Brisbane has reaffirmed its position as Australia’s sporting capital, reclaiming the country’s top spot in the 2025 Ranking of Sports Cities index. The city now sits 20th globally, surpassing domestic rivals Sydney, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.
This recognition strengthens Brisbane’s growing reputation as a destination where sport, culture, and urban growth converge — momentum that will only accelerate as the city prepares to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A City Built on Sporting Passion
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner described Brisbane’s success as proof of its deep connection to sport:
“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 Games. Whether we’re cheering for the underdog or witnessing new benchmarks, Brisbane’s passion for sport is deeply ingrained in our city’s DNA.”
That passion has been matched by infrastructure and innovation. 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.
A Year-Round Global Calendar
Brisbane has become a hub for world-class events that attract international audiences and stimulate local growth. Highlights in 2025 include:
- British & Irish Lions Rugby Tour
- NRL Magic Round Brisbane
- Brisbane Cycling Festival
- State of Origin (NRL & NRLW)
- BMW Australian PGA Championship
- Brisbane International Tennis
- The Gabba’s first-ever day/night Ashes Test
- EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival (now a World Marathon Majors qualifier)
Looking forward, Brisbane will also host the 2027 Rugby World Cup, further embedding itself on the global sporting map.
Juliet Alabaster, COO of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, noted how this calendar is central to the city’s international profile:
“Our ecosystem of major sporting events continues to drive visitation and economic growth, while showcasing Brisbane’s unique passion for sport to the world.”
Building Towards 2032
The recognition comes as Brisbane undertakes a $100.6 billion infrastructure pipeline, designed to strengthen connectivity, transform venues, and enhance the visitor experience in the lead-up to 2032. This investment ensures the Games will leave a legacy well beyond two weeks of competition — creating a city-wide platform for tourism, business, and cultural engagement.
The city’s consistent appearance inside the world’s top 25 sporting cities is also evidence of a broader shift: diversified sporting portfolios make cities more resilient and more attractive to event organisers and investors.
365247 Consulting Insight
Brisbane’s model is an emerging case study for other host cities:
- Sustained Momentum – Hosting mega-events like the Olympics isn’t enough; a constant pipeline of global events ensures long-term visibility.
- Economic Fusion – Sport is used as a driver for tourism, infrastructure, and international business attraction.
- Global Storytelling – Positioning Brisbane not just as a sporting city, but as a cultural hub that blends sport, lifestyle, and hospitality.
For rights holders, brands, and investors, Brisbane is shaping into the southern hemisphere’s benchmark sports city — one that demonstrates how sport can power an entire metropolitan identity.
