Like every Summer and Winter Olympics, and the upcoming UEFA Women's Euro 2025, major sporting events bring more than just excitement. They bring powerful economic shifts to both the participating countries and their host cities. Countries such as Paris and Berlin are seeing billions in infrastructure investment and tourism revenue. Switzerland will also experience the same boost when the women Euros start in July 2025.
However, some economists warn that the long-term benefits will often depend on smart planning and post-event strategy. While Paris 2025 expects a tourism boost of about $3 billion, past examples like Rio 2016 reveal the risks of unused venues and a mountain of debt which kept increasing every year.
Small local businesses benefit from the surge in demand during these sporting events, but another disadvantage is that cost overruns can also burden taxpayers. Successful host cities tend to focus on legacy projects, housing, transport, and sustainable venues that continue to serve their communities well after the event has even ended.
When managed well, these events can become a tool for economic rejuvenation, but mismanagement in planning can also leave host cities struggling with financial fallout.
