London Mayor Sadiq Khan plans bid for 2040 Olympics

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has launched a campaign for the city to bid for the 2040 Olympic Games, aiming to make London the world's leading sporting capital. A new report from the mayor's office highlights that major sporting events hosted in London last year, such as the Champions League final, NFL, and MLB games, generated over £230 million ($306 million) for the local economy and attracted nearly 500,000 fans. Khan emphasizes that London's existing Olympic infrastructure could make hosting the Games in 2040 cost-effective while delivering substantial economic and social benefits. The mayor is also supporting a bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, contingent on securing £45 million in government funding. London's strategy includes leveraging its proven track record in staging high-profile international sports events and expanding its portfolio with events like the Women's Rugby World Cup final and a possible NBA presence. Concerns remain about government support amid economic challenges, but Khan reports positive discussions regarding future funding.