Sport Calgary is excited to share highlights from the newly released Sports for People and Planet report, published by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with Oliver Wyman. This landmark analysis underscores both the immense potential of the global sports economy and the urgent challenges that threaten its future.
A Global Sports Economy Poised for Growth—But at Risk
According to the report, the global sports economy now generates $2.3 trillion annually and is expected to rise to $3.7 trillion by 2030, reaching $8.8 trillion by 2050. However, this growth is far from guaranteed. Converging pressures—including rising physical inactivity, climate change, and nature loss—could reduce projected revenues by 14% by 2030 ($517 billion) and 18% by 2050 ($1.6 trillion). [sgieurope.com]
Why It Matters for Cities, Communities, and Local Sport
The report emphasizes that sport is far more than entertainment—it is a social, cultural, environmental, and economic force. It strengthens communities, boosts public health, drives tourism, creates jobs, and increases workforce productivity. [reports.weforum.org]
Yet rising environmental risks such as heat, pollution, and extreme weather are already impacting local play, community sport, and major events alike. These environmental disruptions make it harder for people to stay active and threaten the long‑term sustainability of the entire sector. [oliverwyman.com]
The Biggest Driver of Growth: Sports Tourism
The report identifies sports tourism as the largest and fastest-growing component of the sports economy, contributing $672 billion and expected to represent 60% of sports revenue by 2030.
This aligns with global shifts toward experience‑based travel and the rising popularity of outdoor, adventure, and multi‑sport events. [sgieurope.com]
Three Pathways for a More Sustainable Future
To safeguard the future of sport, the WEF outlines three strategic pathways:
- Championing Resource Stewardship — reducing the environmental footprint of sport.
- Placing Sport at the Heart of Cities — designing healthier, more active communities.
- Catalyzing Purpose‑Driven Capital Flows — investing in sport as a driver of societal wellbeing. [oliverwyman.com]
What This Means for Calgary
For a city with an active population, world‑class venues, and a thriving grassroots sport community, this report reinforces the importance of:
- Building resilient sport environments
- Prioritizing youth physical activity
- Expanding accessible, local sport opportunities
- Investing in climate‑resilient sport infrastructure
- Leveraging Calgary’s strengths in sport tourism and outdoor recreation
Looking Ahead
Sport Calgary will continue working with partners, stakeholders, and community leaders to ensure sport remains a catalyst for physical activity, community connection, and sustainable growth in our city.
We encourage our partners and the public to explore the full report to better understand the opportunities and responsibilities ahead.
Read the report: Sports for People and Planet (2026) from the World Economic Forum.
