Summary The annual list features 100 cities from around the world recognised for their strong connections with sport. No Pakistani city featured in this year’s ranking.
New York has been named the world’s leading sports city for 2026, followed by Paris and Los Angeles, according to a ranking compiled by Swiss organisation Burson.
The annual list features 100 cities from around the world recognised for their strong connections with sport. No Pakistani city featured in this year’s ranking.
London secured fourth place, while Madrid ranked fifth. Barcelona was sixth, followed by Milan in seventh and Lausanne in eighth.
Manchester ranked 10th, with Washington 11th and Miami 12th.
Among cities outside Europe and North America, Tokyo was ranked 16th, Sydney 24th and Dubai 29th. Mumbai featured at 51st, New Delhi at 65th and Riyadh at 68th.
Cape Town was placed 85th, while Jeddah ranked 98th and Sapporo 99th.
The ranking was compiled using input from sports experts, media professionals and sports leaders from around the world. Social media engagement and media coverage were also considered as part of the assessment.
Cities were evaluated based on their connection to sport, their ability to host major international sporting events and their wider influence on the global sports industry.
New York’s top position reflects its extensive sporting infrastructure, major professional teams and its role as a host and commercial centre for international sport.
