THE GLOBAL SPORTS ECONOMY is projected to generate $8.8 trillion in annual revenue by 2050, yet rising physical inactivity and intensifying climate and environmental risks could put as much as $517 billion of revenue at risk by 2030, according to a report by Oliver Wyman.
The findings, published in Sports for People and Planet, produced in collaboration with the World Economic Forum, warn that without coordinated, multi-stakeholder action, potential losses could escalate to $1.6 trillion by 2050.
The report estimates that sport currently generates $2.3 trillion in annual revenues. The industry is expected to reach $3.7 trillion by 2030 and expand further to $8.8 trillion by mid-century. However, this trajectory is increasingly vulnerable to intersecting health and environmental challenges.
Declining levels of physical activity particularly among young people threaten grassroots participation and risk weakening the future fan and consumer base that underpins revenues across apparel, live events, tourism and fitness. At the same time, mounting environmental pressures such as extreme heat, severe weather events and pollution are disrupting competitions, affecting spectator experiences, and straining supply chains and operational infrastructure across the sports ecosystem.
The sector itself also contributes to environmental stress through resource-intensive events, manufacturing of sporting goods, infrastructure development and travel, leading to substantial carbon emissions, water consumption and waste generation.
To mitigate these risks, the report proposes targeted pathways aimed at fostering more active societies and regenerating natural ecosystems. It also identifies four key growth drivers shaping the future of the sports economy: the rise of sports tourism, the emergence of sport as a recognised asset class, the continued mainstreaming of women’s sport, and the shift in growth momentum towards emerging markets.
