Beijing bets on a US$1 trillion sports boom to revive consumption, job market

China plans to expand the scale of its sports industry to at least 7 trillion yuan (about US$1 trillion) over the next five years, turning to sporting events, outdoor activities and fitness spending to boost consumption and support local economies. The fresh target was detailed by officials at a press conference on Thursday as part of Beijing’s 15th five-year plan for the sports sector, and the goal represents a big jump from the 3.84 trillion yuan recorded in 2024, according to the most recent.