Airlangga: Global Sports Revenues Drop 70 Billion US Dollars Due To COVID-19

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 pandemic has also hit the sports sector globally. The reason is that the sports sector also contributes to the driving force of the economy, but suddenly it has to experience a decrease in income because the sports industry has to stop temporarily.

The Coordinating Minister for the Economy, as well as the Chairman of Uum PB Wushu Indonesia, Airlangga Hartarto said global revenue from sports usually reaches 140 billion US dollars per year. However, according to him, global sports income in 2020 is expected to decline by almost 50 percent.

"As an economic activity, usually global sports revenue can reach 140 billion US dollars, but in 2020 it is estimated to decrease by half to only around 70 billion US dollars," said Airlangga in the webinar 'Achievement and Sports Industry in the New Normal Era', Tuesday, June 30.

He further said, professional leagues around the world for example, many have canceled matches. Some sports have started playing matches, but they have to be without spectators due to the pandemic situation.

In addition, said Airlangga, the 2020 Japan Olympics was also delayed until 2021. Japan has also suffered losses because it has booked accommodation, such as hotels, buildings, and others, for this world-class competition.

He said, only 53 percent of the sporting events that were originally scheduled in 2020, which may still take place this year. Supporting industries also felt the decline in sports income globally.

"Such as the media, sponsorship and advertising, as well as ticket sales. Indonesia has also received postponed orders for garments, sportswear or shoes. This certainly has a negative impact on the sports industry's income," he said.