Brisbane reclaimed the accolade it last won in 2023 from Sydney, also ranking ahead of Melbourne and the Gold Coast in the 2025 index.

Brisbane has also stamped its credentials in the international sporting arena, ranking 20th among the top 100 sporting cities globally.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said 2025 marked the third consecutive year Brisbane had maintained its position as a Top 25 global sporting powerhouse.

“Brisbane’s sporting credentials are unrivalled and our reputation as Australia’s top sporting city will only grow stronger as we head towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Whether we’re cheering for the underdog or witnessing new benchmarks being set, Brisbane’s passion for sport is deeply ingrained in our city’s DNA.

“Brisbane consistently demonstrates our ability to stage world-class sporting events while creating an atmosphere alive with opportunity and excitement.

“Our major events already attract sporting fans from across the globe and with a $100.6 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects underway to further connect our region, Brisbane is gearing up to deliver an even greater sporting experience.”

Cities that diversify their sports offerings are more economically resilient and more attractive to event organisers and fans, according to an emerging trend noted in the 2025 Ranking of Sports Cities index.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency COO Juliet Alabaster said Brisbane embraced a year-round calendar of events spanning codes and competitions to bolster its appeal as a sporting destination.

“Already this year, Brisbane has welcomed hundreds of thousands of fans to premier sporting events including the British & Irish Lions Rugby Tour, the NRL Magic Round Brisbane, Brisbane Cycling Festival and both NRL and NRLW State of Origin games,” Ms Alabaster said.

“The action continues with the BMW Australian PGA Championship, Brisbane International and a summer of cricket, including The Gabba’s first ever day/night Ashes Test, the World Marathon Majors Qualifying EVA Air Brisbane Marathon Festival in June 2026 and the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.

“Over the past 10 years, Brisbane’s sporting and cultural sectors have experienced remarkable growth of 76% and momentum is still building.

“Brisbane’s experience economy is the fastest growing in Australia and our ecosystem of major sporting events continues to drive visitation.”

*View the full 2025 Ranking of Sports Cities index HERE.