Oklahoma City has broken into the global sports spotlight, appearing for the first time on Burson’s 2026 list of the world’s top 100 sports cities at No. 86 — a signal that the city’s investments and event calendar are lifting its international profile. That recognition matters now because Oklahoma City is both hosting major competitions and preparing venues that will be used at the LA28 Olympic Games, with direct consequences for tourism, local business and civic planning.
Burson’s ranking combines expert opinion from sports governing bodies, media and industry figures with analysis of digital engagement and press coverage to determine which urban centers are most associated with sport. Global powerhouses again topped the table this year, led by New York, Paris, Los Angeles, London and Madrid.
Oklahoma City’s debut reflects a steady build-up: long-term upgrades to facilities, a growing roster of national and international events, and high-profile professional success. The city is home to the Oklahoma City Thunder and hosts the NCAA Women’s College World Series, along with a calendar of amateur, collegiate and pro competitions that draw visitors across seasons.
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This summer brought two notable international gatherings to the city: the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships at RIVERSPORT OKC and the USA Softball International Cup at Devon Park. The canoe slalom event coincided with the sport federation’s new name, Paddle Worldwide, and both venues are slated to stage events at the 2028 Olympics — canoe slalom and kayak cross at RIVERSPORT, softball at Devon Park.
The sporting momentum is not only international. The Thunder’s 2025 NBA title and a 2026 playoff appearance increased national attention, while the Women’s College World Series attracted more than 105,000 spectators this year. Those crowds feed hotels, restaurants and event suppliers and underpin a rising sports-tourism sector.
- Key drivers behind Oklahoma City’s ranking: upgraded venues, recurring marquee events, professional-team success and strategic bids to host international competitions.
- Economic effects include stronger hotel occupancy, increased restaurant and retail spending, and more business for event services.
- Long-term value comes from legacy facilities — venues that can host Olympic disciplines and repeat championships.
City leaders have continued to expand capacity through projects such as the MAPS 4 multipurpose stadium and renovations at the Continental Coliseum, additions that broaden what the city can stage beyond sports, including concerts and conventions.
| Rank | City | Why it ranks highly |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York | Major leagues, global events, media reach |
| 2 | Paris | Olympic legacy and international competitions |
| 3 | Los Angeles | Large-market teams, event infrastructure |
| 4 | London | Established venues, recurring global events |
| 5 | Madrid | Strong sporting culture and European competitions |
| 86 | Oklahoma City | Recent investments, Olympic venue roles, expanding event calendar |
Burson’s analysis also flags growth areas for cities aiming to climb the ranking: strengthening women’s sport programs, investing in emerging disciplines and pursuing co-hosting or shared-event models. For Oklahoma City, those recommendations underline existing strengths and point to strategic opportunities as the city ramps up ahead of 2028.
Making the top-100 for the first time is a milestone for Oklahoma City, but it also raises expectations. The coming years will test whether the city can convert temporary spotlight moments into sustained international status — by keeping events on the calendar, maintaining facilities and turning visitor interest into long-term economic and cultural benefit.
