Why Caribbean Sports Tourism Is Gaining Momentum
Plus Saudi's billion-dollar offer, Fanatics' first festival, and LA's newest venue
Whatsup Squad,
Let’s get into the top stories of the week:
⭐️ FEATURE STORY
Why Caribbean Sports Tourism Is Gaining Momentum
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is urging the region to capitalize on its recent Olympic success by promoting sports tourism.
“It’s time for us to dream even bigger and invest more in developing our sports men and women across all disciplines and seek to build a strong sports tourism market, not only to support our athletes but also to reap the economic and cultural benefits this thriving industry can bring to our region.”
- Nicola Madden-Greig, President of CHTA
Sports tourism goes beyond just hosting events. It’s about creating comprehensive experiences that showcase Caribbean culture.
By investing in this sector, the region can attract global visitors year-round, which will both boost the economy and inspire the next generation of Caribbean athletes.
BACKCOURT was founded to elevate sports tourism in the Caribbean, and the CHTA’s recent announcement puts us one step closer to realizing that vision.
Bottom Line - As the sports tourism market is projected to grow from $565 billion in 2023 to $1.3 trillion by 2032, the Caribbean has a unique opportunity to position itself as a global leader in this expanding sector.
Read more here
Saudi Arabia’s Billion-Dollar Offer
Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. has been offered a deal worth more than $1 billion to join the Saudi Pro League (SPL).
Other global superstars — including Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar — currently play in the SPL, but Vinícius would be making the switch at a younger age with the best years of his career still ahead of him.
The 24-year-old is the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or award, given annually to the world’s best player.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, is funding the deal, which also includes a 10-year contract to be an ambassador of the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Bottom Line - The PIF is not only funding this deal, but is also a majority owner of the four founding teams of the SPL. The fund has been a key driver of Saudi Vision 2030, the initiative aimed at diversifying the kingdom’s economy beyond oil and gas.
Read more here
Fanatics Hosts First Sports Festival
With a plethora of athletes and celebrities appearing, Fanatics Fest was Fanatics' most ambitious event marketing play yet.
Branded as the “first-ever immersive sports festival”, the three-day fan convention took over 450,000 square feet in NYC’s Javits Center.
Given Fanatics’ considerable influence with the largest sports properties, the major leagues went heavy on activation, highlighted by the NFL’s 40-yard dash.
Fans could shoot hockey pucks into laundry machines, get into the Octagon or even record themselves entering as their favorite WWE superstars.
Bottom Line - Over the weekend, the event welcomed more than 50,000 attendees. Fanatics’ vision is to do a few of these large events in the U.S. (annually) and then look at the international market.
Read more here
World's Largest Racquet Sports Facility Breaks Ground
Construction has started in Raleigh on Swing Racquet + Paddle — the largest, multi-racquet sports facility in the world.
Expected to open in 2026, the 44-acre complex will include:
28 tennis courts
25 pickleball courts
16 padel courts (a mix of tennis and squash played in doubles)
4 Beach tennis and volleyball courts
A ping-pong lounge
A nature trail
In addition to courts, the facility will have a restaurant, bars, retail shops, and a research center from Wilson.
The project has been years in the making, with the city first agreeing to lease city-owned property in 2018.
Founded by local entrepreneurs Rob Autry and Jason DeGroff, Swing Racquet + Paddle will be open to the public on a pay-to-play basis.
Bottom Line - Swing Racquet + Paddle is investing $100 million into the facility, and the city of Raleigh pledged to invest an additional $10 million. They expect to bring 1 million visitors to the facility each year.
Read more here
Intuit Dome’s Grand Opening
Intuit Dome — the new home of the L.A. Clippers — held its grand opening on Thursday, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and the sounds of Grammy winner Bruno Mars.
The $2 billion facility has been designed to create an intimate and intense fan experience through features such as:
‘The Wall,’ which is comprised of 51 uninterrupted rows that include a dedicated supporters’ section.
An 80,000 square foot outdoor plaza, surrounding a full-size outdoor court.
A two-sided halo scoreboard encircling the bowl with an acre of LED lighting.
Bottom Line - Outside of Clippers’ games and concerts, the venue already has a full slate of events scheduled, including: UCLA Basketball’s season opener, 2026 NBA All Star Weekend, and basketball at the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Read more here
Until next time ✌🏾
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