Chairman says World Cup will bring billions and could help Main Street even if big players capture most gains

The Chairman said the upcoming World Cup matches in the Dallas–Fort Worth area are likely to send "not only millions but billions of dollars" through the region and create spillover opportunities for small businesses, even if larger companies capture a substantial share of the revenue.

The comment came during a discussion in which a participant asked whether local small businesses would profit or whether "big corporations are going to capture all the dollars when these teams come to town." The Chairman responded that both outcomes are possible but emphasized the event’s potential to boost Main Street: "When you have dollars flowing in the private sector, dollars don't get saved, dollars get spent," he said.

Why it matters: Host-city events can concentrate spending on hospitality, restaurants and hotels, but they also draw extra customers who may patronize local retailers, car dealers or services and can prompt some entrepreneurs to relocate or expand. The Chairman explicitly framed the matches as a chance to "sell the metroplex" to new visitors and potential new residents.

A participant cited a Houston Chronicle report saying FIFA may be the primary beneficiary and that taxpayers often cover security and stadium preparation costs. The Chairman acknowledged that hosts can incur expenses but reiterated his view that smaller firms will still see measurable benefits through increased foot traffic and spending.

To prepare, the Chairman described a planned roundtable at TCU that will bring together hoteliers, restaurateurs and FIFA representatives to discuss how small businesses can capitalize on the matches. He said the project team has taken similar sessions to other host communities and hopes to hold several more before the games begin.

The Chairman said he has heard excitement from many small owners who expect extra customers even if they are not soccer fans. He compared the upcoming series to past big events in the region and said the matches give the Metroplex an opportunity to showcase itself and generate longer-term economic activity.

The discussion acknowledged uncertainty about net fiscal impact—particularly where public spending on security or infrastructure is concerned—but closed with the Chairman expressing optimism that the matches will provide a net positive for many local businesses. The roundtable and further outreach were presented as practical next steps for ensuring small businesses can capture potential opportunities.

The exchange concluded with plans to hold additional small-business forums and to continue outreach to hospitality and retail sectors.