Brisbane Crowned Australia’s Top Sporting City and Rises in Global Rankings

Brisbane has once again been recognised as Australia’s premier sporting destination, reclaiming the top national ranking it last held in 2023 and securing 20th place globally in the 2025 Ranking of Sports Cities index.

The recognition puts Brisbane ahead of Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast, further solidifying its reputation as a major player in the global sporting arena.

Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, said Brisbane’s consistent rise reflected the city’s passion for sport and its readiness for the world stage.

“Brisbane’s sporting credentials are unrivalled, and our reputation as Australia’s top sporting city will only grow stronger as we head towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”  

“Whether we’re cheering for the underdog or witnessing new benchmarks being set, Brisbane’s passion for sport is deeply ingrained in our city’s DNA,” Schrinner said.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency, COO Juliet Alabaster, said the city’s success is fuelled by its year-round calendar of world-class events.

“Already this year, Brisbane has welcomed hundreds of thousands of fans to premier sporting events including the British & Irish Lions Rugby Tour, NRL Magic Round Brisbane, Brisbane Cycling Festival and both NRL and NRLW State of Origin games.

“Our ecosystem of major sporting events continues to drive visitation and economic growth, while showcasing Brisbane’s unique passion for sport to the world,” Ms Alabaster added.

The momentum continues with the BMW Australian PGA Championship, Brisbane International, a blockbuster summer of cricket including The Gabba’s first-ever day/night Ashes Test, and the EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival, now a qualifier for the World Marathon Majors. Looking further ahead, Brisbane is also set to host the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.

Backing this growth is a $100.6 billion infrastructure pipeline designed to strengthen connectivity and enhance the visitor experience in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032. Over the past decade, Brisbane’s sporting and cultural sectors have expanded by 76%, with the city’s experience economy now the fastest-growing in Australia.

The recognition marks the third consecutive year Brisbane has ranked inside the world’s top 25 sporting cities. The index also highlights how cities that diversify their sporting offerings are more economically resilient and attractive to both event organisers and international fans.

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