£500m Sports Funding: Athletics Worlds at Risk?
The UK government is committing £500 million to major sporting events, including the 2028 Euros and the 2027 Tour de France, yet London’s bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships hangs in the balance. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy’s announcement of a £900 million investment highlights a commitment to global sporting showcases. While the Euros and Tour de France secure funding, the absence of the primary_keyword: “athletics” from the list raises questions. Secondary_keyword: “Sports funding” is key as british Athletics seeks government backing before the September bidding deadline. News directory 3 is following this story closely. The DCMS remains non-committal on supporting the athletics event, leaving athletes and London officials in a state of uncertainty. Discover what’s next concerning the future of London’s bid.
Government Backs UK sports Events; Athletics Worlds Bid in Doubt
Updated June 19, 2025
The UK government is set to invest heavily in major sporting events, pledging £500 million to projects like the 2028 Euros and the 2027 Tour de France depart. However, a potential bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships in London remains uncertain.
Culture secretary lisa Nandy announced a £900 million investment in major sporting events and grassroots sports. according to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), £500 million is specifically for events that will showcase Britain on a global scale.
Euro 2028, co-hosted by the home nations and Ireland, is among the beneficiaries. Debbie Hewitt, chair of the Euro 2028 project, said the investment woudl help stage a world-class tournament and ensure lasting benefits for communities across the UK.The event is projected to generate nearly £2.5 billion in socio-economic value.
Funding will also support the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham next year, as well as the men’s and women’s Tour de France Grand departs in 2027.
Notably absent from the list of supported events was the 2029 World Athletics championships. British Athletics hopes to bid for the event in London, contingent on government backing.
World Athletics Championships Bid in Limbo?
Athletes and organizations have been lobbying the government to commit funding before the September bidding deadline. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has suggested that hosting the athletics meet at the London Stadium could pave the way for a potential London 2040 Olympic bid.
While Nandy did not specifically mention the World Athletics Championships, City AM reports that the DCMS has not ruled out supporting the event in 2029, but has stopped short of making any firm commitment.
Nandy commented that sports unite communities,inspire millions,and showcase the nation globally. She added that the backing for world-class events will drive economic growth and that investment in grassroots sports will create a pathway for the next generation of sporting heroes.