The countdown to a packed year in sports is officially on. With the Winter Olympics just weeks away in Italy, the Super Bowl approaching in the United States, and the World Cup set for the summer with several matches in nearby New Jersey, momentum across the sports world is building quickly. To break down what lies ahead, Rick Horrow, CEO of Horrow Sports Ventures, shared his outlook on the year’s biggest events, their economic footprint, and the growing influence of sports betting.
Horrow expressed particular excitement about the upcoming Winter Olympics, noting the return of NHL players for the first time since 2014. He pointed to the Games’ $1.7 billion budget, emphasizing that this edition has a far more disciplined financial structure compared to previous Olympics that resulted in massive losses for host cities. Broadcasting investment also remains substantial, with NBCUniversal committing $1 billion in rights fees. Roughly 2,900 athletes from 90 countries are expected to compete, making the Games a major global draw for fans and sponsors alike.
Attention then turns to the summer and the World Cup, which Horrow highlighted as another economic powerhouse. Mexico City will serve as a central host in June, while matches will also be played at MetLife Stadium, including the final. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams across 104 matches, with attendance projected to exceed 6.5 million. The economic impact is expected to reach $3 billion, with New York positioned as one of the biggest beneficiaries, underscoring how deeply major sporting events are tied to regional economies.
The college sports calendar adds another major moment with the upcoming national championship game. A lifelong Miamian, Horrow acknowledged his personal connection to the matchup between the University of Miami and Indiana. Demand for tickets at Hard Rock Stadium has pushed prices to record levels, reflecting the premium nature of top-tier college athletics. With an estimated $4 billion economic impact from 47 playoff and postseason games, the championship highlights the expanding business engine behind collegiate sports.
At the same time, Horrow addressed growing concerns surrounding sports betting integrity. Recent scandals involving point shaving and fixed outcomes, particularly in college basketball, have raised alarms. With the sports betting market expected to reach $13.7 billion by 2024 and more than $150 billion already wagered, regulation remains a challenge. Horrow noted that these incidents are fueling conversations around tighter controls, including restrictions on prop bets and stronger age enforcement to protect both athletes and consumers.
Looking ahead to 2026, Horrow outlined several trends he expects to reshape the sports landscape. He anticipates the college football playoff expanding to at least 16 teams, further cementing the sport’s dominance in viewership and revenue. The National Football League is also on track to surpass $25 billion in net revenue, reinforcing its position as the most powerful league in global sports. On the international stage, Horrow noted that Curacao and Uzbekistan have qualified for the World Cup for the first time, signaling broader global participation and growing interest in the tournament.
As the year unfolds, the convergence of major sporting events and economic impact will remain front and center. From global tournaments to domestic championships, the sports industry faces both opportunity and scrutiny. With high stakes on and off the field, the months ahead promise continued discussion around growth, governance, and the evolving business of sports.