Ambitious plans to bring more major sporting events to the UK to inspire the nation

• The National Lottery funded programme will continue to bring some of the world’s most important sporting events to the UK
• Events estimated to attract over 7 million spectators and generate a direct economic impact of more than £440m to host cities and regions
• Funding forms part of the estimated staging costs of £194m for secured and targeted events
• Events will support British athletes’ preparation and qualification for Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

UK Sport has today (October 5) announced ambitious new plans to maintain the country’s position as a world-leading host of major sporting events into the 2020s.

As the government’s specialist major events agency, UK Sport will invest almost £30m over eight years (2017-2025) to bring some of the world’s top sporting events to towns and cities across the country. Events already secured include the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup, 2018 Boccia World Championships, 2019 Netball World Cup and 2019 World Road Cycling Championships.

Following the success of London 2012, Glasgow 2014 and the 2015 Rugby World Cup, mega events will continue to feature strongly with the 2019 Men’s Cricket World Cup, 2019 Solheim Cup, Euro 2020 and 2021 Rugby League World Cup already secured. As part of its event hosting strategy, UK Sport has been supporting work to attract the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2021 UEFA European Women’s Championships, and is actively considering the feasibility of mega events in a number of other sports.

Projections of staged, secured and target events from UK Sport’s 2017-2025 hosting programme include 7.2m spectators and an anticipated economic impact of over £440m.

Minister for Sport and Civil Society, Tracey Crouch said: "The UK has an incredible track record of hosting some of the biggest events in sport that help showcase the best of Britain to the world, make a significant contribution to the economy and encourage people to get involved in sport as volunteers and participants. We want to keep up our standing as a world leader in this area and UK Sport's ambitious events strategy over the next eight years will help us do just that."

Speaking at the launch of the strategy, UK Sport Chief Operating Officer Simon Morton said: “From London 2012 and Glasgow 2014, through to the World and European Championships we host, and the annual World Circuit events that have their home here, the UK continues to demonstrate why it is globally recognised as one of the best places to host the biggest sporting events.

“With passionate spectators, a fantastic portfolio of international sporting venues, and the drive to keep improving and innovating, the UK offers the complete package. Our strategy and ambitious hosting targets will help us ensure we maintain our international reputation into the 2020s and beyond.”