U.S. Cities Seek Opportunities to Host Global Sports Championships

Sports officials from a dozen cities in the United States have gathered in Lausanne, Switzerland, to advocate for hosting more international championships in Olympic sports. This initiative, led by the Sports Events & Tourism Association, aims to strengthen the U.S. position within the global sports community and foster connections with key stakeholders in Olympic governance.

During their week-long visit to the Olympic hub, representatives from cities across the nation met with governing bodies of both Summer and Winter Olympic sports. According to John David, president and CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association, the goal is to demonstrate that the United States is eager to welcome international events. “If we’re zooming out, it is just broader advocacy for the United States,” he stated in an interview with the Associated Press.

The U.S. has already secured a full calendar of major sporting events over the next decade, including the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah. In addition, the country is set to host the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups in 2026 and 2023, respectively. Despite these high-profile events, there remains an opportunity for additional championships, as evidenced by Boston’s recent hosting of the World Figure Skating Championships in March, which significantly boosted local tourism.

Building Trust and Expanding Opportunities

The figure skating event at TD Garden generated approximately 17,000 hotel room nights, a testament to the economic impact of such events, according to Greg Piatelli of Meet Boston. “I think that the U.S. wants more and more international visitors because of the type of traveller they are. They want to explore more,” Piatelli added.

As the U.S. prepares for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, scheduled for June and July 2026, challenges regarding access for international fans and team officials have emerged. Notably, nations such as Haiti and Iran have qualified for the tournament, yet their citizens face travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. government. The Iranian soccer federation’s top officials were also denied visas to attend the tournament draw in Washington, D.C., raising concerns about equitable access to the event.

According to Mike Burke, who played a role in bringing the table tennis World Championships to Houston in 2021, maintaining strong relationships with members of Congress is crucial for hosting future international sports events. “All of these cities are very well connected with their elected officials and their communities,” he emphasized.

Future Prospects and Policy Support

In light of these challenges, former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously promised expedited visa processes for athletes and officials attending the next World Cup and Olympics. However, it remains uncertain which other events might qualify for similar exemptions.

Despite these complexities, John David remains optimistic about the potential for hosting additional international championships in the U.S. “We are hosting world championships all the time and we are not seeing any challenges,” he asserted, underscoring the country’s readiness to welcome global sporting events.

With a proactive approach and a commitment to fostering international relations, U.S. cities are poised to enhance their roles on the world sports stage, attracting more prestigious competitions and contributing to the vibrant global sports landscape.