# Shaping the Future of Sports Mobilising leaders across the sports economy to shape the next decade of sports as a strategic driver of economic growth, innovation and community impact. ## Sport is entering a new era — and the time to shape it is now. Sport and major events are among the most powerful engines of economic and social transformation. It is a $2.3 trillion industry that unites people, drives growth and generates lasting community impact.The pace of change is accelerating. Media rights, franchise valuations and women's sport are at record levels. Private equity and venture capital poured a record $6.3 billion into sports services in the first three quarters of 2025 alone. AI and technology are reshaping operations, fan engagement and the rise of e-sports. Major events are powering tourism, hospitality and night-time economies, while stadiums are evolving into year-round districts that anchor cities and energize the places around them.Yet the sector remains underleveraged. Fragmented collaboration, short-term horizons and the absence of frameworks for delivering and measuring long-term value have led to inefficiencies, missed opportunities and uneven benefits for communities.The Forum is convening a global sports ecosystem to close this gap — aligning leaders across the industry around a shared vision, practical frameworks and collective action that turn sport's scale into lasting economic and community value. **$2.3 trillion** estimated global sports economy revenue pools in 2025. It is projected to grow to $3.7 trillion and $8.8 trillion in 2030 and 2050, respectively. **2.5 billion people** that is, 32% of the world population participate in some form of organized sports annually **+ 6 Billion** projected engagement for FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA28 across different media platform, making the next 2 years a pivotal moment for sports. ### A global community across sport and its ecosystem Convened by the World Economic Forum, this initiative brings together multi-stakeholder leaders from across the sports economy from public and private sectors, leagues, federations, ownership groups, investors, and sponsors, to shape the future of sport. This community turns alignment into outcomes including practical frameworks, coalitions and collective commitments and action that unlock sport's full economic and community impact. ### Sports As Global Economic Engine A platform for conversation that defines sport's next decade - financial resilience, responsible ownership, AI and technology, fan experience, host-city legacy and community impact. ### Sports Ecosystem Leaders Circle Bring together foremost leaders from across the sports ecosystem to develop a vision for a resilient and inclusive global sports economy, elevating sports as strategic driver for growth and development. ### Teaming Up for Progress Share best practices, build coalitions and spark collaboration for collective action that addresses silos and move the industry forward ## Navigating the transformation Sport's transformation is creating value at unprecedented speed — and surfacing structural questions the industry has never had to answer at this scale. The decisions made over the next decade will define the future of the sports economy and its role in society.These are the dynamics the global sports community is navigating together. ## Catalog *Browse catalog items* ## Featured insights ## Featured Content ### Report: Sports for People and Planet Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/publications/sports-for-people-and-planet/) ### How host cities can embrace the opportunity of major events by partnering with their communities Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/06/cities-host-events-communities/?shem=rimspwouoe,rimspwouohe,) ### The sports economy: What is it and how could it improve the health of both people and planet? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/01/what-is-the-sports-economy-improve-health-livelihoods/) ### The beautiful game's other prize? Jobs, growth and happiness Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/04/fifa-world-cup-sports-economy-growth/) ### Here are 6 ways that climate change is affecting sports around the world Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit. [Read more](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2026/04/climate-change-sports-impact/) *Featured content carousel* ### Join global leaders from across business, government and civil society Learn more how to get involved with us. [Get involved](https://initiatives.weforum.org/good-growth-coalition/get-involved)