Government Funding Aims to Strengthen Sport Tourism and Generate Nearly $60 Million in Economic Activity
Ontario is investing $500,000 to support the 2026 National Bank Open presented by Rogers, reinforcing the province’s strategy of using major international sporting events to stimulate tourism, create jobs and strengthen local economies.
The women’s professional tennis tournament, hosted by Tennis Canada at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto from August 1 to 13, is expected to attract more than 200,000 spectators, contribute nearly $60 million to Canada’s GDP, and reach an estimated 70 million viewers worldwide through international broadcast coverage.
Provincial officials say the funding reflects Ontario’s broader economic development strategy, with major sporting events serving as catalysts for tourism spending, business activity and long-term community investment.
“Ontario continues to prove that we can host the world’s biggest sporting events while delivering lasting benefits for our communities,” said Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport. “The National Bank Open attracts visitors from around the world, supports local businesses and showcases the incredible talent developed through our province’s sport system. With this investment, our government is growing sport tourism, creating good-paying jobs and inspiring the next generation of women and girls to participate, compete and excel in sports.”
National Bank Open Expected to Deliver Economic Benefits Across Ontario
The National Bank Open is among the world’s oldest professional tennis tournaments, with a history spanning more than 130 years. It remains one of the most prestigious events on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour calendar, attracting elite international players and global media attention.
According to the Ontario government, the provincial investment will help enhance tournament operations and improve the visitor experience, while supporting economic activity generated through hospitality, transportation, retail and tourism sectors.
The event is expected to provide increased business opportunities for local companies as visitors travel to Toronto during the tournament period.
Tennis Canada Highlights Long-Term Value of Provincial Support
Tennis Canada welcomed the provincial funding, noting that the tournament continues to play a significant role in growing the sport across Canada while delivering measurable economic benefits.
“We are incredibly grateful for the investment provided by the Government of Ontario to the National Bank Open presented by Rogers,” said Gavin Ziv, CEO of Tennis Canada. “This has allowed us to continue to elevate our event, attracting new audiences domestically and internationally, driving tourism and increasing the tournament’s economic impact. The National Bank Open is the fuel of tennis in Canada and it ensures Tennis Canada can continue to develop the sport across the province and the entire country, with participation continuing to grow.”
Investment Supports Broader Sport Infrastructure Strategy
The announcement forms part of Ontario’s wider efforts to expand sport participation while leveraging major sporting events to generate economic returns for communities.
The province noted that its $500 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is helping modernize existing facilities and build new recreation spaces across Ontario. The initiative is designed to improve access to sport while enabling communities to host national and international competitions.
Since 2018, Ontario has also invested $3 million annually through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program, supporting more than 200 amateur sporting events that have collectively generated approximately $230 million in economic activity across the province.
Additionally, the province allocated $3.2 million through the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation Program during the 2025–26 fiscal year to reduce barriers to participation and increase opportunities for children and youth from underrepresented communities, including women and girls.
Women’s Sport Remains a Key Focus
Provincial leaders and sport organizations emphasized that hosting high-profile women’s sporting events delivers benefits beyond economic growth by encouraging greater participation and visibility for female athletes.
“When women and girls see world-class athletes competing on one of the biggest stages in sport, they see what’s possible for themselves. The National Bank Open is more than an exciting international sporting event. It is an opportunity to inspire confidence, ambition and leadership in the next generation of women and girls across Ontario. Our government is proud to support events like this because they generate meaningful economic benefits for our communities while creating more opportunities for women to participate, compete and excel in sport. By investing in women’s sport, we are helping build a stronger, more inclusive Ontario where women and girls have every opportunity to reach their full potential, pursue their goals and contribute to the continued growth and success of our province.”
— Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
Industry organizations echoed those sentiments, pointing to growing momentum behind women’s sport across Canada.
“The National Bank Open is a powerful example of how investment in women’s sport can drive impact on and off the court. As Canadian Women & Sport prepares to share new research on the growth and influence of women’s sport in Canada, we continue to see strong evidence that visibility, investment and opportunity are creating lasting benefits for athletes, fans and communities alike. We welcome Ontario’s support for the National Bank Open and are encouraged by its commitment to strengthening opportunities for women and girls to participate, compete and lead in sport.”
— Allison Sandmeyer-Graves, CEO of Canadian Women & Sport
The Ontario Tennis Association also said international events provide valuable inspiration for aspiring athletes throughout the province.
“The Ontario Tennis Association is grateful for the Ontario government’s support for the National Bank Open. World-class events like this inspire the next generation of athletes to pick up a racquet, and the OTA is proud to work with clubs, coaches and communities across the province to help players progress through Ontario’s athlete development pathway — from local competition to the highest levels of the sport.”
— Richard Mainella, President & CEO, Ontario Tennis Association