Sports

NYC Says 2026 World Cup Generated $2B Economic Impact

The 2026 FIFA World Cup generated an estimated $2 billion in economic impact for New York City, according to a preliminary analysis released by the city. The estimate includes $1.2 billion in direct visitor spending and $162 million in operational spending, while tournament-related activity supported an estimated 12,100 jobs. New York City accounted for 56% of the estimated $3.5 billion economic impact across the New York-New Jersey region and 70% of regional visitor spending. The city also reported a 16% year-over-year increase in foot traffic at sports bars during the tournament, while international Visa card spending increased in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

Brooklyn Nets Name Alibaba Official Technology Partner

The Brooklyn Nets are partnering with Alibaba Group in a multi-year agreement that will bring new technology to Barclays Center while placing the company's brand on the team's jerseys. Alibaba will serve as an official technology and cloud partner of the Nets and become the team's official jersey patch partner during its 60th anniversary season. Beginning with the 2026–27 NBA season, Alibaba technology will power a Real-Time 360° Replay system designed to give fans more immersive views of game action. The partnership will also introduce an in-arena Nets Figure Lab where fans can create personalized collectible cards. The Nets and Alibaba plan to test additional technology and marketing applications throughout the season.

MLB, Mets Honor 25th Anniversary of September 11

Major League Baseball and the New York Mets are marking the 25th anniversary of September 11 with events connecting baseball, remembrance and community service across New York City and the league. At Citi Field, former Mets stars, baseball personnel, college athletes and volunteers will participate in an effort to prepare meals for families experiencing food insecurity throughout the tri-state area. MLB clubs will also recognize Patriot Day with commemorative uniforms, ceremonies and moments of remembrance, while the Mets and Yankees bring special significance to the occasion during their Subway Series matchup. The observance also includes MLB Network programming examining baseball’s role in helping New York and the country heal following the 2001 terrorist attacks.

Yankees Set Hispanic Heritage Media Day for Sept. 9

The New York Yankees will bring Hispanic Heritage Media Day back to Yankee Stadium on September 9 as part of the organization’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The invitation-only program will connect Spanish-language media with Yankees players and personalities through interviews, press sessions and a special roundtable featuring Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera and reliever Fernando Cruz. Pitcher Carlos Rodón and Manager Aaron Boone are also scheduled to participate, while Latin DJ and recording artist Alex Sensation will close out the festivities by throwing the ceremonial first pitch.

Mount Sinai Returns as US Open Health Partner

Mount Sinai will support players at the 2026 US Open with a multidisciplinary medical team offering sports medicine, emergency care, diagnostic imaging and other specialized services. The 14th year of the partnership will also include onsite activities designed to promote health, wellness and active lifestyles among tournament fans and families.

NYCFC Hosts Chicago Fire in Key Eastern Conference Clash

New York City FC returns to Yankee Stadium on Saturday night looking to build on its first victory following the FIFA World Cup break as it welcomes the Chicago Fire in an important Eastern Conference matchup. The match features two teams seeking valuable points as the MLS regular season continues.

NYC Launches Knicks Parade Website Ahead of Celebration

New York City officials are encouraging fans to plan ahead for Thursday's New York Knicks championship parade with the launch of a new online information hub. The website provides details on parade viewing locations, transportation options, timing, and other important updates as thousands of fans are expected to gather in Lower Manhattan to celebrate the team's historic NBA title and participate in one of the city's most iconic traditions.

CUNY Celebrates World Cup With Fans Across NYC

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway, CUNY is bringing together students, faculty and fans from around the world to celebrate the sport’s global impact. Through expert commentary, special programming, a television advertising campaign, a World Cup watch party and student-athlete features, the University is highlighting the diverse cultures and communities that make soccer one of the most unifying sports on the planet. The celebration reflects CUNY’s international student body and the strong connection many New Yorkers have to the teams and traditions represented in the tournament.

NYC Secures $50 World Cup Tickets for Residents

New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced a new initiative securing 1,000 affordable FIFA World Cup 2026™ tickets for New York City residents at just $50 each, including free round-trip transportation to MetLife Stadium. The program, created in partnership with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee, is designed to ensure working-class New Yorkers have access to one of the world’s biggest sporting events as the tournament comes to the region. The ticket lottery will cover five group stage matches and two knockout round matches, with winners selected through a citywide lottery open to residents ages 15 and older.