Greater Miami and Miami Beach have achieved a top 10 ranking among global sports cities, according to Burson’s 2025 Ranking of Sport Cities. The region is now listed at number eight worldwide, moving up from sixteenth place in 2023. This recognition highlights the area’s expanding role as a destination for international sports events.
The Burson Ranking evaluates 100 cities using perception surveys and quantitative analysis with input from sports leaders, media, and industry experts. The report also considers social and traditional media tracking.
“Over the past several years, our organization has made an intentional and strategic investment of marketing and communications assets and platforms to help lure, promote and host some of the most iconic and global sports events and brands in the world,” said David Whitaker, President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). “The significant growth over the past few years, and now top 10 global ranking, simply reaffirms the return on that investment, collective power and influence of our sports and event partners. And once again, vividly illustrates the relationship between the reputation and attraction of a destination’s brand with the major events hosted there.”
Miami has recently added five new annual international sporting events: PGA Tour Signature Event, E1 Power Boat Series, Formula E, Unrivaled Women’s Basketball, and HYROX Fitness Festival. These join existing competitions such as the Orange Bowl, Miami Open, Miami Marathon, F1 Miami Grand Prix, Bacardi Cup Regatta, Capital One Orange Bowl, full seasons for teams like Miami HEAT (NBA), Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Marlins (MLB), Inter Miami CF (MLS), as well as other recurring tournaments.
Following its hosting of this year’s FIFA Club World Cup—and with upcoming matches for FIFA World Cup 26—Miami continues to attract high-profile competitions. In addition to FIFA World Cup matches scheduled for June–July 2026 at Miami Stadium, other notable events set for the next year include:
– College Football National Championship and Playoffs (January 2026)
– NHL Winter Classic (January 2026)
– World Baseball Classic (March 6–17, 2026)
– NASCAR Cup Series Championship (November 6–8, 2026)
According to GMCVB representatives, targeted marketing campaigns have helped position Greater Miami as a leading destination for sports tourism. Recent initiatives aim not only to bring fans to matches but also encourage them to explore local neighborhoods, dining options, beaches, arts venues, and cultural attractions.
David Whitaker stated that these efforts illustrate how hosting major sporting events can boost both reputation and economic impact: “The significant growth over the past few years…simply reaffirms the return on that investment…and once again vividly illustrates the relationship between…a destination’s brand with major events hosted there.”
Miami Beach Convention Center is also highlighted as a venue suitable for meetings focused on sports or wellness. Its facilities benefit from favorable weather conditions throughout much of the year.
With this latest ranking by Burson placing it alongside cities like Paris; Los Angeles; New York; London; Madrid; Greater Miami aims to continue leveraging its infrastructure—alongside its hospitality sector—to maintain momentum in attracting future international sporting competitions.
