ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando is a sports business town.

The Sports Business Journal unveiled its list of best U.S. sports cities for attracting business and hosting events, and Orlando ranks No. 1. The announcement was made Monday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, one of more than 35 sports venues in the greater Orlando area.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said the recognition came as no surprise, but it’s nice to have third-party validation.

“I truly believe sports has the power to bring our residents together,” Dyer said. “Whether it’s sports that we cheer for, or sports that we bring people from around the country to enjoy here in Orlando, it’s a big part of what Orlando is.”

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To come up with its findings, SBJ analyzed resumes from 240 cities. The rankings are the result of an extensive database, including 1,500 events that took place or were awarded from Jan. 1, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2023, while considering cities with their own convention space, sports venues, and dedicated sports commission/CVB staff as stand-alone markets.

SBJ also highlighted the Greater Orlando Sports Commission’s role in attracting NCAA and professional sporting events as well as industry conferences.

“It is Orlando’s ability to host any sport at any time, and often at the same time that really propelled Orlando to the top of our rankings,” said David Broughton, Sports Business Journal Research Director. “With the number of sports visitors that Orlando welcomes, it’s like hosting a Super Bowl every day.”

Rounding out the top five cities are Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Indianapolis.

The award for “Best Sports Business City” will officially be presented at the Kia Center on April 3.

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