Read the full brief here • September 2026
On any given day in Chicagoland, trainers lead fitness classes, youth leagues take the field, and fans pack the stands for eight major professional teams. Together, that activity supports 60,465 jobs and $5.6 billion in sports-related economic output, ranking the region among the top four U.S. metros on both measures.
This brief from the World Business Chicago Research Center breaks down the region’s sports economy by the numbers, including 41% growth in sports-related output since 2019, $1.25 billion in investment across 51 deals, and the economic ripple effect of ticket sales. It also highlights the projects shaping what comes next, including the Chicago Fire’s new stadium at The 78 and the United Center’s 1901 Project.