CFP Postseason Delivers Record $418.7M Economic Boost to South Florida, Supports 3,000 Jobs

South Florida's economy received a record-breaking $418.7 million boost from the 2025–26 College Football Playoff (CFP) postseason. An independent study by Rockport Analytics confirmed this significant financial impact, alongside an additional $467.4 million in broadcast media value for the region.

The dual hosting of the CFP Quarterfinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl and the 2026 CFP National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium brought 121,461 out-of-town visitors to the area. These events resulted in 155,166 hotel room nights booked and supported nearly 3,000 local jobs, paying out $144 million in wages.

Michael E. Moran, President & Chair of the Orange Bowl Committee, highlighted the region's success. "Hosting both a CFP Quarterfinal and the National Championship in a single postseason put Miami and South Florida at the absolute center of the sports universe," Moran stated. He added that the mission of driving tourism, empowering local businesses, and enriching the community saw an extraordinary economic influx, demonstrating South Florida's strength as a global destination for premier sporting events.

Since the College Football Playoff system began in the 2014–15 season, South Florida has hosted seven major CFP postseasons. These included multiple Semifinals, the 2026 Quarterfinal, and National Championship Games in 2021 and 2026. The Orange Bowl Committee and local host committees have generated a cumulative $1.17 billion in total economic impact and $843 million in media exposure value from these events.

The recent postseason's success builds on a history of significant economic contributions from college football events. For example, the 2024–25 Semifinal generated $175.6 million in net economic output, while the 2025–26 Quarterfinal alone contributed $208.6 million. The 2026 National Championship added $210.1 million in net economic output, underscoring the consistent financial benefits these events bring to the community.