UK Sport has launched an ambitious strategy to host 70 major global sporting events across 32 sports in the next 15 years, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup, aiming for a £5 billion economic boost.
UK Sport has revealed ambitious plans for the United Kingdom to host a series of major global sporting events over the next 15 years, positioning the FIFA Women’s World Cup in the 2030s as a headline aspiration. The announcement includes a strategic target list of 70 events across 32 sports, aiming to generate around £5 billion in economic impact. This initiative reflects a commitment to enriching the UK’s sporting landscape and leveraging the economic and social benefits of hosting international competitions.
Key events earmarked for bidding include the men’s Rugby World Cup, the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, the Tour de France, and world championships in athletics. UK Sport’s strategy also shows a keen interest in embracing emerging trends by focusing on urban sports and esports, though it has decided against pursuing the Olympic Games and the Commonwealth Games for at least the next two decades, citing value for money and sustainability concerns.
The drive to bring the Women’s Football World Cup to British shores for the first time forms part of a broader effort to capitalize on the nation’s proven track record in successfully hosting large-scale tournaments. England, for instance, celebrated the triumph of hosting the 2022 women’s Euros, which saw the England team emerge as champions. Looking ahead, the Women’s Rugby World Cup is set to take place in the UK in 2025, further showcasing the country’s readiness and capability to facilitate major sports events.
Additionally, UK Sport is targeting London as the prospective host city for the World Athletics Championships in 2029, with UK Athletics chief executive Jack Buckner highlighting the successful 2017 edition as a precursor for another potential bid. The iconic London Stadium, renowned for its role in the Olympics and various other athletics events, is the primary venue under consideration, with the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham serving as an alternative.
This ambitious agenda underscores the UK’s strategic move to foster a vibrant program of live sport, echoing the societal and economic impact of such events in a post-Covid, digitally evolving world. The planning stages include feasibility studies and stakeholder discussions, especially concerning the bid for the Women’s World Cup, aiming to ensure that any future bids are both strategically and economically viable. As the UK positions itself as a leading destination for global sports events, these plans reflect both the nation’s passion for sport and its capability to unite communities, drive economic growth, and celebrate excellence in sporting achievements on the world stage.
