Paris Claims title of world’s leading sports city for the second year running

Paris has been named the world’s leading sports city for the second consecutive year.  The highly anticipated 2024 Ranking of Sports Cities, a report published by global communications agency Burson each year, identifies the top 100 cities globally with the strongest association with sports, based on a combination of perception and detailed quantitative analysis. The report draws insights from international sports leaders, media representatives, and industry experts, with social media analytics playing a crucial role in determining these rankings.

Los Angeles follows in second place, with New York City securing third, pushing London out of the top three for the first time in recent memory. Madrid has also made significant strides, entering the top five. From an Australian perspective, 4 cities made the top 100, with Sydney coming in at 18th, followed by Brisbane (25th), Melbourne (32nd) and the Gold Coast (56th), leveraging the spotlight from the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympics and major global events like the Australian Grand Prix and the Australian Open.

Paris’s continued reign at the top is attributed to its successful hosting of major sporting events and its robust sports infrastructure. Los Angeles benefits from its vibrant sports scene and the anticipation of hosting the 2028 Olympics, maintaining its second-place position. New York City has climbed to third place, reflecting its thriving sports market, which includes 11 major league franchises. The city’s blend of sports with entertainment and its strategic franchise acquisitions highlight a successful American model that is increasingly influential globally.

London’s drop to fourth place marks a notable shift in the rankings. Meanwhile, Tokyo, despite hosting the 2020 Olympics, has fallen from first place to 13th in just two years, illustrating a broader trend where cities often experience a short-lived boost in sports reputation following the Olympics. The American approach to sports, focusing on entertainment and franchises, is gaining traction worldwide. Miami’s entry into the top 10, propelled by Lionel Messi’s arrival, exemplifies this trend. Las Vegas, ranked 15th, has emerged as a burgeoning sports hub, attracting multiple major franchises in recent years.

Emerging sports cities are also making significant strides. Salt Lake City made a remarkable leap to 33rd place following its selection by the International Olympic Committee as the preferred host for the 2034 Winter Games. Similarly, New Delhi’s rise to 75th place reflects its vocal interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics. 

The rankings are based on a combination of perception-based analysis and quantitative metrics. Feedback from International Federation Presidents, Secretaries General, sports industry experts, and over 300 media representatives were considered. Additionally, digital presence and mentions on social media platforms such as X, Instagram, and Facebook were analysed using the Brandwatch tool, with digital analysis weighted more heavily. With each new edition, the lowest-ranked cities are replaced by top-mentioned new cities, ensuring the list reflects dynamic changes in the global sports landscape.

This year’s report underscores the dynamic nature of sports city rankings and the various factors that influence a city’s reputation as a global sports hub.