A Look at How Trump’s Tariffs Might Affect Sports

The US is set to stage some of the world’s biggest sports events over the next few years, including the 2026 World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics and Paralympics.

These events are meant to provide overseas businesses with a key opportunity to raise their profile and boost sales in the US.

But could the ripples of a trade war affect the world of sport?

Alrick Swaby tells us more.

Korean car manufacturer Hyundai Group will look to take advantage of its sponsorship deal with football governing body Fifa during the Club World Cup this year, and then the World Cup in 2026.

But could Trump’s aggressive trade policies make such businesses think again?

Many sports teams and athletes are also sponsored by sportswear brands.

With most of these companies relying on materials and manufacturing in Asia – where Trump has directed some of the highest tariffs – it is no surprise that shares in the likes of Nike, Adidas and Puma have all fallen sharply, with fears that higher importing costs would be passed on to consumers.

However, sports finance expert Kieran Maguire says the impact should be limited.

Maguire says for a 100 US dollars sports jersey sold in the US, manufacturing costs are likely to be in the region of 12-15 dollars at source, and maybe even lower.

He says even if there’s a 40 percent tariff when the goods are imported to the US, that’ll only be around 4 US dollars more.

The European Sponsorship Association says it was “monitoring the situation closely and will actively seek the views of the sport sponsorship community”.

Amid talk of a trade war, Trump’s tariffs have also raised questions over the atmosphere at the various sports events it is due to host, not least the Ryder Cup in the US later this year.

With European Union leaders highly critical of the policy, it would be little surprise if anti-European sentiment among the American fans is intensified.

And then there’s the 2026 World Cup, which the US is co-hosting alongside Mexico and Canada.