Major sporting events, such as the Olympic Games or FIFA World Cups, promise not only spectacular matches but also significant economic changes for host cities and countries.
On the one hand, they attract tourists, develop infrastructure, and stimulate business. On the other hand, they require massive investments that do not always meet expectations. What is the real balance between benefits and costs?
From Tourists to Business
During large-scale competitions, cities are filled with visitors: fans, journalists, official delegations, and athletes—all of whom spend money on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and entertainment. For instance, the 2018 FIFA World Cup brought approximately 3 million foreign tourists to Russia, contributing 850 billion rubles to the country’s economy.
But it’s not just about visitor spending. Preparing for tournaments creates new jobs: construction workers, hospitality staff, souvenir vendors—all benefit from the sports excitement. Additionally, tax revenues increase as business turnover grows, leading to higher contributions to the budget.
An interesting fact: the 2012 London Olympics generated £9.9 billion for the UK economy, exceeding the cost of organizing the event.
What Remains After the Tournament?
Large events require significant modernization of urban environments: new stadiums are built, transportation networks are improved, and roads and public transit systems are upgraded. Ideally, these facilities should remain useful after the competitions, continuing to benefit the city.
However, history offers many examples where investments turned out to be futile. In Greece, facilities from the 2004 Olympics fell into disrepair within a few years. Similarly, in Brazil after the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a stadium in Manaus—built at a cost of $270 million—was essentially abandoned.
How Digital Technologies Are Changing the Economics of Sporting Events
Modern sporting events are not just about spectators in stadiums but also about massive online audiences. This has led to significant growth in digital entertainment markets, including sports streaming, betting platforms, and themed games.
One notable example is the online slot game Pond of Plinko Free Play, which gained particular popularity among fans during the FIFA World Cup. Such innovations demonstrate that the economics of sporting events have expanded beyond traditional tourism into new domains.
Are There Pitfalls?
Despite clear benefits, hosting major competitions carries serious risks:
Budget overruns. Some countries invest excessively in hopes of future returns that may not materialize. For example, the Sochi Olympics cost Russia a record $50 billion—a figure that sparked considerable debate.
Short-term effects. Once a tournament ends, tourist flows often drop sharply, and a city’s economy may slow down again.
Social conflicts. High spending on sports events often provokes public dissatisfaction, especially when funding comes at the expense of healthcare or education budgets.
Reputational Value: Is It Worth It?
Beyond financial aspects, reputational factors must also be considered. A well-organized tournament can attract new investors, enhance a country’s prestige, and boost tourism development.
So, while major sporting events can drive infrastructure improvements, business growth, and tourism development, they require careful management. Without proper planning and execution, a country risks incurring losses. Organizers must consider not only short-term revenues but also what will remain after the final whistle blows.
