Sports for People and Planet 2026

The sports economy is highly dependent on stable environmental conditions. Over 90% of media rights and 76% of sponsorship revenues in professional sport are linked to outdoor activities,45 placing core revenue streams at direct risk from environmental disruption and the loss of visual appeal related to degradation. Climate and nature-related impacts are already materialising across the sector, including: –Operational disruption and revenue loss: Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, flooding, storms and wildfire smoke are increasingly forcing event cancellations, rescheduling and venue closures. In the UK, adverse weather conditions result in approximately £320 million annually in lost income and maintenance costs for community sport.46 These disruptions erode ticket sales, reduce broadcast value, diminish sponsor exposure and weaken fan engagement, while increasing insurance premiums and reducing coverage availability.47 –Health and participation impacts: Environmental degradation directly undermines both elite performance and community participation. Heat stress, air pollution and water contamination are escalating health threats that undermine athletic performance, with emerging evidence indicating that climate change will increasingly limit the conditions required for record-breaking athletic achievements.48 Climate stressors disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, widening inequalities and compounding existing barriers for women, young people and people with disabilities. Examples of the impact of environmental risks on sport FIGURE 19 Fluvial flooding 1 in 5 Stadiums in the United Kingdom affected by 2050Decreased snowfall 10 Countries with the ability to host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics by 2040Extreme heat 40% Percentage of participants failing to to complete the World Athletics Championships women’s marathon in QatarAir pollution 3 American leagues (MBL, WNBA and NWSL) had to cancel games in affected areas during the Canadian wildfires in 2023 Source: World Economic Forum analysis Over 90% of media rights and 76% of sponsorship revenues in professional sport are linked to outdoor activities. Sports for People and Planet 20