UEFA EURO 2028, Tour de France and grassroots infrastructure to benefit from long-term funding
The UK Government has committed more than £900 million to sport and major events over the next five years. The announcement, which builds on last week’s Spending Review 2025, was confirmed by Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
The funding will support the delivery of high-profile international events, as well as a wide-reaching upgrade of grassroots facilities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The package includes over £500 million for staging events such as UEFA EURO 2028, the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Grand Départs in 2027, and the European Athletics Championships 2026 in Birmingham.
In parallel, a minimum of £400 million will be allocated to new and improved sport infrastructure at the community level. This includes support for football and rugby pitches, changing rooms, floodlights and sustainable upgrades such as solar panels.
Event hosting pipeline supported through 2028 and beyond
The investment signals a continued push by the UK to attract and retain a pipeline of international events. Work is also underway on a joint bid with the home nation football associations and devolved governments to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035.
According to government projections, UEFA EURO 2028 alone is expected to generate up to £2.4 billion in socio-economic benefits across the UK. This includes tourism, local business activity, and long-term branding value for host cities.
Other secured events include the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, the ICC T20 Cricket World Cups (2026 and 2030), and the Invictus Games 2027 in Birmingham.
Nandy said the funding was designed to align sport with wider public policy goals.
“This major backing for world-class events will drive economic growth across the country. Coupled with strong investment into grassroots sport, we’re creating a complete pathway for the next generation of sporting talent to train and participate across the UK,” she said.
Grassroots facilities targeted for inclusion and health impact
The £400 million grassroots investment aims to support local authorities, sport governing bodies and community organisations. The Government confirmed a focus on reducing barriers to physical activity for underrepresented groups, including women and girls, disabled people and ethnic minority communities.
This builds on recent projects supported in Ayrshire, Anglesey, Strangford and Somerset, where government funding has enabled new community sport infrastructure.
“With every £1 invested in community sport and physical activity generating £4.20 in value for our economy, supporting grassroots facilities isn’t just good for public health. It’s a smart investment in the nation’s social and economic wellbeing,” said Chris Boardman, Chair of Sport England.
Sector leaders back public funding approach
The package has been welcomed by senior figures in the UK’s sport delivery network, including Nick Webborn, Chair of UK Sport.
“We welcome the Government’s ongoing commitment to hosting the Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes and EURO 2028. These events have huge potential to drive economic growth, bring people together and inspire the next generation,” said Webborn.
The government noted that future event bids will continue to prioritise economic impact, geographic spread and legacy outcomes. Delivery partnerships will remain central to this approach, involving local authorities, devolved administrations and event rights holders.
