Climate change costs sports $1.6 trillion by 2050

Sport & Story Daily January 19, 2026: The global sports industry could lose $1.6 trillion by 2025.

Author

Kelsey Middleton
January 19, 2026

Climate change costs sports $1.6 trillion by 2050

January 19, 2026

Sport industry faces US$1.6tn climate change and inactivity threat
The global sports industry generated $2.3 trillion in annual revenue last year. However, in 2050, they could lose up to $1.6 trillion. This is due to accelerating climate change and physical inactivity. Sports generate an estimated 400-450 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. It is estimated that just ten countries will have enough snow to host the Winter Olympics by 2040.
Sports Pro

New Balance thinking bigger with Australian Open activations
New Balance is entering its third year as the Australian Open’s official performance apparel and footwear provider. For the first time, New Balance is making its Australian Open apparel/footwear line available globally. Before, the items were only available in Australia through e-commerce and brick-and-mortar locations. This year, there will be off-site activations in New York, London, Tokyo and the company’s headquarters in Boston.
Sports Business Journal

WNBA Exploring Buying Back 16% Stake Sold in 2022
The WNBA is exploring buying back the 16% stake that it sold for $75 million in 2022. The idea is still in the exploratory stages. The buyers of the stake—a large group that includes several WNBA owners and Pau Gasol, Condoleezza Rice, and Nike—stand to earn back their original investment several times over.
Front Office Sports

MrBeast Teases Behind-the-Scenes Look at Making His Own Super Bowl Commercial
MrBeast is partnering with Salesforce to create a commercial for the Super Bowl. Salesforce is a software company. MrBeast revealed in a YouTube video that he exchanged public messages with the CEO of Salesforce to get the green light to develop a Super Bowl commercial for them.
People

Indiana legislators line up Bears stadium bid
Indiana Governor Mike Braun said his administration is working hard on bringing the Bears to northwest Indiana. The Bears’ current lease to play at Soldier Field runs until 2033. Bears president and chief executive Kevin Warren said the team is keen to firm up its plans for a new stadium so it can bid to host the Super Bowl in 2031.
The Stadium Business

Giants officially hire John Harbaugh as next head coach, agree to a reported 5-year deal
The New York Giants finalized their deal with John Harbaugh. Harbaugh agreed to a five-year contract worth $100 million. He is the team’s fifth head coach since 2016. Harbaugh was recently the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens. He spent 18 seasons with the Ravens after being fired this season. The Ravens went 8-9 in 2025.
Yahoo Sports

Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons hire Kevin Stefanski as new coach
The Atlanta Falcons hired Kevin Stefanski as the new head coach. Stefanski was previously the Cleveland Browns head coach for six seasons. He posted a 45-56 record with the Browns. Stefanski will replace Raheem Morris, whom the Falcons fired on Jan. 4.
ESPN

Asheville Tourists. Director of Special Events
The Asheville Tourists are completing a $40 million renovation of McCormick Field, transforming the venue into a year-round destination for events beyond baseball. The Director of Special Events is a newly created position responsible for generating revenue and leading the booking, planning, and execution of all non-Tourists events at the ballpark. Apply Now.

Sarasota Paradise. Communications and PR Specialist
We're seeking a proactive Communications and PR Specialist to lead our external storytelling and media efforts as we build brand awareness in the Sarasota-Manatee region and beyond. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is pivotal in a startup environment, where you'll work closely with departments like Marketing, Operations, and Sales. This is a full-time position ideal for someone with a small business mindset who thrives in fast-paced ops and traditional sports values, focusing on press relations, releases, email newsletters, and influencer marketing—no social media management required. Expect cut-through-the-noise execution to drive real results in a lean team. Apply Now.

Los Angeles Lakers. Manager, Global Social & Digital Growth
The Manager of Global Social and Digital Growth is responsible for driving global awareness of the Lakers brand and growing fandom internationally at a rapid scale. The ideal candidate is a paid media expert who understands how to effectively utilize paid placements across social and digital platforms to reach new global audiences. The role will keep a pulse on and understand cultural trends and nuances within priority international markets to drive international fan engagement. As part of the larger Integrated Marketing plans, this role will promote key marketing initiatives such as tentpoles, seasonal milestones, and cultural moments within priority international markets with support and guidance from Brand Strategy, Marketing Operations, and the broader Integrated Marketing team. Apply Now.

Looking to fill an open position with top talent in the sports media industry? Advertise in the Sport & Story Daily to reach over 25,000 senior-level executives and professionals—and connect your job opportunity with the right audience.

Trump plans executive order protecting Army-Navy time slot
On Saturday night, President Donald Trump plans to sign an executive order “preventing any football games from going head-to-head with the annual meeting between Army and Navy.” The Army-Navy Game is played a week after conference championship games. No other games are played in that time slot.
Sports Business Journal

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