For many years, sports in Vietnam have largely been viewed through the lens of performance, mass participation, and social welfare. That perspective, however, is gradually becoming outdated. As the economy surpasses the US$500-billion mark and the urban middle class expands rapidly, sports are emerging as a potential economic sector, capable of organizing consumption, producing experiences, and generating revenue streams. A young sector in a maturing economy A clearer picture of this transformation has recently been outlined in the Vietnam Sports Economy Report 2026 by Vietcontent. As a long-standing player in the country’s core sports business ecosystem, Vietcontent not only observes the market but also participates directly in its commercial flows, encompassing content and events, as well as media platforms. By regional and global standards, the figures remain modest. Vietnam’s sports economy is currently valued at around US$1.5–2.5 billion, equivalent to just 0.3–0.5% of GDP. The industry’s core, including professional leagues, events, and training services, accounts for only US$0.7–1.2 billion. In more developed economies in the region, this proportion is significantly higher. The gap reflects not only differences in development levels but also the fact that Vietnam is still at an incredibly early stage in building a full-fledged sports economy. Vietnam […]
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