WHY TEXAS?
Our state is uniquely positioned to super charge a thriving sports market.
Grow your business
If you’re looking to grow your business, Texas should be at the top of your list. The state is well-known for its pro-business policies, including generous development incentives for startups and no state income tax. When it comes to business and Texas, the numbers speak for themselves:
- Currently ranked the #1 US state to start a business by U.S. News & World Report.
- The state’s economy is thriving, with a GDP of $1.9 trillion, making it the 9th largest economy in the world and 8.6% of all US GDP. Texas is home to 54 Fortune 500 companies. Of these, 24 are in Houston, 24 are in Dallas-Fort Worth, 3 are in the Austin metropolitan area, 2 are in San Antonio, and 1 is in Midland.
- The state is home to a skilled workforce of over 14 million people out of a total population of 30 million, making it an ideal location for businesses looking for talent to help them grow and thrive.
Major Sports Ecosystem
Texas is a haven for sports enthusiasts, with the largest sports ecosystem in the United States. The state boasts 11 professional sports teams from the major 4 leagues as well as multiple minor league teams. In addition to these professional teams, Texas is also home to 21 Division 1 college programs and a vibrant high school competition.
Texas is also host to major international sporting events
- Formula 1 United States Grand Prix
- NCAAM Final Four 2023
- T20 Cricket World Cup 2024
- FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
- Rugby World Cup 2023
With all of these sports offerings, it’s no wonder that Texas is the premier destination in the US for sports brands, properties, talent, and adjacent companies.
Liveability
Texas is a state that offers endless opportunities for fun and entertainment. From world-class museums and iconic theme parks, to diverse dining options and a thriving music and film scene, there is something for everyone in Texas. Texas is home to the biggest retail and commercial shopping centers in the country. The state also boasts beautiful natural landscapes ranging from the piney woods of East Texas to the stunning hill country and beyond to the desert plains of West Texas.
- In Dallas, visitors can experience a rapidly growing city with a vibrant atmosphere, world-class dining, eclectic retail shopping, premier museums, and teams of all major North American sports. The city is also a hub for business, with over 20 Fortune 500 company headquarters located there.
- Austin is known for its unique “Keeping Austin Weird” personality, as well as its thriving tech and entrepreneurial scene including the annual SXSW Conference. The city offers plenty of outdoor activities, a world-class dining scene, and a bustling nightlife with music festivals and events year-round.
- Houston, the fourth largest city in the US, is a premier destination for celebrities and everyday people alike. With its world-class dining, music and entertainment culture, arts, hotels, shopping centers, and nightlife, there is always something to do in Houston. The city is also home to a number of industry-leading business sectors.
- San Antonio is a city that is rich in Tejano and Mexican-American culture, with an authentic food scene and plenty of shopping and entertainment options. The city is home to the San Antonio riverwalk, the Alamo, Six Flags, and more.
Innovation Hub
- Home to SXSW Conference & Festivals — 417,400 creatives from 105 countries attended in 2019
- Tier 1 research university with $680million in annual research funding#3 for patents per capita among major U.S. metros
- 151 venture capital deals with $1.7 billion in funding in 2019 —Austin ranked 7th among U.S. metros for the value of funding100 incubators, accelerators, maker & co-working spacesTech/innovation centers include Home Depot, Walmart, IBM, Comcast, GE Aviation, Dell Med, HEB, and GM
- Top Global Technology Hub
Emerging Sports Technology Hub
- Texas ranks 3rd of top States for US Sports Tech
- Austin ranks 5th in top Cities in North American Sports Tech (only Texan city in top 15)
- Click to expand tables. Data from SportsTechX North American Sports Tech Report 2020.
