New York named world’s top sport city as London trails in fourth place

New York City has been named the world's top sport city, according to a new ranking compiled by Burson, a sports agency owned by WPP. London, despite its rich sporting heritage, trails in fourth place. The Big Apple's rise to the top spot can be attributed to increased visibility following the hosting of the 2026 World Cup final and the Knicks securing their first NBA championship.

New York City's success is attributed to its reputation as a hub for major sports franchises, including the Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Rangers, and Islanders. The city is also home to several high-profile sports events, such as the Major League Soccer teams New York City and Red Bulls, as well as hosting boxing and MMA cards.

Despite London's long-standing reputation as a sporting capital, its ranking remains fourth in the list. The city's top five includes Madrid, which completes the top five. According to Greg Curchod, Senior Client Lead EMEA at Burson Switzerland, "Hosting matters, but the 2026 Ranking of Sports Cities shows that reputation is no longer built around a single event."

Curchod adds, "The cities rising fastest are those that combine major events with long-term investment, emerging sports, and strong connections to the global sports community."

London's absence from the top three is a blow to Mayor Sadiq Khan's claims that the city is the world's sporting capital. The city, which boasts renowned football, rugby union, and cricket stadia, such as Wembley, Twickenham, and Lord's, as well as the O2 and the London Stadium, will also miss out on hosting the Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury boxing event, which is set to move to Cardiff.

Nonetheless, London's sporting legacy remains, with six Premier League clubs, two Prem Rugby teams, and a home to one of the four tennis Grand Slams.