Sports Business Journal: Top sports business cities to attract and host events in 2024. SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL

The Sports Business Journal unveils its 2024 Best Sports Business Cities ranking, focusing on US cities that excel at hosting a wide range of sporting events and attracting sports-related activities.

The Sports Business Journal has named Orlando the 2024 Best Sports Business City for Attracting Events (BSBC), recognising the city's exceptional performance and landscape. 

"Orlando's rise to the top of this year's rankings is a testament to the vibrant collaboration between world-class venues, dedicated sports commissions, and the enthusiastic community that makes Orlando a preeminent sports business destination ," said SBJ Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour.

The rankings are based on a database of 1,500 events between 1st January, 2017, and 31st December, 2023, focusing on cities with convention facilities, sports venues, and dedicated sports commission/CVB staff. The Greater Orlando Sports Commission has attracted and hosted a variety of events, including NCAA competitions, major league championships, and industry conferences.

The Kia Centre, home of the NBA's Orlando Magic. GETTY IMAGES
The Kia Centre, home of the NBA's Orlando Magic. GETTY IMAGES

The announcement was made at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, one of more than 35 sports venues in the greater Orlando area. 

"Through the power of partnerships, we've worked to make Orlando the nation's premier destination for sporting events. We know that sports have the power to bring residents together, provide memorable experiences, showcase our city's hospitality and vibrancy and drive economic growth by helping to welcome more visitors to our region," said Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando.

"To see the growth of the sport from when we first came to Orlando in 1989 to today is truly remarkable," said Alex Martins, CEO of the Orlando Magic and Chairman of the UCF Board of Trustees.

The Exploria Stadium, home of the Orlando City (MLS) and the Orlando Pride (NWSL). GETTY IMAGES
The Exploria Stadium, home of the Orlando City (MLS) and the Orlando Pride (NWSL). GETTY IMAGES

The rest of the list is as follows:

1. Orlando.

2. Las Vegas.

3. Los Angeles.

4. Atlanta.

5. Indianapolis.

6. Arlington, Texas.

7. New York City.

8. Houston.

9. Phoenix.

10. Columbus.

11. Miami.

12. Minneapolis / St. Paul.

13. Kansas City.

14. Tampa.

15. San Antonio.

16. New Orleans.

17. San Jose / Santa Clara.

18. Philadelphia.

19. Cleveland.

20. Charlotte.

21. Boston.

22. Dallas.

23. Raleigh / Durham / Cary, N.C.

24. Salt Lake City

25. Seattle