The UK economy could be boosted by up to £4 billion by hosting major sports events over the next decade, a new report has found.
UK Sport announced in May it had earmarked 97 events across 44 sports which it was interested in hosting, including the 2030 men’s football World Cup and the 2025 women’s rugby World Cup.
A report by Ernst and Young, commissioned by UK Sport and the City of London Corporation, says the economy could receive soft power, trade and investment benefits of up to £4billion.
“The findings of this report clearly demonstrate the huge value that major sporting events in the UK contribute to the economy,” UK Sport chief operating officer Simon Morton said.
“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.
“Together this will help us further raise the global profile of the nation and drive significant social and economic benefits for those communities that act as host cities or towns.”
A feasibility study assessing the merits of a UK and Ireland bid for the 2030 men’s football World Cup is ongoing, while England has been given preferred bidder status for the 2025 women’s rugby World Cup.
Major events already secured include the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the rugby league World Cup, which both take place next year.
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