Barcelona,Spain – November 18,2025 – Catalan sports leaders are sounding alarms over a notable disparity between the sector’s economic contribution and its budgetary allocation,arguing the region’s investment in athletics is drastically underfunded. Gerard Esteva,representing the Union of Catalan sports Federations (UFEC),revealed today that sport generates 3% of Catalonia‘s Gross Domestic Product,yet receives only 0.17% of the regional budget.
The imbalance, highlighted during a recent economic forum, underscores a systemic undervaluation of sport’s broader impact – extending beyond revenue to encompass public health, social cohesion, and international prestige. This funding gap affects all levels of Catalan sport, from grassroots programs to elite athlete development, potentially hindering future growth and competitiveness. UFEC is advocating for a revised budgetary framework that reflects sport’s true economic weight and societal benefits, warning that continued underinvestment risks long-term consequences for the region’s sporting landscape.Catalonia’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism and services, with sport playing a crucial role in attracting visitors and bolstering the region’s international profile. FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most recognizable sports brands, contributes substantially to this economic activity. However, Esteva contends that the current budget allocation fails to acknowledge the wider ecosystem of Catalan sports, encompassing a diverse range of disciplines and thousands of athletes and professionals. UFEC plans to present detailed proposals to regional authorities outlining the potential return on investment from increased sports funding, emphasizing its contribution to job creation, health improvements, and community engagement.
