California is set to host a series of major sporting events over the next three years, beginning with Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. These events are projected to generate more than $18 billion in economic activity statewide and create tens of thousands of jobs.
Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the significance of these events: “California is proud to welcome the world for Super Bowl LX and a series of iconic sporting events in the years ahead. As millions of fans arrive from around the globe, our state once again shows how it’s done — creating a true statewide celebration, and delivering real economic impact. From creating jobs and driving tourism to strengthening local economies, these events showcase the very best of California while delivering lasting benefits for communities across the Golden State.”
The Bay Area Host Committee estimates that Super Bowl LX will support about 5,000 jobs and attract 90,000 visitors from outside the region. The event is expected to bring approximately $500 million in total economic impact and viewership may reach or exceed last year’s record audience of 127.7 million.
In addition to Super Bowl LX, Los Angeles will host the NBA All-Star Weekend from February 13-15, 2026. This event is anticipated to deliver at least $250 million in economic impact for greater Los Angeles.
Sacramento will be home to the X Games League at Cal Expo from June 26–28, 2026. The televised action sports festival is expected to draw an estimated 35,000 attendees per day.
The state will also participate as a host for 14 games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. California’s share includes matches in both Los Angeles and the Bay Area, generating more than $1 billion in economic benefit and bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors. Projections indicate that the Bay Area could see about $555 million in impact with 260,000 out-of-town visitors; Los Angeles may see $594 million and welcome around 180,000 visitors.
Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for SoFi Stadium in Inglewood in 2027 with an expected regional economic impact of about $477 million.
Looking further ahead, Los Angeles will host the Olympic & Paralympic Games in 2028. These Games are forecasted to produce multi-billion-dollar impacts and create thousands of local jobs. Nearly 15 million spectators are anticipated with global television audiences exceeding five billion viewers. LA28 has also invested $160 million into youth sports across Los Angeles.
Tourism remains strong throughout California. Travel spending increased by three percent from $152.7 billion in 2023 to $157.3 billion in 2024. Visitor spending generated $12.6 billion in state and local tax revenue last year—a rise over previous years—and created nearly 24,000 new jobs for a total industry employment figure surpassing one million people.
Governor Newsom leads California as its governor since his election as the state’s fortieth governor in 2018 (official website). He has prioritized efficient government operations and innovation across areas such as public safety and social equity (official website). His background includes experience as mayor of San Francisco after serving on city commissions (official website), where he gained recognition for initiatives including advancing same-sex marriage rights (official website). Governor Newsom has advocated policies related to education, environmental protection, gun safety, reproductive rights, climate action (official website), community unity (official website), and effective governance throughout his career.
