Los Angeles Rises to No. 3 in Burson’s 2026 Global Sports Cities Ranking
Los Angeles ranked third in Burson’s 2026 Sports Cities ranking, moving closer to the top of a global list led by New York. Paris, which had held first place for three consecutive years, fell to second, while London remained fourth and Madrid completed the top five. Burson’s annual ranking assesses 100 leading sports destinations using more than stadiums or individual tournaments. It combines international perception with measurable factors including media coverage, social-media performance and feedback from sports executives, journalists and industry experts. The approach reflects the growing importance of maintaining visibility throughout the year rather than relying on a single major event. For Los Angeles, the third-place result reflects its established combination of sport, entertainment, media and international exposure. The city has long built a global identity around those connected sectors, helping it remain among the world’s most influential sports destinations as competition intensifies. The ranking suggests that durable sporting reputations are supported by professional teams, recurring competitions, infrastructure and continuing engagement with athletes, organizations, audiences and media. The wider results show how major events and emerging disciplines can reshape the standings. Milan rose to seventh after the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, while several 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities also gained ground. Los Angeles remains ahead of London, Madrid, Barcelona and Milan in Burson’s 2026 assessment.
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