T20 World Cup delivers US$1.6 billion for region
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CMC) — International Cricket Council (ICC) reports that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held last summer injected US$1.66 billion (J$262 billion) into the economies of the USA and the West Indies, underscoring the tournament’s financial and developmental impact.
Held June 1–29, 2024, the event featured 55 matches across nine host locations, consisting of US cities, Nassau County (New York), Grand Prairie (Dallas), and Lauderhill (Florida), and six Caribbean nations, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) aimed for the tournament to serve as a catalyst for economic growth, driving investment in transport, hospitality, and infrastructure.
The ICC, CWI, and local governments, hope the stadium upgrades made will leave a lasting legacy for future cricketing events. The US, which hosted 16 matches, saw an economic boost of US$618.4 million (just under J$98 billion).
The Caribbean nations collectively reaped over US$1 billion (J$158 billion), with Barbados leading the way at US$428 million (J$67.6 billion), followed by St Vincent and the Grenadines (US$224 million, or J$35 billion) and Saint Lucia (US$132 million, or just under J$21 billion). The remaining three hosts, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, combined for US$260 million (J$41 billion).
The influx of international and domestic visitors led to surges in spending on accommodations, travel, and dining, with Barbados emerging as a fan favourite, with 50 per cent of visitors staying over five nights, contributing to a US$23 million (J$3.6 billion) on food and beverage (F&B) spend. The US recorded US$53 million (J$8.3 billion) in F&B revenue.
The tournament amplified the global profiles of host nations through broadcast visibility, team branding, and media coverage, generating an estimated US$92.5 million (J$14.6 billion) in media value.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice hailed the event as a tremendous success.
“The T20 World Cup 2024 delivered an extraordinary economic boost, reinforcing the ICC’s role in fostering growth. Beyond financial gains, it positioned the USA and West Indies as world-class sports and tourism destinations.”
