University athletic events make significant economic contributions to communities in Ontario, with total annual impact estimated to be more than $637 million, according to a recent study by Ontario University Athletics (OUA) in partnership with Dr. Norm O’Reilly and the T1 Agency. The study analyzed all the financial and non-financial impacts that the OUA and its 20 university athletic department members have on municipalities in Ontario.
OUA BY THE NUMBERS
20 member institutions
23 recognized conference sports
9,500+ student athletes
1,300 coaches
KEY TAKEAWAYS
600,000+ attendees at ticketed events
28,000+ hotel nights
15,000+ employment opportunities (paid & volunteer)
200+ sport facilities owned by member schools
ANNUAL INDIRECT (REALISTIC) IMPACT ON LOCAL MARKETS
→ Out of market visitor/tourist events (OUA and non-OUA)
$154,686,609
→ Out of market attendees to alumni events on campus
$20,714,755
→ Out of market attendees to pro/semi-pro events on campus
$16,825,085
→ Out of market participants in community events, clinics, programs
$24,678,759
→ Opposing teams/support/entourage staying over
$37,731,960
→ Non-market student athletes (Ontario)
$288,330,000
→ Non-market student athletes (Outside Ontario)
$94,206,000
SOURCE: Ontario University Athletics Impact Study; June 2022
Visit the website to access the study.
Published October, 2023
