World Athletics has officially launched the global bidding process for the 2029 and 2031 editions of its flagship event — the World Athletics Championships. With the competition held every two years, this marks one of the most high-profile hosting opportunities in international sport, setting the stage for major cities to compete for both global visibility and sporting legacy.
The Monaco-based governing body announced on June 23 that all interested host cities must submit a pre-qualification form by October 1, 2025, with final bid applications due by August 5, 2026. Winning hosts will be announced in September 2026.
London Enters the Frame
Among potential bidders, London has publicly declared its intention to bid for the 2029 edition, positioning itself as an early frontrunner. If successful, this would mark a return of the championships to a city that hosted a widely acclaimed edition in 2017.
Observer Program in Tokyo
As part of the bidding process, World Athletics is offering an Observer Program during the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. The program will allow interested bidders to gain first-hand insights into the operational and logistical blueprint of the event. According to World Athletics, it offers a “unique experience and valuable knowledge exchange.”
Asia’s Growing Role
The 2027 edition will take place in Beijing, China, following the Tokyo games in 2025 — making it the first time in history that back-to-back World Athletics Championships will be held in Asia. This reflects the sport’s strategic expansion in the region, driven by growing participation, commercial investment, and government-backed infrastructure.
Why This Bidding Cycle Matters?
At 365247 Consultancy, we see this as more than a sporting decision — it’s a strategic nation branding opportunity. Hosting rights to mega-events like the World Athletics Championships are no longer about just world-class infrastructure. They’re about storytelling, public diplomacy, tourism regeneration, and leveraging sport as soft power.
Here’s what forward-thinking bidders should focus on:
- Legacy Planning: Demonstrate how hosting will benefit local communities beyond the event.
- Sustainability: Align bids with ESG frameworks, carbon-neutral goals, and circular economy practices.
- Fan Experience: Use innovation (AR/VR, AI analytics, real-time data) to create unforgettable physical and digital engagement.
- Global Brand Building: Position the host city as a global destination for sports, entertainment, and culture.
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IMAGE: Worldathletics.org
