The Best States to Host Your Next Sporting Event
The United States hosts some of the world’s most iconic sporting events, with states competing to attract major tournaments, leagues, and championships.
Key factors in determining the best states for hosting include tax incentives, world-class facilities, and economic infrastructure. Below, we break down the top states based on these criteria, leveraging insights from recent events and tax policies.
California: The Gold Standard for Mega-Events
California’s reputation as a sports hub is unmatched, with upcoming events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl LX/LXI, and LA28 Olympics cementing its status.
The state’s infrastructure—ranging from Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara) to SoFi Stadium (Inglewood)—supports large-scale productions. However, California’s tax landscape is complex. While it imposes sales tax on admissions, its ability to attract events is bolstered by its global appeal and economic impact projections (e.g., $500M for Super Bowl LX). Cities like Sacramento are also leveraging niche events like the X Games, drawing 35,000 daily attendees.
Florida: Tax-Friendly and Event-Ready
Florida’s no state income tax makes it a magnet for athletes and teams, reducing financial burdens on participants.
Additionally, Florida imposes sales tax on event admissions but offers exemptions for major organizations like the NFL, NBA, and MLB. Cities like Orlando rank among the top sports business cities due to their hosting prowess, including the 2025 Pro Bowl and frequent NBA All-Star Games. The state’s year-round climate and venues like Hard Rock Stadium (Miami) further enhance its appeal.
Texas: A Mix of Sales Tax and Super Venues
Texas taxes admissions to sporting events but balances this with state-of-the-art facilities like AT&T Stadium (Dallas) and NRG Stadium (Houston).
Arlington, Texas, is a top-ranked sports business city, hosting events such as the College Football Playoff National Championship. While Texas lacks income tax, its sales tax on tickets (e.g., 8.25% in Dallas) could deter smaller events. However, its robust infrastructure and economic clout make it a prime destination for high-profile games.
Georgia: Strategic Tax Exemptions
Georgia offers tax exemptions for non-recurring events generating over $50 million in local revenue, a policy that attracted the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl LIII.
Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and its connectivity to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport make it a logistical hub. The state’s blend of tax incentives and modern venues positions it as a rising star in event hosting.
Nevada: No Income Tax and Las Vegas’ Appeal
Nevada’s no state income tax and exemption for admissions to events hosted by in-state organizations create a favorable environment.
Las Vegas, a perennial top sports business city, leverages its entertainment ecosystem to host events like the NFL Draft and UFC fights. The city’s ability to combine sports with tourism (e.g., Allegiant Stadium) drives economic activity, though its reliance on tourism may pose risks during downturns.
Indiana: Tax Breaks for Sports Organizations
Indiana broadly exempts purchases and sales by major sports organizations, reducing operational costs.
Indianapolis, home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Lucas Oil Stadium, is a top-ranked sports business city, hosting events like the NFL Combine and NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The state’s centralized location and tax-friendly policies make it a cost-effective choice for multi-day events.
Ohio: Local Tax Nuances
Ohio has no statewide sales tax on admissions, but cities like Columbus and Cleveland impose local taxes.
However, exemptions exist for events benefiting educational institutions (excluding NCAA events). While not a top-tier destination, Ohio’s affordability and venues like Progressive Field (Cleveland) make it viable for regional events.
Key Considerations Beyond Tax Incentives
Facilities: States with modern stadiums (e.g., California’s SoFi Stadium, Texas’ AT&T Stadium) attract high-profile events.
Logistics: Proximity to airports, hotels, and transportation hubs (e.g., Atlanta, Las Vegas) enhances hosting viability.
Cultural Appeal: California’s diversity and Florida’s tourism draw global audiences, amplifying event visibility.
Conclusion
The best states for hosting sporting events balance tax policies, infrastructure, and economic impact.
California leads in mega-events, while Florida and Nevada offer tax advantages. Georgia and Indiana provide strategic exemptions, and Texas combines sales tax with world-class venues. As states compete for events, those prioritizing athlete-friendly tax laws, modern facilities, and streamlined logistics will dominate the sports hosting landscape.
