Known for its many titles, such as the Bayou City, Space City, and the Energy Capital of the World, Houston is now making serious strides toward another crown: a global sports capital. Already a go-to host for some of the biggest sporting showdowns on the planet, Houston isn’t just dabbling in the spotlight, it’s building a whole arena in it. With marquee events piling up and a fanbase that knows how to show up, the city is sprinting toward global relevance. And that’s without even counting its jam-packed calendar of pro and college games. So, how exactly is it doing that? 

In 2024 alone, Houston pulled in over $330 million in sports-related economic impact, per Houston Business Journal reporter Chandler France. That number comes from the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, which credited marquee events like the College Football Playoff National Championship (Ohio State vs. Notre Dame), Copa America matches, and the Texas Bowl clash between LSU and Baylor as key drivers behind the massive figure.

And the sports parade isn’t slowing down anytime soon. In June 2025, Houston will roll out the red carpet for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, followed closely by the AAU Junior Olympic Games in July. Between the two, the city could rake in close to $100 million in economic impact.

This is far from a new game for Houston. The city has previously hosted the Super Bowl, World Series, NBA and MLB All-Star weekends, NCAA Final Fours, you name it. And with a multicultural fanbase that shows up and shows out for every event, Houston’s energy is proving to be its secret weapon.

Adding to the global calendar, Houston will also host Pool B of the 2026 World Baseball Classic at Daikin Park, featuring teams from the United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, and Brazil. This marks the first time Houston will host WBC matchups. Fan festivals, cultural showcases in EaDo, and community initiatives are all part of the lead-up; it looks to be shaping up to be a citywide celebration of sport.

The NHL buzz is also getting louder. Reports in the Houston Chronicle revealed that billionaire Dan Friedkin has thrown his hat into the ring to bring professional hockey to the city. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has also confirmed talks are intensifying. A recent University of Houston survey found that 57% of locals support the idea.

If the NHL sets up camp in Houston, it would cement the city’s spot in the “Big Five” of American sports markets. A recent OLBG report named Houston the sixth most valuable U.S. city in terms of revenue generated by its NFL, NBA, MLB, MLS, and potential NHL franchises. This kind of sports traffic is lifting the entire state. Texas now ranks second in the country for economic impact from spectator sports tourism, according to the Sports Events and Tourism Association (ETA). The Lone Star State is trailing only California, as Florida sits in third. “These states are leading examples of how strong destination infrastructure, venue investment, and a passionate fan base translate into tourism growth,” said John David, President & CEO of Sports ETA. 

The city’s most high-profile audition as a global sports hub is set for the summer of 2026, when Houston hosts seven FIFA World Cup matches at NRG Stadium: five in the group stage and two in the knockouts. It’s a moment the city’s been gearing up for.

World Cup 2026: Houston’s Headliner Moment

For FIFA 2026, Houston has a starring role. To prepare, the aging stadium is undergoing updates, including the installation of nearly 5,000 brand-new seats. The $305,644 project, funded through a repair and replacement reserve, will bring fresh comfort to fans in time for the global showcase. The stadium must also meet FIFA standards, which include modifications to the field size and surface. Natural grass is being brought in to replace the turf. And while those changes are immediate, bigger conversations loom. Built in 2002, NRG Stadium faces an estimated $1.4 billion in renovations over the next 30 years. Local officials are now weighing whether to revamp it entirely or consider building a brand-new venue, especially with the potential of more global events down the line.

Beyond the games, Houston’s hospitality will also be on display. The city has been identified as a potential base camp for visiting national teams, offering facilities at Houston Sports Park and accommodations at the Omni Houston Hotel. “We have so many soccer fans in the city of Houston that, of course, the residents will enjoy it. I hope that they will participate in the fan experience, I hope that they will go to the games, and I hope that they will make our visitors feel welcome and show our Houston hospitality to everyone that comes to see us in 2026,”  said Mayor Pro Tem and City Council member Martha Castex-Tatum said at a 2024 FIFA press conference.

Tourism is set to keep booming in 2027, with the Texas Kickoff making its much-anticipated return for an eighth round. This time, it’s the Houston Cougars squaring off against the LSU Tigers at NRG Stadium on Labor Day. The city’s diversity, infrastructure, and hunger for big moments create the kind of energy that’s hard to manufacture. And with more marquee events on the horizon, plus a potential NHL team looming, Houston’s sports momentum is accelerating. The Bayou City is ready to take the world stage!