Conclusion As the global sports economy enters a phase of accelerated growth, its long-term success will increasingly depend on the choices made today. Positioned at the intersection of environmental stability and societal health, sport has both a responsibility and a strategic opportunity to lead. Failure to acknowledge this convergence risks overestimating future returns while undervaluing the true economic, environmental and social costs of inaction. Conversely, decisive and integrated investment can safeguard public well- being and reinforce the long-term resilience and competitiveness of the sector. This report sets out a new vision for sport that aligns financial performance with planetary boundaries and societal well-being. Advancing the three interconnected pathways can transform systemic risks into drivers of innovation, growth and shared value. Delivering this shift will require bold leadership, strengthened governance and deeper collaboration across public, private and civil society actors. Progress must be supported through cross- regional dialogue, targeted pilot initiatives and the cultivation of innovation ecosystems that connect technology entrepreneurs with sport organizations and infrastructure providers to accelerate low- carbon, inclusive transitions. As an independent and trusted convener, the World Economic Forum brings together diverse stakeholders to advance dialogue, co-create shared principles, and accelerate the adoption of high- impact solutions. Building on this role, the Forum aims to convene key decision-makers across the sports economy regarding the pathways and action areas identified in this report, facilitating the formation of strategic partnerships and supporting the design and implementation of joint initiatives that deliver measurable and lasting shared impact. With health and environmental resilience as global public goods, all stakeholders throughout the sports economy are called to act. Through sustained collaboration, the sector can help shape a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future, one in which sport enhances human well-being while operating within the limits of the planet. Sports for People and Planet 35

Sports for People and Planet 2026