NFL Draft’s economic impact higher than projected – WEAU

Report on the Economic and Sustainable Development Impact of the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay

Executive Summary

A formal study was commissioned by Experience Greater Green Bay to analyze the economic impact of the 2025 NFL Draft on Brown County and the state of Wisconsin. The findings, released in a 46-page report, indicate that the event’s economic contributions significantly surpassed initial projections. This report outlines these economic outcomes and contextualizes them within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on economic growth, sustainable communities, and strategic partnerships.

Key Economic Findings

The study, conducted by a sports consulting expert, revealed a substantial economic windfall from the event, which attracted 362,000 visitors to the Green Bay area.

• Brown County Impact: The total economic impact within the county was $72.9 million, more than triple the initial projection of $20 million.
• State of Wisconsin Impact: The statewide economic impact reached $104.7 million, exceeding the forecast of $94 million.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The success of the 2025 NFL Draft serves as a case study in achieving local and regional development objectives that align with global sustainability targets.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The event directly contributed to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth for the region.

• The $72.9 million injection into the Brown County economy supported local enterprises, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.
• This significant revenue generation fosters job security and creates opportunities for decent work, enhancing the economic resilience of the local community.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Hosting 362,000 visitors provided a practical test of Green Bay’s capacity to function as an inclusive, safe, and resilient city.

• The successful management of the large-scale event demonstrates robust urban planning and infrastructure.
• The economic benefits provide a potential source of public and private funding that can be reinvested into community projects, further enhancing urban sustainability and quality of life for residents.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The event’s success was underpinned by a multi-stakeholder partnership, a core principle of SDG 17.

• The collaboration between Experience Greater Green Bay, the Green Bay Packers organization, and the commissioned consulting experts exemplifies an effective partnership for achieving common goals.
• This model of public-private cooperation was instrumental in planning the event and quantifying its impact, providing a framework for future development initiatives.

Study Dissemination

The comprehensive findings were formally announced at an event held at the Discover Green Bay visitor center. Speakers from both the Green Bay Packers and Experience Greater Green Bay presented the results detailed in the 46-page study, highlighting the positive outcomes for the community and the state.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article’s primary focus is on the significant economic impact and tourism generated by the 2025 NFL Draft. It quantifies the financial benefits for the local and state economies, which directly relates to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article highlights a collaboration between multiple organizations to achieve a common objective. The study on the economic impact was a joint effort involving “Experience Greater Green Bay,” the “Green Bay Packers organization,” and a “sports consulting expert,” demonstrating a multi-stakeholder partnership in action.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Under SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Target 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

    The article is centered on a major tourism event. The commissioning of a study by “Experience Greater Green Bay,” an organization dedicated to tourism research, to quantify the economic benefits of the NFL Draft is a clear action towards understanding and promoting sustainable tourism as a driver of local economic growth.

• Under SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.

    The article explicitly describes such a partnership. The collaboration between the tourism body (“Experience Greater Green Bay”), a private-sector entity (“Green Bay Packers organization”), and a specialized consultant to produce the “46-page study” exemplifies a public-private/civil society partnership working to gather data and inform future strategies.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 8.9 (Promote sustainable tourism):

  • Total economic impact from tourism:

    The article provides precise financial data that serves as a direct indicator of the economic value generated by the tourism event. The figures mentioned are a “$72.9 million” impact in Brown County and a “$104.7 million” state impact.

  • Number of visitors:

    The article states that the “Green Bay area saw 362,000 visitors from the NFL Draft.” This is a key quantitative indicator used to measure the scale and reach of a tourism event.

• For Target 17.17 (Promote effective partnerships):

  • Existence and output of a multi-stakeholder partnership:

    The article implicitly indicates the effectiveness of the partnership by mentioning its concrete output: the release of a “46-page study.” The collaboration between “Experience Greater Green Bay,” the “Green Bay Packers,” and a consulting expert is the partnership itself, and the study is the measurable result of their joint effort.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: weau.com