Sadiq promises to bring more 'biggest and best' sporting events to London. GETTY IMAGES

On Thursday, London mayor Sadiq Khan unveiled his strategy to "fully cement London’s reputation as the undisputed sports capital of the world." He outlined his intentions to pursue additional prestigious events, contingent on his re-election next week.

Since 2016, London has earned its reputation as a premier host for a diverse array of major global sports events, including events like the UEFA Men's EURO 2020 and UEFA Women's EURO 2022, official NBA games, the Laver Cup, NFL games, Diamond League Athletics, London E-Prix races, and Major League Baseball events.

Sadiq has committed to assembling a task force to investigate the possibility of attracting additional sports events from North America and beyond to London. This includes exploring the potential of hosting the inaugural international WrestleMania event in the UK.

Sadiq Khan said: "If I'm re-elected on 2 May, I'm determined to go even further and fully cement London’s reputation as the undisputed sports capital of the world. I believe that London has the potential to host the first international WrestleMania."

Sadiq acknowledges the multi-faceted influence of sports, which not only fosters social cohesion but also drives significant economic gains. For instance, last year's WrestleMania in Los Angeles generated a substantial economic impact of $215 million for the broader area. Similarly, the collective economic impact of events spanning from 2016 to 2023 amounted to an impressive $1.2 billion.

The economic impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games amounted to an estimated £10 billion within the subsequent 12 months. In his manifesto, Sadiq has vowed to explore the potential for London to bid for the Olympics and Paralympics in 2040, alongside advocating for the introduction of the NBA to the capital.

"London is a world leader in major sports events and has been at the heart of some of the most memorable sporting moments of the last few decades. From the Olympics to the Lionesses winning the Euros at Wembley, to the Ashes at Lord's and The Oval, London is where it’s at," continues Sadiq.

Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London. GETTY IMAGES
Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London. GETTY IMAGES

Sadiq vows to increase sports participation among underserved Londoners through the £20 million Go! London Fund, the capital's largest community sports initiative. He aims to partner with the Women’s Super League to enhance the visibility of women’s football. He'll also team up with events like the London Marathon and Ride London to promote physical activity for children from all backgrounds.

Sadiq plans to support diverse leaders in major sports organizations. He'll collaborate with the Premier League and English Football League on a skills academy for club staff.

He also aims to rejuvenate the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre, making it Britain’s first zero-carbon sports facility, and restore the Crystal Palace athletics stadium and he'll explore the possibility of hosting the Superbowl in London, marking its first occurrence outside the US.

"In the meantime, my message to anyone travelling to the Paris Olympics this summer is to include a visit to London in your itinerary, to enjoy all that our city has to offer," concluded Sadiq.