Sports Business

20Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Football, Sports Business

Turkish Airlines to become Liverpool FC’s main shirt sponsor from 2027-28 season

Turkish Airlines will become Liverpool FC’s main partner from June 2027, with the carrier’s branding set to appear on the front of the club’s match shirts from the start of the 2027-28 season. The agreement will see Turkish Airlines replace Standard Chartered as Liverpool’s front-of-shirt sponsor, marking the first change to the Premier League club’s main partnership in 17 years. The Turkish flag carrier’s branding will feature on the men’s, women’s and academy match shirts. Standard Chartered, which has been Liverpool’s main club partner since 2010, will remain in place throughout the 2026-27 season before becoming a global partner from June 2027. Ahmet Olmuştur, Turkish Airlines CEO, said: “Liverpool Football Club is one of the world’s most recognised and respected football club...

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20Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, The Americas

US sporting events projected to generate $537m in visitor spending

Major sporting events across the United States were projected to generate more than $537 million in visitor spending this summer, according to new research from Expedia Group and PredictHQ. The study analysed 18 major basketball, baseball, tennis, golf and hockey events, alongside related championship celebrations, which were forecast to attract a combined attendance of more than four million people. Of the projected $537m in visitor spending, around $259m was expected to go towards accommodation and $233m on hospitality, highlighting the wider economic impact of hosting major sports events. New York emerged as the biggest beneficiary. Four events in the city attracted more than 3.1 million attendees and were projected to generate $304m in visitor spending. When the US Open Golf C...

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20Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

2026 Ranking of Sports Cities: New York takes top spot ahead of Paris and LA

New York has taken the top spot in Burson’s 2026 Ranking of Sports Cities, ahead of Paris, Los Angeles, London and Madrid. Paris moves to second place after topping the ranking for three consecutive years.  The annual ranking identifies the top 100 cities from around the world with the strongest  association with sport. Now in its 15th edition, it is based on both perception and in-depth  quantitative analysis, including feedback from international sports leaders, sports media  representatives and industry experts, as well as social media and media coverage analytics.  Together, these indicators provide a comprehensive view of how cities build visibility and influence  through sport.  The 2026 Ranking of Sports Cities identifies four key findings th...

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6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Running & Athletics, Sports Business

2026 Kangaroo Island Run Festival attracts hundreds of international visitors 

Held on Sunday 23 August, the 2026 Kangaroo Island Marathon, Half Marathon and Sealink 10K attracted runners from around the world to Flinders Chase National Park for one of Australia’s most remote and unique marathon events. A total of 279 runners took part in the Kangaroo Island Run Festival, out of 299 registered, and together they brought more than 500 additional guests to the island – more than 800 visitors in all, a strong boost for the local economy. Runners represented 20 different nationalities, reflecting the event's growing international appeal, up significantly from 221 registered runners and 187 participants in 2025.  Alongside a strong Australian contingent, the USA (39), Great Britain (11) and Canada (five) made up some of the largest overseas cohorts, with run...

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6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Events, Other sports, Sports Business

London Aquatics Centre to host International Swimming League 2026 All-Star Match

The 2026 International Swimming League (ISL) All-Star Match will be held at the London Aquatics Centre in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Saturday 19 December 2026. A one-night team competition featuring some of the world’s best swimmers, the All-Star Match marks the start of the ISL’s next chapter as it plans for its full return. The match will bring the sport’s biggest names back to the pool for a single unmissable evening, staged in front of a live London crowd and a global broadcast audience. Also, the total prize pool for the All-Star Match will be the largest ever offered for a single night of competitive swimming. London was chosen as the host city for its world-class venue and its standing as one of the great international swimming cities. The London Aquatics Centre, built fo...

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4Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Industry Events & Conferences

2026 sports business events and conferences calendar

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the sports business events, conferences and awards that are taking place in 2026. The global sports business calendar is rich with opportunities for industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Sports business events are critical to the growth and evolution of the sports tourism sector, acting as platforms for networking, innovation, and strategic collaboration.  These events, such as conferences, summits, and trade expos, bring together key stakeholders, including league executives, sponsors, broadcasters, and technology innovators. They provide a forum for addressing current challenges, exploring emerging trends, and shaping the future of sports. This page will be updated as schedules are announced. Events and dates ...

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4Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Industry Events & Conferences

2026 travel trade events and conferences calendar

In this month-by-month calendar, we take a look at the upcoming travel and tourism industry events and conferences for 2026. Travel trade events play a vital role in shaping the future of global tourism. These gatherings bring together key stakeholders, including airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, and technology providers, to network, share insights, and discuss emerging trends.  Major events like World Travel Market (WTM) in London, ITB Berlin in Germany and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai are prime examples of platforms where professionals can forge partnerships, explore new markets, and showcase products. These conferences often set the stage for important agreements, such as destination marketing initiatives and technological solutions to enhance travel exp...

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22Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Events, Other sports, Sports Business

Glasgow’s OVO Hydro to host EIHL Ice Hockey for first time with Scottish festive double header

The OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, will host professional ice hockey for the first time in December 2026, as Glasgow Clan, Dundee Stars and Fife Flyers bring the Motorpoint Elite League to the arena for a special double header of matches. The event will see all three of Scotland’s professional ice hockey teams feature at the OVO Hydro, giving fans the opportunity to watch the fast-growing sport at the country’s largest purpose-built events arena. The games will form part of a two-day festival of EIHL action at the OVO Hydro. First on Wednesday 30 December, Dundee Stars will take on Fife Flyers at 3pm, before Glasgow Clan face reigning Motorpoint Elite League champions Belfast Giants at 7.30pm on 30 December. Then, the following day – on Hogmanay, Thursday 31 December – at 3pm,...

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22Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business

Global sports tourism market to reach $957.91 billion by 2031 – report

Valued at $680.23 billion in 2025, the global sports tourism market is projected to increase from $721.60 billion in 2026 to $957.91 billion by 2031, according to a new report issued by Research and Markets.  The market is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.09% during the 2026-2031 forecast period, supported by international sporting events, premium hospitality packages, active participation travel and expanding sports infrastructure. International sporting events strengthen travel demand A growing pipeline of international tournaments is creating sustained demand across the global sports tourism market. After co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the United States is preparing to host major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the LA28 Olympic a...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Golf, Trends, Venues & Stadiums

Trump’s Twelve: New 12-hole par-three golf course opens at Trump Turnberry

Trump’s Twelve, a new 12-hole par-three course at Trump Turnberry, has officially opened at the iconic golf resort on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast.Featuring holes ranging from 70 to 206 yards, the course combines undulating greens, imaginative green surrounds, natural wasteland areas and carefully positioned water features to create a dramatic short-course layout for golfers of all ages and abilities. The opening marks another exciting chapter at Trump Turnberry, where Trump’s Twelve joins the legendary Ailsa, consistently ranked among the world’s greatest golf courses, and the highly acclaimed King Robert the Bruce course. The opening of Trump’s Twelve continues an exceptional period of investment across the golf facilities at Trump Turnberry, following the recent enhancements to the A...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, F1 & Motorsport, Sports Business

F1 Spanish GP in Madrid to generate €467m economic impact and support 8,850 jobs

A new study on the economic impact of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix has raised estimates of the event’s contribution to Madrid to €467 million and 8,850 jobs, a figure equivalent to 5.7% of the direct gross value added generated by the Region’s recreational activities sector.  The report, produced by PwC using real sales and investment data linked to preparations for the event, also indicates that it will generate nearly €83 million in tax revenues and social security contributions. These figures reflect the huge expectation surrounding the 2026 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, which Madrid will host from 11-13 September, and which has already resulted in the sale of more than 120,000 grandstand and hospitality tickets. Analysis of ticket purchaser data shows that more than 80,0...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Editor's Pick, Events, Golf, Sports Business

World Golf Awards 2026 to be held at Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt

Madinaty Golf Club in Egypt has been named as the official host venue of the 13th annual World Golf Awards, taking place from 5-7 November 2026.  Marking the first World Golf Awards to take place in Africa, the Gala Ceremony will be held on the evening of 7 November, forming the climax of an exclusive golfing itinerary that will include the World Golf Awards Classic to be played on the 18-hole Championship Course (par 71, 6,900 yards), designed by the acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course hosted the 2022 Asian Tour International Series.  The weekend will also include a welcome reception at the official accommodation partner The St. Regis New Capital, Cairo.  Owned by TMG Golf and managed by Troon, Madinaty Golf Club is a full-service, premier golf destination set w...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

F1 & Motorsport, Sports Business

Flexjet named Formula 1’s official private aviation supplier

As part of a new multi-year partnership, Flexjet has been named as the official private aviation supplier of Formula 1. Continuing across the global F1 calendar, the collaboration will showcase Flexjet’s international connectivity via fleet access for VIPs, executives and teams. In addition to Flexjet’s inclusive sustainability programme, flights will be operated using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). “This is a natural alignment of two worlds in which both luxury aircraft and fast cars require absolute precision and flawless coordination to achieve success,” said Kenn Ricci, Chairman of Flexjet. “As we look to the future alongside our partners at LVMH, cementing our longstanding ties with the world of motor racing allows us to deliver unparalleled, ultra-luxury experiences, both on ...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Andermatt unveils new sports centre facilities as part of long-term masterplan

Swiss mountain destination Andermatt has unveiled plans for a major new sports centre that will significantly expand its year-round sport and leisure offering for residents, second-home owners and visitors. Developed by Andermatt Swiss Alps AG, the project forms part of the destination's long-term masterplan and represents a major enhancement of the sports facilities originally proposed in 2008. The new complex will feature a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports and recreation facilities, including climbing walls, a fitness centre, yoga studios, padel courts, a 25-metre swimming pool, a family leisure pool with outdoor pool, spa and wellness facilities, an outdoor ice rink, bowling, a kids' club and an events space. A restaurant will also be incorporated into the development. T...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Events, Football, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Trips & Experiences

Steven Gerrard heads to Singapore for Beyond the Pitch event at Resorts World Sentosa

Former Liverpool and England football captain Steven Gerrard will be in Singapore this October for the inaugural Beyond the Pitch event at Resorts World Sentosa. Scheduled for 4-5 October 2026, he will take part in an interactive football clinic, share stories and lessons from his career, and join members of Singapore's football community in a conversation about leadership, football development and the future of the game. Created by World Football Legends, Beyond the Pitch is a new series designed to bring audiences closer to the people behind some of football's most celebrated careers, not only through what they achieved on the field but through the experiences, challenges, leadership lessons and defining moments that shaped them. "Beyond the Pitch is about bringing people closer...

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29Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business

World Cup’s £3.1bn economic boost for UK sports and recreation sector

New analysis indicates that the UK sports and recreation sector is set to be one of the key beneficiaries of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with gyms, sports facilities and recreational venues expected to see a significant uplift in activity during the summer months. Analysis from money.co.uk business banking experts forecasts that the sector will generate an additional £3.1 billion in revenue over the wider May-July 2026 window – an 18.8% increase compared with a typical non-World Cup year. The figures are based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) turnover data and historical spending patterns from previous World Cup tournaments, modelling how major sporting events influence participation, facility usage and consumer engagement with sport and fitness. The analysis suggests that maj...

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29Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Other sports, Sports Business

NRL Travel: National Rugby League launches new fan travel programme

The National Rugby League (NRL) has launched NRL Travel, a new dedicated travel and experiences offering designed to enhance how fans attend the game’s biggest events.  NRL Travel will provide exclusive access to ticket, hotel, travel and experience packages, designed to make it easier and more exciting than ever for fans to travel to attend marquee rugby league events such as Grand Final, Magic Round, and the State of Origin Series.  This new initiative represents an important step in elevating the overall fan experience while also  supporting increased interstate and international visitation to NRL events, expanding on tourism and economic benefits to cities around Australia and internationally.  To support delivery of the programme, the NRL is partnering wit...

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13Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Football, Sports Business, Venues & Stadiums

Man City’s new museum to form part of £300m Etihad Campus expansion

Manchester City has revealed the first details of a major new museum attraction that will form part of the English Premier League football club’s ambitious £300 million Medlock Square development, creating a year-round visitor experience at the Etihad Campus. Scheduled to open later in 2026, the Manchester City Museum Experience has been designed to immerse visitors in the history, culture and defining moments of the club. The attraction will complement the club’s award-winning stadium tour, which is currently ranked among the top five visitor attractions in the UK on TripAdvisor. Located at the heart of the new Medlock Square entertainment district, the museum will span more than 1,700 square metres across ten themed spaces, blending cutting-edge immersive technology with historic m...

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12Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Africa, Events, Running & Athletics, Sports Business

Cape Town Marathon to become Africa’s first Abbott World Marathon Major in 2027

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon has officially been confirmed as the eighth member of the Abbott World Marathon Majors (AbbottWMM) from 2027. The announcement marks a landmark moment not only for the race itself but for African sport and tourism, with Cape Town becoming the first city on the continent to host an Abbott World Marathon Major. The 2027 edition, scheduled for 23 May, will join an elite calendar that includes the Tokyo Marathon, Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, TCS Sydney Marathon, BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Bank of America Chicago Marathon and TCS New York City Marathon. The decision follows Cape Town’s successful completion of the AbbottWMM candidacy process, including a second evaluation at the 2026 race. The assessment examined every aspect of the event, from athlete ...

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7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, F1 & Motorsport, Sports Business, The Americas

Las Vegas’s F1 GP hosting deal extended for another 10 years until 2037

Formula 1 will continue racing in Las Vegas through to 2037, following a new 10-year extension. Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc, Clark County officials and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), have all committed to the long-term future of one of the standout events on both the US and global sporting calendar. Since debuting on the Formula 1 calendar in 2023, the Las Vegas Grand Prix has delivered $3.2 billion in cumulative economic impact for Southern Nevada, with all three races from 2023 through 2025 selling out and helping position Las Vegas among the sport's marquee destinations worldwide.  In 2025 alone, the race generated $43 million in state and local tax revenue, including $15 million allocated to support local K-12 education. Beyond its economic impact,...

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