The Canberra Raiders’ 2025 season drew large crowds. Photo: Jaye Grieshaber.
Economic impact studies are routinely carried out by Canberra sports organisations and the ACT Government.
The figures are used as part of negotiations as sports seek funding to stage events while the government uses the studies to guide decision-making associated with the economic impact on the ACT economy.
Over the years we have seen estimates on the impact to the ACT economy from the Brumbies, Kanga Cup, Masters Games, the racing industry, Raiders, AFL and cricket.
The Canberra Raiders are riding high at the moment as the ACT’s premier sporting attraction, with crowds well ahead of both the Brumbies and the Giants.
Given the season they had in 2025 it should come as no surprise that the Raiders have made a significant contribution to the ACT economy.
Research commissioned by the Raiders and carried out by Nielson Sports revealed NRL and NRLW matches provided a stimulus of $27 million to the Canberra economy in 2025.
This figure just includes regular season games and doesn’t take into account the club’s two finals games against the Broncos and the Sharks, bringing the financial impact to an estimated $30 million.
The survey revealed 50 per cent of the revenue comes from interstate and overseas visitors.
Ninety-seven per cent of fans surveyed stated that the club also enhances community spirit, pride and enjoyment.
The horse racing industry contributes $80 million dollars to the ACT economy annually. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
The survey results will no doubt be used by the Raiders in the sales pitch to potential sponsors. Team this with a slight increase in free-to-air coverage for the 2026 season, as well as the attraction of watching a young team with premiership potential, the club already possesses a very desirable proposition.
Of further interest will be how the survey results will be read by the ACT Government.
The Raiders are in the middle of a five-year ACT Government funding package worth $13 million, which finishes at the end of 2027 season.
If the club can maintain the current momentum, it no doubt puts it in a position of strength in the next round of negotiations.
Economic impact studies have been used a number of times by Canberra sports organisations to demonstrate their importance to the local economy.
Still fresh in the memory is the study conducted by the ACT thoroughbred racing industry in its battle for existence while under threat from the ACT Greens.
The Thoroughbred Racing Industry report revealed that the industry contributes $80 million to the ACT economy on an annual basis.
The threat to the racing industry appears to have dissipated over the past 12 months.
Economic impact evaluations of course aren’t the only drivers when the government considers funding sports organisations and events.
There is also the broader awareness of the attractions of Canberra created by widespread coverage of a sports team or event.
But the major point here is the value of sport to a community shouldn’t be underestimated.
