The BNP Paribas Open pumped an estimated $887 million into the Coachella Valley in 2026, according to a new report. The number represents a more than $400 million in growth since 2022, and a $35 million increase since 2024.
Many visitors travel from outside the valley for the two-week Indian Wells tennis tournament, making it one of the region’s big springtime annual international events. And according to the new report, 2026 was the tournament’s biggest year yet.
The study was conducted by The George Washington University using visitor survey results, tournament and sponsor data, and established economic impact methodology to estimate the direct, indirect, and induced economic activity generated by the event.
The 2026 tournament broke the all-time
attendance record with a total of 527,626 fans. It also generated $629 million in direct economic impact through spending by out-of-town visitors, tournament organizers, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors and media. An additional $258 million was from indirect spending.
It is estimated that the tournament drew 165,000 visitors from outside the valley to contribute to the economic activity around the event.
“It’s up more than $400 million since 2022, which is not that far back,” said Philippe Dore, the chief marketing officer of the BNP Paribas Open. “It’s great for our region, great for our valley, and makes us really proud.”
The 2027 BNP Paribas Open will be held from Feb. 28 to March 14 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
The tournament’s regional impact supported the equivalent of 12,706 full-time jobs and produced more than $55 million in fiscal impact through tax revenues, including sales tax, Transient Occupancy Tax, and property tax.
In 2026, the BNP Paribas Open also contributed $750,000 to The Champions Volunteer Foundation, helping support more than 75 local nonprofit organizations and programs serving the community, including the Boys & Girls Club, YMCA, and American Red Cross.
“The BNP Paribas Open demonstrates the extraordinary impact a world-class sporting event can have across our entire destination,” said Scott White, the president and chief executive of Visit Greater Palm Springs. “The tournament’s continued growth not only drives visitation and strengthens our regional economy but also elevates Greater Palm Springs on the global stage as a premier sports and leisure destination.”
Andrew John covers the BNP Paribas Open for The Desert Sun. Email him at andrew.john@desertsun.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: BNP Paribas Open contributed $887 million to valley's economy in 2026
