1. (a) The Authority shall develop and implement a plan to promote and enhance the District's status as the Official Sports Capital of the United States, which shall include:

   1. (1) Initiatives to attract and retain major sporting events, conferences, conventions, and tournaments;
   2. (2) Strategies to increase investment in youth sports and community athletic programs;
   3. (3) Partnerships with professional, collegiate, and amateur teams to engage residents and visitors;
   4. (4) Marketing and branding efforts to highlight the District's role as the nation's premier sports hub; and
   5. (5) A dedicated focus on developing the District as the national leader in electronic sports, including support for electronic sports tournaments, career pathway programs into electronic sports, digital infrastructure, and engagement of local youth and emerging talent.
2. (b) No later than [April 10, 2026], the Authority shall submit to the Council the plan required pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.

Section 102 of D.C. Law 26-57 provides that: 102 The Council finds that: (a) (1) The District of Columbia is home to numerous professional, collegiate, and amateur sports teams, including the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Washington Nationals, Washington Capitals, D.C. United, Washington Spirit, D.C. Defenders, Old Glory DC, and DC Breeze. (2) The District has hosted premier national and international sporting events, including the MLB All-Star Game, NBA All-Star Game, NHL Winter Classic, WNBA All-Star Game, the Mubadala Citi DC Open, World Cup qualifiers, and the Army-Navy Game, showcasing its capacity as a global sports hub. (3) The District's unique status as the nation's capital, and its accessibility, infrastructure, and sports culture make it the most fitting city to serve as the Official Sports Capital of our nation. (4) The District continues to invest in world-class sports venues such as the Capital One Arena, Nationals Park, Audi Field, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus, and the CareFirst Arena, further enhancing its reputation as a premier sports destination. (5) The District plays a critical role in advancing equity and inclusivity in sports, fostering youth participation through programs like the Department of Parks and Recreation's community athletics initiatives, and supporting diversity in sports leadership and opportunities. (6) Designation of the District as the "Official Sports Capital of the United States" will boost tourism, economic development, and national recognition of the District's rich sports culture and history.

History

Sept. 28, 1994, D.C. Law 10-188, § 203b

Sept. 28, 1994, D.C. Law 10-188, § 203b

Dec. 11, 2025, D.C. Law 26-57, § 202(b)

Editor's Notes

Section 102 of D.C. Law 26-57 provides that: 102 The Council finds that: (a) (1) The District of Columbia is home to numerous professional, collegiate, and amateur sports teams, including the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, Washington Nationals, Washington Capitals, D.C. United, Washington Spirit, D.C. Defenders, Old Glory DC, and DC Breeze. (2) The District has hosted premier national and international sporting events, including the MLB All-Star Game, NBA All-Star Game, NHL Winter Classic, WNBA All-Star Game, the Mubadala Citi DC Open, World Cup qualifiers, and the Army-Navy Game, showcasing its capacity as a global sports hub. (3) The District's unique status as the nation's capital, and its accessibility, infrastructure, and sports culture make it the most fitting city to serve as the Official Sports Capital of our nation. (4) The District continues to invest in world-class sports venues such as the Capital One Arena, Nationals Park, Audi Field, Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus, and the CareFirst Arena, further enhancing its reputation as a premier sports destination. (5) The District plays a critical role in advancing equity and inclusivity in sports, fostering youth participation through programs like the Department of Parks and Recreation's community athletics initiatives, and supporting diversity in sports leadership and opportunities. (6) Designation of the District as the "Official Sports Capital of the United States" will boost tourism, economic development, and national recognition of the District's rich sports culture and history.