Since its inception in 1997, the Harris County – Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA) has been instrumental in transforming Houston into a world-class sports destination.
The creation of HCHSA was made possible through the leadership of then-State Senator John Whitmire—now Mayor of Houston—whose advocacy in the Texas Legislature helped secure the Authority’s approval. This foundational support paved the way for the development of iconic sports venues and initiatives that have firmly positioned Houston on the global sports map.
Under the direction of founding Chairman Jack Rains, HCHSA began with a focused mission: to manage the debt and operations of Houston’s professional sports facilities. Reflecting on the organization’s legacy, Rains remarked, “There is no doubt in my mind that the Sports Authority has been one of the most positive things to happen in the city.”
Today, under the leadership of CEO Ryan Walsh and Chairman Juan Garcia, HCHSA continues to strengthen partnerships with the City of Houston, Harris County and beyond. This collaborative approach has been key to advancing initiatives that solidify the region’s status as a premier sports hub.
“The Sports Authority isn’t just about sports, it’s about community,” said CEO Ryan Walsh. “Every dollar we put into the facilities and every event we bring to this city means jobs for our neighbors, a boost for local businesses, and core memories are made. It’s how we celebrate who we are as Houstonians, welcome the world, and inspire the next generation’s passion for sports.”
Stewardship of World-Class Venues
HCHSA oversees several of Houston’s most iconic sports venues, most funded through tourism-driven taxes (Hotel Occupancy Tax and Motor Vehicle Rental Tax), not local property taxes:
- NRG Stadium – Home of the Houston Texans and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
*The Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation manages and oversees NRG Stadium and the NRG Park Complex.
- Daikin Park – Home of the Houston Astros
- Toyota Center – Home of the Houston Rockets
- Shell Energy Stadium – Home of the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash
*Shell Energy Stadium’s construction was privately financed
The organization is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors—six appointed by Harris County, six by the City of Houston, and a Chair jointly selected by the Harris County Commissioners Court and the City of Houston—whose diverse backgrounds help guide HCHSA in fiscal stewardship and cultural representation.
Economic Engine and Community Champion
For nearly three decades, HCHSA has done more than oversee stadiums; it has driven economic growth, hosted global sporting events, and created a lasting community impact. By winning competitive bids and forming strategic partnerships, HCHSA has generated billions in economic activity and demonstrated how sports can be a powerful vehicle for opportunity, inclusion, and civic pride.
Flagship community events like Olympic & Paralympic Day highlight this mission. In collaboration with local YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Houston-based Olympians and Paralympians, the event introduces youth to a wide variety of sports—while celebrating values like teamwork and perseverance.
Additionally, the Abilities in Motion program, presented through the Sports Authority Foundation, offers adaptive sports and educational opportunities for youth and adults with physical disabilities. Its signature event, Adapted Sports Day, held in partnership with TIRR Memorial Hermann, invites participants to try sports like wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, and boccia—empowering individuals through play and possibility.
Empowering Local Business Through Major Events
HCHSA’s reach extends into the local business ecosystem. During the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship, HCHSA launched the Buy Houston – By Houston initiative, a database that connects major sporting events with local suppliers. This tool continues to help small businesses tap into the economic opportunities that accompany large-scale events.
Hosting the World: A Track Record of Excellence
Over the years, Houston has proudly hosted a diverse lineup of marquee sporting events that reflect the city’s vibrant culture and community spirit:
- NCAA Men’s Final Four (2011, 2016, 2023)
- Super Bowl (2004, 2017)
- AAU Junior Olympic Games (2012, 2016, 2021, 2025)
- ITTF World Table Tennis Championships (2021)
- MLS, MLB, and NBA All-Star Games
- CONCACAF Gold Cup Final
- National Battle of the Bands
Houston’s reputation as a global sports destination has been further solidified through its successful hosting of numerous international competitions across a wide range of sports. Notably, the city welcomed the World Weightlifting Championships in 2015—the event’s first appearance in the U.S. in over 40 years—and has hosted countless international soccer and rugby matches.
In 2021, Houston once again made history as the host of the World Table Tennis Championships, reinforcing its ability to deliver world-class events. Additionally, the city served as the official Team USA Processing Center for the Rio Olympic Games, preparing thousands of Olympians and Paralympians as they represented the nation on the global stage.
Looking Ahead: FIFA World Cup and Beyond
In 2026, the world’s eyes will be on Houston as it hosts matches for the largest FIFA World Cup in history. The region expects to welcome over 500,000 attendees, with an estimated $1.5 billion in economic impact.
But the legacy won’t stop there. The FIFA World Cup Houston™ Host City Legacy Project will invest in local soccer fields, youth development programs, and underserved communities—ensuring the tournament’s benefits are felt long after the final whistle.
With major events like the 2026 World Baseball Classic, NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Regionals in 2026, the return of the 2027 AAU Junior Olympic Games and 2028 UCI BMX Racing World Championships on the horizon, HCHSA and the countless community partners and venues that contribute to these exceptional events, continues to elevate Houston’s global profile—proving that sports are more than entertainment; they’re a catalyst for connection, progress, and lasting change.
