Miami Sporting Events Projected to Generate $3 Billion Economic Boost by 2026
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Breakwater Hospitality Group CEO Emi Guerra speak to Fox News Digital about the city’s preparedness ahead of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Florida is scoring big this year, with a lineup of championship sporting events projected to deliver billions of dollars to the economy — underscoring Miami’s rise as a global destination for sports, tourism, and business.
According to the South Florida Business Journal, Miami is projected to see a $3 billion economic boost in 2026 from nearly a dozen major sporting events. This figure becomes particularly significant as the city prepares to host the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night, featuring a matchup between the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes, with President Donald Trump expected to attend. This event alone could generate over $264 million for the local economy.
However, the FIFA World Cup is anticipated to be the city’s true moneymaker. Former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez shared with Fox News Digital that the seven matches scheduled for later this year are expected to bring in an estimated $1.5 billion.
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“We’re very accustomed to having large events… After the World Cup, we are gonna have the G20. So it’s gonna be the largest and most significant event in the world at that time. So it’s something that we are accustomed to, and we will be prepared,” Suarez stated in October. “We’re the best city on the planet, and we’re gonna have an opportunity to showcase that.”
A general view during the national anthem before the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Getty Images)
“I think it could not come at a better time, and I believe Miami will 100% be ready. It’s coming in at a time of year that Miami needs the business,” said Emi Guerra, the CEO of Breakwater Hospitality Group, known for establishments like Regatta Grove, Pier 5, and The Wharf. “I believe hotels will be ready to go. I believe restaurants and bars and anything that has to do with hospitality, we’re ready to go.”
This year’s packed schedule in the Magic City includes the Orange Bowl and the NHL Winter Classic, with more events on the horizon, such as the World Baseball Classic, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, Miami Open, PGA Tour’s Trump National Doral event, and the debut of Inter Miami’s new stadium.
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Miami isn’t relying on just one event; the city is stacking financial wins throughout the year.
“But I think what’s often missed, because it can’t be studied, is what is the indirect economic benefit long-term for Miami?” the former mayor pondered. “When you think about people that were considering visiting Miami, now they come and decide, you know what? This is a great place to live.”
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“I think, really, it does give us an opportunity to put Miami on the map again in front of the world. It really allows people that see or hear about Miami that maybe haven’t come, but are amazing soccer fans. They get to come into town, and they get to experience what they’ve seen in the movies or on TV,” Guerra noted.
“It really is a watershed moment. It is a generational opportunity,” Suarez added. “Now you can build a company here. Now you can scale a company. You can change the world from Miami… I think our legacy will be becoming a truly great global city.”
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and Breakwater Hospitality Group CEO Emi Guerra speak to Fox News Digital about the city’s preparedness ahead of hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Florida is scoring big this year, with a lineup of championship sporting events projected to deliver billions of dollars to the economy — underscoring Miami’s rise as a global destination for sports, tourism, and business.
According to the South Florida Business Journal, Miami is projected to see a $3 billion economic boost in 2026 from nearly a dozen major sporting events. This figure becomes particularly significant as the city prepares to host the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night, featuring a matchup between the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes, with President Donald Trump expected to attend. This event alone could generate over $264 million for the local economy.
However, the FIFA World Cup is anticipated to be the city’s true moneymaker. Former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez shared with Fox News Digital that the seven matches scheduled for later this year are expected to bring in an estimated $1.5 billion.
MIAMI’S NEXT LEGACY MOMENT: CITY LEADERS SAY THEY’RE READY — ARE THEY?
“We’re very accustomed to having large events… After the World Cup, we are gonna have the G20. So it’s gonna be the largest and most significant event in the world at that time. So it’s something that we are accustomed to, and we will be prepared,” Suarez stated in October. “We’re the best city on the planet, and we’re gonna have an opportunity to showcase that.”
A general view during the national anthem before the College Football Playoff Quarter Final Game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. (Getty Images)
“I think it could not come at a better time, and I believe Miami will 100% be ready. It’s coming in at a time of year that Miami needs the business,” said Emi Guerra, the CEO of Breakwater Hospitality Group, known for establishments like Regatta Grove, Pier 5, and The Wharf. “I believe hotels will be ready to go. I believe restaurants and bars and anything that has to do with hospitality, we’re ready to go.”
This year’s packed schedule in the Magic City includes the Orange Bowl and the NHL Winter Classic, with more events on the horizon, such as the World Baseball Classic, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, Miami Open, PGA Tour’s Trump National Doral event, and the debut of Inter Miami’s new stadium.
OutKick founder Clay Travis comments on President Donald Trump’s affinity with sports as he welcomed the Florida Panthers to the White House on ‘Varney & Co.’
Miami isn’t relying on just one event; the city is stacking financial wins throughout the year.
“But I think what’s often missed, because it can’t be studied, is what is the indirect economic benefit long-term for Miami?” the former mayor pondered. “When you think about people that were considering visiting Miami, now they come and decide, you know what? This is a great place to live.”
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
‘The Big Money Show’ panelists weigh in on U-Haul’s 2025 ‘Growth Index’ and the exodus from blue states to red states.
“I think, really, it does give us an opportunity to put Miami on the map again in front of the world. It really allows people that see or hear about Miami that maybe haven’t come, but are amazing soccer fans. They get to come into town, and they get to experience what they’ve seen in the movies or on TV,” Guerra noted.
“It really is a watershed moment. It is a generational opportunity,” Suarez added. “Now you can build a company here. Now you can scale a company. You can change the world from Miami… I think our legacy will be becoming a truly great global city.”
