Best Sports Business Cities: No. 20 — Seattle

No. 20: Seattle

Score: 37.2

The opening of Climate Pledge Arena raised the status of Seattle, home to 10 sports properties, as a destination market. The city this week is a regional site for the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament and will host the early rounds for the 2025 men’s tournament. Lumen Field will be a 2026 FIFA World Cup site. Over 200 world records have been set at the internationally respected Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, home of the 2023 Pac-12 Swimming and Diving Championships and 2025 NCAA Swimming Championships.

While visiting Seattle costs less than most West Coast sports markets, the cost of living has risen substantially over the past few years and is much higher than the national average.

Sponsors (18): Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile and Adidas all have a major national sports presence.

What they’re saying: “Seattle is a great sports town, with loyal fans and camaraderie among all teams. It provides great hosting opportunities for clients and it’s not priced over the top like New York and L.A.” — D.B.