Melbourne crowned among the world's best cities for sports tourism in 2026
Aussies love their sport and are not afraid to travel for it. In fact, sports tourism is booming around the world.
Sports travel now accounts for 10 per cent of global tourism spending according to UN Tourism, with projections the market could reach $1.3 trillion by 2032.
Now a new study by luggage company Stasher, has crowned the world's best cities for sports-tripping in 2026, with our very own Melbourne coming in fourth place.
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Melbourne has been crowned among the best cities for sports travel. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Cities were judged on a range of sports and tourism factors, like their sports bar scene sport-related tourist experiences (and whether they are worth the money).
The experts also took into consideration things like affordable food, drink and local transport options, equality and crime levels, plus how many major international sports events they host, and how many world-class teams call them home.
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Melbourne is home to nine of the 18 professional Australian Rules Football (AFL) teams, along with multiple professional sides in rugby league (NRL), soccer (A-League), basketball (NBL), and cricket (BBL).
The city also plays host to 11 major international sport events across 2025 and 2026 including the Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne Cup, The Ashes 4th Test and the Australian Open.
Most recently it was announced the NFL's first-ever regular season game in Australia will be played at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2026, with the Los Angeles Rams playing the San Francisco 49ers.
The Australian Open was once again a bit hit in Melbourne. Eddie Jim
Melbourne's vibrant sports bar scene was also a highlight (183 venues).
"Victoria is the natural home for the world's best major events. The fact the NFL is playing its first Australian regular season game in Melbourne confirms our status as the global sporting and events capital," Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements tells 9Travel.
"The NFL's historic game will create demand from American travellers to make the trip to Melbourne – not just for the spectacle, but for the culture, food and experiences that makes Victoria every bit different."
Sports-trippers have many attractions and experiences to choose from in the city too, with popular booking sites advertising 36 sport-related offerings.
As for which city took the crown, London has the best all-round experience for sports tourists, scoring 7.6 out of 10, according to the study.
It is the city with the highest density of world-class sports teams (20) across the 'big five' – football, rugby union, basketball, baseball and cricket.
London is considered the top city in the world for sports travel. Getty Images/iStockphoto
London is home to some of the UK's most successful professional teams, from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, Harlequins, Saracens and London Irish, to the London Lions competing in the British Basketball League.
The city also scored top points for playing host to major international sports events, including Wimbledon, the Six Nations and Women's Rugby World Cup, the World Athletics Diamond League, and the London E-Prix.
The main downside travellers need to consider is affordability, with the capital scoring poorly for food, drink and public transport costs.
Following London in second place was Dubai .
The UAE is one of many in the Gulf States, alongside Qatar and Saudia Arabia, that are fast becoming global sporting superpowers, investing billions into growing its sports tourism industry.
They now host some of the world's biggest sporting events like Formula One and golf's European Tour and are building state-of-the-art mega stadiums.
The UAE has been building up its spots portfolio. Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty Images
Tokyo, Japan comes in third place in the study, with an overall sports tourism score of 6.5 out of 10.
The city is considered a particular draw for motorsport fans. In 2025, Tokyo hosted the Motorcycle Grand Prix, Formula 1 and Formula E races, as well as the World Athletics Championships.
This year, visitors can check out the BWF Badminton World Tour, Judo Grand Slam and the World Baseball Classic confirmed when Japan will be playing to defend its title.
