The United States Sports Tourism Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

Demand for sports tourism in the United States is expected to grow at a rapid 13.9% CAGR between 2023 and 2033. The amount of sports tourism in the United States is estimated to be USD 50.42 billion in 2023, with a projected increase to USD 185.317 billion by 2033.

The implementation of cutting-edge technology practices and the construction of massive sports stadiums, among other things, are predicted to boost demand for sports tourism in the United States.

The United States of America is considered one of the most popular sports tourist destinations. Even worldwide sports tourism data support this. According to market data, the United States sports tourism market accounts for around 10.5% of the global sports tourism market.

With the ability to host practically every type of sporting event, the United States is the best example of sports tourism. The reason for this is that not only is the area suitable for nearly any occasion, but the craftsmanship demonstrated by the event teams, combined with the appropriate use of technology, makes the entire event appear mind-boggling.

Sports tourism in the United States is quickly expanding in the context of the larger tourism business. It is currently one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism business. This is projected to increase demand for sports tourism in the United States.

The United States Sports Tourism Market (From 2018 to 2022)

Market HCAGR (From 2018 to 2022) 12.7%
Market Size - 2018 USD 27.115 billion
Market Size - 2022 USD 43.737 billion

The United States Sports Tourism Market (From 2023 to 2033)

Market CAGR (From 2023 to 2033) 13.9%
Market Size - 2023 USD 50.42 billion
Market Size - 2033 USD 185.317 billion

Don't pay for what you don't need

Customize your report by selecting specific countries or regions and save 30%!

Historical Comparison of the United States Sports Tourism Market between From 2018 to 2022 and From 2023 to 2033

The United States sports tourism market grew significantly between 2018 and 2022, with more domestic and foreign visitors attending sporting events nationwide. The market saw an increase in demand for tickets, lodging, and travel services, boosting local economies.

Football, basketball, baseball, and soccer drew enormous crowds, and cities hosted significant tournaments and finals. Because of the 2020 pandemic, numerous events were canceled or held without spectators, causing short drop-in sports tourism.

Looking ahead, the sports tourism business in the United States is expected to rebound and maintain its upward trend from 2023 to 2033. The reintroduction of major sporting events and the gradual relaxation of travel restrictions are likely to boost visitor numbers.

Technological advancements, such as virtual reality experiences and improved stadium facilities, may attract more sports tourists. The United States' strong sports culture and world-class sporting infrastructure will continue to position the country as a prominent destination for sports enthusiasts, adding to the market's long-term growth.

Factors Enabling Growth in the United States Sports Tourism Market

The Upward Trend of Sporting Events in America

An increase in athletic events is expected to benefit the tourism industry by drawing more tourists to sporting facilities, fueling demand for the United States sports tourism. This is primarily driven by sporting events such as the NFL and NBA.

Increasing Seating Capacity in United States’ Sports Venues

Large seating capacities increase ticket sales and income production since sports event venues can accommodate more sports tourists. Increased revenue from ticket sales and sports packages is likely to increase the popularity of sports tourism in the United States.

Several sports clubs and events attempt to increase seating capacity to welcome sports tourists. As a result, new competitions staged in existing stadiums are expected to generate beneficial revenue for players in the sports tourism business.

From Obscurity to the Spotlight: Lesser-known Sports Gain Traction in the THE UNITED STATES

Certain sports, such as cricket, are not particularly popular in the region, but investments are also being made to establish infrastructure for such sports. The Major Cricket League (MCL) is scheduled to get a huge USD 120 million investment to build facilities in Philadelphia, New York, Miami, and San Francisco.

The Evolution of Technology

Due to technological advancements and widespread sports coverage, the demand for sports tourism in the United States is increasing. Live, and on-demand coverage is available everywhere.

The technology is also used in sports venues, where fans can observe the games in a larger format. Aside from that, athletes wear sensors, GPS is used to track the position in case the players commit a mistake, and various wearable technologies are utilized to avert accidents.

New online platforms have made checking in and handling the ticketing process easier and simpler, attracting a larger audience to sporting events.

This has fueled growth across E-Commerce websites and numerous social media handles, allowing fans to buy and sell tickets without going via ticketing services. As a result, the United States sports tourism market share is expected to increase rapidly between 2023 and 2033.

Everything from boots and outfits to helmets, pads, gloves, and sporting equipment is being updated with new high-tech and high-function features. Scoreboards are automated and linked to all global networks, and supporters can access wireless internet in stadiums. With such improvements, sports tourists are becoming more interested in traveling to see various sporting events, which is predicted to increase the adoption of sports tourism in the United States during the projection period.

Sudip Saha
Sudip Saha

Principal Consultant

Talk to Analyst

Find your sweet spots for generating winning opportunities in this market.

The Resilience of the United States Sports Tourism Market

Skyrocketing Ticket Prices Pose Challenges for the United States Sports Tourism

The high cost of tickets is one of the most significant difficulties linked with the sports tourism business in the United States. These tickets are only affordable to some, and people often hesitate to spend so much on an event that lasts only a few hours.

Seasonal Restrictions

Skiing and snowboarding, for example, are largely dependent on seasonal circumstances. While the United States provides various sports possibilities throughout the year, some places may be restricted due to weather conditions. This may impact the country's overall attractiveness as a sports tourism destination. Promoting alternate sports and events during off-peak seasons can help alleviate this problem.

Consumer Preferences Are Shifting

Sports tourists' interests and needs are continually changing. Visitors increasingly seek more engaging and experiential travel experiences, such as opportunities to engage with local communities, participate in sports activities, and attend sporting events. Adapting to these evolving preferences necessitates ongoing market research, innovation, and the provision of personalized experiences to diverse sectors of sports visitors.

Shifting Paradigms: Exploring Recent Trends in the United States Sports Tourism Industry

According to Future Market Insights, North America will be one of the most appealing markets during the forecast period. The United States accounted for approximately 85.5% of the North American sports tourism market in 2023 and is predicted to increase rapidly.

The demand for United States sports tourism is expected to increase for various reasons, including a desire to view live sporting events following the COVID outbreak. The United States is one of the largest organizers of international sporting events such as the World Cup, the Olympics, and other international tournaments.

Travel agencies and organizations are implementing clever business methods to attract customers and sports tourists to develop a stronger position in the sports tourism sector by offering enticing bargains, discounts, and a variety of other travel packages that visitors can't resist.

Get the data you need at a Fraction of the cost

Personalize your report by choosing insights you need
and save 40%!

Category – Wise Insights

Which Kind of Booking Channel Has the Highest Volume Across the Forecast Period?

The THE UNITED STATES sports tourism market is dominated by the online booking segment.

Segment Booking Channel
Segment Name Online Booking
Segment Share 42.6%

Due to the popularity of tourism and how well it has performed over time, tickets to such events can now be purchased and made available through Internet platforms.

Since using an online booking or mobile application platform offers a direct, hassle-free digital transaction, instant tracking, and increased security, tourists choose to do so. Online booking has become more commonplace all around the world as a result of the ability of travelers to utilize the internet to research and compare information on travel destinations, lodging options, restaurants, and other factors.

Which Tourism Type Is Most Popular?

Active Sports Tourism is the most popular type of tourism in the United States sports tourism business.

Segment Tourism Type
Segment Name Active Sports Tourism
Segment Share 38.4%

Active sports tourism has the largest market share in terms of total market share. Growth can be ascribed to millennials and younger adults' increased fondness for online games, as they have already had enough exposure to them. Active sports, as the name implies, entail active real-time participation of players in the arena and are more entertaining than online games.

Which Sport is the Most Popular and Widely Watched In The United States?

Football is the most popular sport in the United States.

American football is the most watched spectator sport in the country. It is so popular that its championship tournament, the Super Bowl, is viewed by over half of all United States television homes and broadcast in over 150 countries worldwide.

People in America are not only watching football at home. In the United States, people flock to stadiums to watch games.

What Tour Type is Favoured by Sports Tourists in the United States?

Package travel will dominate the United States sports tourism sector between 2023 and 2033.

Tourists frequently choose package travel because tour companies provide numerous package travel tours, some of which can be customized. Whereas in package tours, the operators even deliver some things not included in other types, such as lodging, significant discounts on package tours, etc.

Which Market Sector is Predicted to Rule the United States Sports Tourism Market Based on Consumer Orientation?

The market share that belongs to men is supposed to be the leading.

The explanation is that there are currently more males than ever passionate about sports and willing to pay anything to see these events. The market share of the women's category has, however, also seen a dramatic increase. The cause is raising awareness and an increase in the number of working women compared to ten years ago. Therefore, in the upcoming years, the market can witness different figures.

Which Age Group is Predicted to Rule the United States Sports Tourism Market?

In the United States sports tourism market, the age group of 26 to 35 has a significant market share.

People in this age group are working and strongly desire to travel and see new locations. People in this age group are better able to use the information that is accessible because they have a greater understanding of the world around them.

Which tourist category holds the largest market share in the sports tourism industry in the United States?

The majority of the market for tourists of all types is made up of domestic travelers.

The explanation is that domestic travelers know more about a location's history and game schedules. Additionally, booking a ticket and traveling to the site are more reasonably priced for domestic than foreign visitors. Domestic tourists encounter this kind of seamlessness more frequently, contributing to their larger market share.

How can Manufacturers Scale their Businesses in the United States Sports Tourism Market?

  • Offer unique and customizable sports tourism experiences to attract a diverse customer base.
  • Invest in infrastructure and facilities to accommodate larger groups and events.
  • Forge strategic partnerships with sports organizations and teams to expand market reach.
  • Leverage digital marketing and social media to target sports enthusiasts and travelers.
  • Provide exceptional customer service to build a strong reputation and encourage repeat business.
  • Expand product offerings to include sports-related merchandise and memorabilia.
  • Develop specialized packages and promotions targeting different sports niches.
  • Establish strong distribution channels through collaborations with travel agencies and online platforms.

Competitive Landscape

The United States sports tourism market is defined by a select group of established players and emerging entrants. A lot of major United States sports tourism players are putting more emphasis on the expanding trend of sports tourism. The major United States sports tourism players are diversifying their services to maintain market share.

Leading players in the United States and foreign businesses there concentrate on growth and new opportunities to extend their companies throughout the US islands. They have essentially started a pricing war to offer all services at reduced prices.

Key the United States Sports Tourism Market Players

  • Sports Travel and Tours
  • Roadtrips.com
  • Victory Sports Tours
  • Sporta Tours
  • St. Thomas Water Sports
  • Alliance Sports Travel
  • Florida First Sports
  • Sports travel Inc.
  • Doctor Gumbo Tours
  • Omega World Travel
  • Costsaver

Novel Breakthroughs and Advancements

Company Sports Group
Strategy Sponsorship
Details East Dean and Friston Cricket Club added Sports Group as a player sponsor in June 2022.
Company Omega World Travel
Strategy Awards
Details Gloria Bohan of Omega World Travel was given the lifetime achievement award in November 2021. She received the honor for her outstanding contributions to the company and for helping to alter the industry as a whole.

Key Segments

By Sports Type:

  • Football/Soccer
  • Cricket
  • Motorsports
  • Basketball
  • Others

By Sports Tourism Type:

  • Sports Event Tourism
  • Nostalgia Sports Tourism
  • Active Sports Tourism
  • Passive Sports Tourism

By Consumer Orientation:

  • Men
  • Women
  • Children

By Booking Channel:

  • Phone Booking
  • Online Booking
  • In-Person Booking

By Tourist Type:

  • Domestic
  • International

By Tour Type:

  • Independent Traveler
  • Tour Group
  • Package Traveler

By Age Group:

  • 15-25 Years
  • 26-35 Years
  • 36-45 Years
  • 46-55 Years
  • 66-75 Years

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the United States Sports Tourism Market Size in 2023? 

The market is valued at USD 50.4 billion in 2023. 

Who are the Key Market Players? 

Sports Travel and Tours, and Roadtrips.com are the key market players. 

How Big will the United States Sports Tourism Market?

The market is estimated to reach USD 185.3 billion by 2033. 

What Drives the Market Growth? 

Rising seating capacity in the United States sports venues to fuel the market prospects. 

Which is the Key segment by Booking Channel? 

The online booking segment is likely to remain preferred through 2033. 

Table of Content
	1. Executive Summary
	2. Market Overview
	3. Market Background
	4. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast, 2023 to 2033
	5. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Sports Type
		5.1. Football/Soccer
		5.2. Cricket
		5.3. Motorsports
		5.4. Basketball
		5.5. Others
	6. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Tourism Type
		6.1. Sports Event
		6.2. Nostalgia Sports
		6.3. Active Sports
		6.4. Passive Sports
	7. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Consumer Orientation
		7.1. Men
		7.2. Women
		7.3. Children
	8. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Booking Channel
		8.1. Phone Booking
		8.2. Online Booking
		8.3. In-Person Booking
	9. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Tourist Type
		9.1. Domestic
		9.2. International
	10. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Tour Type
		10.1. Independent Traveler
		10.2. Tour Group
		10.3. Package Traveler
	11. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Age Group
		11.1. 15-25 Years
		11.2. 26-35 Years
		11.3. 36-45 Years
		11.4. 46-55 Years
		11.5. 66-75 Years
	12. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	13. Market Analysis 2018 to 2022 and Forecast 2023 to 2033, By Country
	14. Market Structure Analysis
	15. Competition Analysis
		15.1. Sports Travel and Tours
		15.2. Roadtrips.com
		15.3. Victory Sports Tours
		15.4. Sporta Tours
		15.5. St. Thomas Water Sports
		15.6. Alliance Sports Travel
		15.7. Florida First Sports
		15.8. Sports travel Inc.
		15.9. Doctor Gumbo Tours
		15.10. Omega World Travel
		15.11. Costsaver
	16. Assumptions & Acronyms Used
	17. Research Methodology
Recommendations

Travel and Tourism

Japan Sports Tourism Market

August 2024

REP-GB-15293

309 pages

Travel and Tourism

India Sports Tourism Market

August 2023

REP-GB-15292

324 pages

Explore Travel and Tourism Insights

View Reports
Future Market Insights

United States Sports Tourism Market

Schedule a Call