UK Could Reap $5.3B in Benefits From Sports

A recent report found that the United Kingdom economy could receive investment, soft power, and trade benefits of up to $5.3 billion over the next decade by hosting a number of major sporting events.

The report by Ernst & Young was commissioned by UK Sport and the City of London Corporation. It follows the UK’s statement in May that identified 97 events across 44 sports it’d be interested in hosting.

The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the Rugby League World Cup are already slated for next year, but the UK has two other major events on its radar for now:

• The 2030 FIFA World Cup, which is currently being assessed for a joint bid with Ireland.
• The 2025 women’s Rugby World Cup, for which England has already been given a preferred bidder status. The Rugby Football Union, English rugby union’s governing body, estimates $214 million could be generated for the local economy.

In October, UK chancellor of the exchequer Rishi Sunak announced $41.2 million in state funding to prepare for the women’s Rugby World Cup and 2026 Tour de France Grand Depart bids. He also promised $15.1 million for the FIFA World Cup bid.

“We can further build on the undeniable value of major sporting events in the UK by embarking on partnerships not just with the City of London but the business and private sectors as well,” UK Sport COO Simon Morton said.