Orlando Takes Center Stage as Best Sports Business City in 2024 Rankings
In the realm of sports business, cities play a crucial role in attracting and hosting a diverse array of sporting events, contributing significantly to the booming sports travel and tourism sector. Recently, the Sports Business Journal (SBJ) unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 Best Sports Business Cities (BSBC) rankings, shedding light on the cities that have excelled in this arena.
The unveiling of this year's results underscores the remarkable growth in the sports business industry, with notable investments, increased bids for sporting events, and a surge in municipal funding earmarked for event attraction. These factors have collectively propelled certain cities to the forefront of the sports business landscape.
Topping the 2024 BSBC list is Orlando, recognized by SBJ as the Best Sports Business City for Attracting Events. This accolade is a testament to Orlando's exceptional achievements in the realm of sports business and its pivotal role in shaping the industry.
Abe Madkour, publisher and executive editor at SBJ, emphasized the collaborative efforts of world-class venues, dedicated sports commissions, and the enthusiastic community in elevating Orlando to its prestigious position. He extended congratulations to Orlando and all cities on the list for their positive business impact locally and nationwide.
The rankings, derived from an extensive database encompassing 1,500 events from 2017 to 2023, highlight cities with their own convention space, sports venues, and dedicated sports commission/CVB staff. Orlando's ascent to the top spot reflects a strategic and concerted effort to establish itself as a premier destination for sports events.
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission has been instrumental in this endeavor, actively attracting and hosting a diverse range of events, from NCAA competitions to major league championships and industry conferences. The announcement of Orlando's achievement was made at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, a testament to the city's diverse sports infrastructure.
City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the role of sports in fostering community cohesion, driving economic growth, and showcasing the city's hospitality and vibrancy. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings echoed these sentiments, highlighting Orlando's status as both a visitor destination and a premier hub for sports events, teams, and businesses.
Jason Siegel, President and CEO of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission, attributed the city's success to its inclusive and collaborative sports tourism community, underscoring the commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and world-class hospitality to athletes, fans, and stakeholders.
Alex Martins, CEO of the Orlando Magic and Chair of the UCF Board of Trustees, emphasized the collective efforts of political, community, and business leaders in positioning Central Florida as a vibrant hub for sports. Jessica Beers, Executive Director of Kissimmee Sports Commission, expressed pride in contributing to Central Florida's thriving sports landscape.
The top five cities in the 2024 BSBC rankings include Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Indianapolis, each recognized for their dynamic mix of sporting events. For a comprehensive list and insights into the methodology behind the rankings, readers can refer to the March 18, 2024, edition of Sports Business Journal.
Orlando's ascent to the pinnacle of the sports business world underscores the city's unwavering commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in hosting and attracting sporting events. As the sports industry continues to evolve, cities like Orlando are poised to lead the way, shaping the future of sports business on a global scale.
