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Fort Worth Bets Big on Sports for Economic Growth

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 16th 2026 at 11:50 GMT by Dallas Morning News
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

A Calculated Bet on Sporting Success

Mayor Pro Tem Gyna Bivens succinctly captures the city's vision: "Sports are an integral part of the Fort Worth story," emphasizing their role in showcasing the city globally and attracting visitors who inject capital into the local economy, benefiting hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, and beyond. The commitment is significant, manifested in substantial investment in infrastructure designed to draw and accommodate these events and teams.

Key to this strategy is Dickies Arena, opened in 2019. The arena has quickly established itself as a premier venue, not only for concerts and rodeos but also as a prime location for attracting national and international sporting competitions. The proximity of the Texas Rangers' new ballpark, currently under construction in Arlington, amplifies Fort Worth's strategic positioning. While the stadium itself resides in Arlington, its impact is expected to reverberate positively throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with Fort Worth poised to capture a significant portion of the associated economic benefits.

Beyond Bricks and Mortar: Building a Sports Ecosystem

Robert Thornton, Fort Worth's economic development director, articulates that the city's ambition extends beyond simply constructing physical venues. "We're not just building stadiums and arenas," he states, "We're building a sports ecosystem that will attract visitors and create jobs for years to come." This "ecosystem" includes attracting NCAA tournaments (like the highly successful 2022 Women's Final Four), pursuing professional soccer matches, and actively courting other sporting organizations. The ambition isn't just about one-off events, but the establishment of a sustainable, long-term pipeline of sporting activity.

Diversification and Quality of Life

The focus on sports also forms a crucial pillar in Fort Worth's broader economic diversification strategy. Historically reliant on the energy sector, the city recognizes the need to create a more resilient and varied economy. Thornton explains, "Sports are a great way to attract new businesses to Fort Worth. Companies want to locate in cities that are vibrant and offer a high quality of life. Sports help us to deliver on that promise." A thriving sports scene contributes to a perception of a vibrant city, making it more attractive to potential investors and employees.

Early Wins and Future Projections

The initial investment appears to be yielding positive results. The 2022 NCAA Women's Final Four at Dickies Arena provided a tangible boost to the local economy, generating an estimated $40 million. While the Texas Rangers' new ballpark is projected to have an even larger economic impact, the city is already witnessing the benefits of its strategy. The influx of visitors and the creation of new jobs related to the sports sector are bolstering the city's economic health. The overall projected impact from the new stadium extends far beyond direct spending, including increased property values, infrastructure improvements, and a heightened regional profile.

Looking Ahead

Fort Worth's commitment to sports reflects a forward-thinking approach to economic development. By strategically investing in infrastructure, actively courting sporting events, and leveraging the power of sports to enhance the city's reputation, Fort Worth is positioning itself for sustained economic growth and a stronger, more diversified future. As Mayor Pro Tem Bivens concludes, "We're excited about the future of sports in Fort Worth. We believe that sports will be a major driver of economic growth for years to come."