Madrid Secures Eurobasket 2029 with €18.2 Million Investment, Eyes €270 Million Economic Return
Madrid, January 30 – The Community of Madrid has confirmed its role as the host city for the FIBA Men’s Eurobasket 2029, following an investment of €18.2 million. This significant financial commitment is projected to yield an economic return exceeding €270 million, with a strategic goal to elevate basketball licenses beyond those of golf in the region.
The agreement, signed between the regional government, led by President Isabel Díaz Ayuso, and the Spanish Basketball Federation, outlines a phased payment plan. This year, €1,815,000 will be disbursed, with an identical amount in 2027. The payment will increase to €7,163,200 in 2028 and conclude with €7,477,800 in 2029, totaling €18,271,000. While the official dates for the competition are yet to be announced by FIBA, the final phase matches are slated to be held at the Madrid Arena and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
A Strategic Bet on Major Sporting Events
This initiative underscores the Community of Madrid’s continued strategy to attract major international sporting events, following in the footsteps of the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix and an NFL game. The Ministry of Tourism, Sport, and Culture emphasized that while the tournament will generate significant publicity for the region, its primary objective is not merely advertising. Instead, it is framed as a collaborative agreement aimed at fostering the growth of basketball and delivering substantial economic benefits to Madrid.
Basketball currently ranks as the third most popular sport in the Community of Madrid by license numbers, trailing only football and golf. The region boasts 84,078 registered basketball players, comprising 57,787 male and 26,291 female licensees, supported by 540 clubs. Furthermore, basketball is a highly sought-after sport within the ‘Institutes Promoting Physical Activity and Sport of the Community of Madrid’ program, which has established 180 sports schools dedicated to the sport.
According to the Ministry, “The organization of the championship can serve as a proactive platform for health and social integration; it can generate temporary employment opportunities and economic activity, and strengthen the volunteer movement, forging alliances with universities, local clubs, and Madrid sports associations.”
Anticipated Economic Impact and Precedent
The economic impact of hosting the Eurobasket is a key consideration. The 2022 Eurobasket, co-hosted by Germany, the Czech Republic, Georgia, and Italy, provides a compelling precedent. That event attracted over 650,000 spectators over 14 days, with 170,000 non-resident attendees and more than 50,000 international visitors. It garnered 4,476 hours of broadcast and streaming time, reaching an accumulated audience of 303 million viewers.
The total economic return for the 2022 host cities exceeded €270 million, broken down as follows:
- €227 million from attendee spending.
- €39 million in media impact from television and social media coverage.
- €4 million in social impact through increased physical activity and improved volunteer qualifications.
- €600,000 in environmental impact.
These figures provide a strong basis for Madrid’s projections, indicating a substantial return on investment.
Agreement Clauses and Promotional Rights
The agreement grants the Community of Madrid extensive promotional rights. The region will be prominently featured in all communications and promotional activities conducted by the Federation related to the Madrid venue. During games held at the Movistar Arena and the inaugural match at the Santiago Bernabéu, the Community will have promotional displays on the court, within 10 meters of the scorer’s table, and along each baseline. Additionally, traditional advertisements will be shown on video scoreboards before each game in Madrid.
The agreement also includes provisions for complimentary tickets, with the Federation providing 150 free tickets and 30 VIP invitations per game to the regional government, with VIP access including catering. For the game at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the number of tickets will be increased to a maximum of 500, with 50 VIP and 150 Category 1 tickets.
This sponsorship represents the largest of its kind undertaken by the regional government since Isabel Díaz Ayuso assumed the presidency in 2019.
Future Dates and Potential Impact
FIBA is expected to announce the official dates for the championship in December 2026, with two potential periods: August 21 to September 9, 2029, or August 28 to September 16, 2029.
The successful hosting of Eurobasket 2029 is anticipated not only to boost Madrid’s economy and international profile but also to leave a lasting legacy by inspiring greater participation in basketball across the region, aligning with the government’s aim to surpass golf in terms of licensed players.
Source: https://www.infobae.com/espana/2026/01/30/ayuso-paga-182-millones-para-traer-el-eurobasket-a-madrid-el-retorno-economico-puede-superar-los-270-millones-y-el-objetivo-es-que-las-licencias-de-baloncesto-superen-a-las-del-golf/
