London has been crowned the world’s best city for sports-tripping in 2026, according to a global study by luggage storage network Stasher. The research found that nearly 30% of people have travelled – or would consider travelling – abroad for a major sporting event, reflecting the continued rise of sports tourism as a mainstream travel driver.
According to UN Tourism, sports tourism now accounts for around 10% of global tourism spending, with projections suggesting the sector could reach $1.3 trillion by 2032.
Scoring 7.6 out of 10, London’s appeal lies in the sheer density of elite teams and global events across the so-called ‘big five’ sports – football, rugby union, basketball, baseball and cricket. The city is home to 20 world-class teams, including football heavyweights Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, alongside rugby union sides such as Harlequins and Saracens, and basketball outfit London Lions.
In 2025 and 2026 combined, the city is hosting or scheduled to host 22 major international events, including Wimbledon, the Six Nations Championship, the Women’s Rugby World Cup, the World Athletics Diamond League and the London E-Prix.
Beyond match tickets, London’s broader sports ecosystem also scored highly. The study identified 169 sports bars and 60 sport-related tourist attractions, both averaging 4.3 out of 5 stars in reviews. Iconic experiences such as stadium tours at Wembley, Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge, as well as the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, reinforce the city’s reputation as a year-round sports destination.
Affordability remains a weakness, however. Average mid-range meals sit at around £20 per person, with public transport tickets at approximately £3.50, placing London among the more expensive cities in the ranking.
In second place, Dubai scored 7 out of 10, outperforming many cities with longer sporting pedigrees. The emirate’s rapid ascent reflects sustained investment in global events, elite facilities and fan infrastructure. Dubai boasts 212 sports bars – the highest among the top contenders – with an average rating of 4.5 stars. The city also achieved strong scores for safety and low crime, reinforcing its appeal for international visitors combining events with leisure travel.
Major fixtures such as the Dubai World Cup, the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship continue to anchor its annual calendar, while proximity to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix enhances the UAE’s broader sports appeal.
However, the city recorded just 17 sport-related tourist attractions, a comparatively low figure that could limit its ability to fully capitalise on demand from fans seeking immersive, heritage-led experiences beyond the stadium.
Tokyo secured third place with a score of 6.5 out of 10, driven by its packed international calendar and 62 sport-related attractions. Events such as Formula 1, Formula E, the Motorcycle Grand Prix and the upcoming World Baseball Classic underscore its global reach, while affordable food, beer and public transport strengthen its value proposition.
Melbourne (6.3/10) and Dublin (6.2/10) followed closely, reflecting the growing competitiveness of cities positioning sport as a central pillar of their tourism strategies.
Jacob Wedderburn-Day, co-founder and CEO at Stasher, said: “It has been fascinating to study the world’s best destinations for sports-tripping as supporters travel further, for longer to be part of the action. It’s great to see London at the top of the table, building on the legacy of the 2012 Olympics and the capital’s rich sporting history and heritage. The study has also made clear how diverse sport offerings are in each city, making for an unforgettable trip. It’s also promising to see the number of elite women’s competitions drawing international crowds and the growing influence this is having on sports travel. And as the Gulf States continue to invest in their sports tourism offerings, we can expect to see them rise in the sports-tripping rankings. But with sports tourists wanting more beyond the stadium walls, their success may be limited. Let’s see!”
For more information see stasher.com
Photo by Frans Ruiter on Unsplash