World Cup Promises $30 Billion Boost as Host Cities Shoulder Rising Security and Stadium Costs
Updated
Updated · WRGB · Jun 13
World Cup Promises $30 Billion Boost as Host Cities Shoulder Rising Security and Stadium Costs
2 articles · Updated · WRGB · Jun 13
Summary
$30 billion in projected U.S. economic gains from the World Cup may not translate into local wins, with businesses hoping watch parties lift sales while host cities absorb major event costs.
FIFA keeps key revenue streams including ticket sales and TV rights, leaving cities to fund security, stadium upgrades and other staging expenses that can outweigh direct local benefits.
Kajal Lahiri, an economics professor at UAlbany, said host cities often "come out behind," pointing to Chicago's decision to walk away over fears of a large financial hole.
The tournament could still deliver harder-to-measure gains, Lahiri said, by giving the United States global exposure on soccer's biggest stage.