commitment to Stay in Portland

Team president said they’re aiming to finalize a lease extension and renovation deal.
Sep 17, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (5) runs to score a touchdown during the first half against the Detroit Lions at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
September 17, 2026

Bills Mafia Steals the Show in $2.2B Highmark Stadium Debut

The new stadium easily transcended its league-low seating capacity.