Ontario is opening applications for the next round of its Sport Hosting Program, committing $3 million to help communities attract and deliver major amateur sport events that stimulate local tourism and generate economic activity. The announcement marks the launch of the 2026–27 program intake and reinforces the province’s strategy to use sport tourism as a catalyst for job creation, visitor spending, and regional economic growth.
The Ministry of Sport confirmed that applications are now being accepted through Transfer Payment Ontario until January 12, 2026. The funding supports municipalities and sport organizations hosting national and international amateur competitions, helping offset operational costs while enhancing Ontario’s ability to stage large-scale sporting events.
“Sport tourism is a powerful economic driver, and an important part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario’s economy,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Our Sport Hosting Program helps communities unlock the benefits of hosting major events and gives our athletes the opportunity to compete here at home, while reinforcing Ontario’s reputation as a premier destination for world-class events.”
The renewed intake builds on a long-standing provincial investment in sport tourism. Since 2018, the program has supported more than 230 events and contributed about $220 million to the provincial economy. The initiative has helped bring high-profile competitions to Ontario, including Canada Basketball’s 2025 Globl Jam in Toronto, the 2025 World Junior Girls Golf Championship in St. Catharines, the 2025 Women’s Volleyball Nations League in Ottawa, and the 2025 Canadian Wheelchair Basketball League Women’s National Championship in Durham Region.
By funding these events, the province aims not only to draw visitors and generate economic activity but also to strengthen development pathways for Ontario athletes. Hosting national and international competitions at home offers local athletes exposure to elite competition without the financial and logistical barriers of travelling abroad.
Each year, the Sport Hosting Program helps bring approximately 9,500 amateur athletes, 3,000 volunteers, and 100,000 spectators to communities across Ontario. Successful applicants can use funding for venue rentals, staffing, participant accommodations and meals, and legacy projects that help communities develop sport infrastructure and hosting capacity.
The province is also investing more than $1.6 million through the 2025–26 Sport Hosting Program – Intake II to support 20 national and 10 international events expected to attract 10,000 athletes and generate an estimated $34 million in economic activity.
These investments are supported by broader provincial commitments, including the $200-million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which helps municipalities upgrade facilities and expand hosting opportunities.
Sport organizations across Ontario continue to emphasize the importance of the hosting program in sustaining world-class events and enhancing development for athletes, officials, and volunteers.
“Support from Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program has allowed us to deliver two World Aquatics Swimming World Cups and multiple national championships, while also creating opportunities for legacy community events,” said Suzanne Paulins, CEO of Swimming Canada. “This investment strengthens our ability to host world-class competition in Ontario and ensures long-term benefits for our athletes, officials, and local Ontario sport communities.”
Canada Basketball also credited the program with strengthening the province’s event-hosting profile. “On behalf of Canada Basketball, I want to extend our sincere thanks to the Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Sport for their continued partnership and support through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program,” said Michael Bartlett, President & CEO of Canada Basketball. “An investment in events like GLOBL JAM not only helps Canada Basketball showcase world-class basketball right here in Toronto, but also creates meaningful opportunities for young Canadian athletes to compete against the best in the world, while inspiring the next generation of players and fans across the province.”
Volleyball Canada highlighted both economic and developmental benefits. “In addition to the economic benefits of hosting a major sports event, the Ontario Hosting Program has been instrumental in bringing world-calibre volleyball to Ontario, it has elevated the performance of our women’s and men’s national teams and created exposure to the sport that has contributed to the growth of youth volleyball,” said Mark Eckert, President & CEO of Volleyball Canada.
Organizations supporting disability sport also emphasized the program’s role in advancing inclusion. “The Ontario Sport Hosting Program has been instrumental in helping ONPARA deliver high-quality national parasport events that showcase Ontario’s leadership in inclusion and accessibility,” said Doug Hannum, Executive Director of Ontario Wheelchair Sports (ONPARA). “Support from this program made it possible to host the 2025 Wheelchair Basketball National Championships in Durham, creating a meaningful legacy for athletes and the community that will continue to strengthen parasport across the province.”
Golf Canada echoed the program’s lasting impacts on athlete experience and community engagement. “Through the support of the Province of Ontario’s Sport Hosting Program, Golf Canada has been extremely fortunate to elevate the profile of multiple national championships,” said Garrett Ball, Chief Operating Officer of Golf Canada. “This program has enhanced the athlete experience, deepened community engagement, and enabled the creation of meaningful legacy initiatives that leave a lasting impact within host communities across the province.”
As Ontario continues to position itself as a prime destination for high-performance sport, provincial officials say the program remains a key tool in driving tourism, supporting local economies, and strengthening the province’s global reputation in sport hosting.