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 Championship in Southampton is included, the wider region accounted for more than $423m.
The US Open tennis grand slam was the highest-value individual event analysed, with 1.1 million attendees and approximately $252m in projected visitor spending. The US Open golf event was forecast to contribute around $120m, while the PGA Championship in Pennsylvania added another $57m.
The research also found evidence of a sports tourism “halo effect”, with travel demand spreading beyond the destinations directly hosting events.
Travel intent in Solano County, California, increased by 180% year on year, while Montgomery County, Texas, recorded growth of around 95% and Contra Costa County, California, was up approximately 90%.
International interest was also strong. Canada was the largest inbound market by travel intent volume, recording 20% growth, followed by Brazil (+475%), Mexico (+65%), the UK (+55%) and Japan (+35%). Türkiye recorded the fastest growth among the top-performing markets, rising 505%.
The findings follow earlier Expedia Group research which projected that the summer’s FIFA World Cup would generate more than $8.1 billion in traveller spending across North American host cities between June and August 2026.
Brandon Ehrhardt, vice president of marketing at Expedia Group, said: “Major sporting events are no longer just two-hour spectacles, they’re powerful engines for event tourism. Fans are turning a ticket into a full trip, booking accommodation, dining, entertainment and local experiences around the event.”
Expedia Group and PredictHQ said the findings demonstrate how the economic benefits of sports tourism can extend beyond stadiums and host cities, particularly as fans build longer trips around major events.
Image: The US Open tennis grand slam in New York (Photo by Dylan Freedom on Unsplash)