Experts at Bernstein believe that 2026 will be a historic year for live entertainment in the United States. They see the upcoming FIFA World Cup as a huge spark that will grab the world’s attention. This tournament is being hosted across North America and is expected to bring a level of excitement we have never seen before. It is not just about soccer matches during the summer months. The buzz from the World Cup will likely help the entire live events industry grow even faster. People are spending less on old-fashioned TV and movies while choosing to spend more on real-life experiences.
This big sports year is just the start of a long period of growth for the U.S. entertainment scene. The World Cup is seen as a warm-up for the Los Angeles Olympics that will follow. Because of this, analysts are suggesting that investors look closely at companies that run live shows and sports leagues. They believe these live platforms are becoming more valuable because they have massive, loyal fan bases. Unlike a streaming show that you can watch anytime, these global events create a sense of urgency that you cannot find anywhere else.
One specific company getting a lot of attention is Liberty Formula One. Its stock did not move much last year, but experts now expect it to perform very well in 2026. The company is in a great spot to make better deals for its media rights and race events. There is even a small chance that the owners might try to sell the entire Formula One business this year. This makes the stock look very attractive to buyers right now. Other big players like Live Nation and TKO Group are also expected to do great as more people flock to concerts and sporting events.
Live Nation is already seeing its schedule for the year fill up very quickly. Even though many large stadiums will be busy hosting World Cup games, the demand for concert tours remains incredibly high. Meanwhile, TKO Group is focused on making the most of the deals they have already signed for their media rights. They are also looking to grow their boxing business and find new ways to work with partners. Everything is lining up for 2026 to be a record-breaking year for anyone involved in the business of live crowds.
