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20
 Oct

Broadway Contributed $21 Billion Economic Revenue For New York City

Analysis from The Broadway League, First Since 2018-19, Quantifies Broadway’s Value  

Notes Broadway supports 114,600 jobs, while Production Costs Have Climbed 39 Percent 

Broadway contributed $21 billion to New York City’s economy during the 2024-25 season, according to a new analysis from the Broadway League.

Most of that activity was driven by Broadway Tourists, defined as non-NYC residents who say Broadway theatre is a very important factor in their decision to visit. Audience spending accounted for 81% of total impact.

The analysis found that the cost of producing a Broadway show is rising: the 44 new shows running during 2024-25 cost a total of $418 million to produce, a 39 percent increase since 2018-19 where there were 39 new shows, and total direct expenditures (production and operating costs) totaled $1.9 billion, an increase of 7 percent.

“New York City is simply unimaginable without the bright lights of Broadway. Millions of visitors travel here specifically to experience the extraordinary artistry and talent on display in live theatre, and they also support local restaurants, hotels, stores, taxis, and other attractions,” said Jason Laks, president of The Broadway League. “Broadway remains a magnetic force and economic engine for New York City but faces significant challenges as production costs and operating expenses continue to rise. The League will continue to advocate for solutions that keep the magic of Broadway alive and accessible.”

Additional key findings from the report include:

  • Broadway remains a significant cultural attraction, pulling tourists into New York City. 79 percent of theatregoers from the NYC suburbs, 73 percent of domestic tourists outside of the metro area, and 59 percent of international tourists qualify as Broadway Tourists (non-NYC residents who say Broadway was very important in their decision to visit Manhattan).

  • Broadway Tourists spent nearly $12 billion on ancillary activity, a 22 percent increase in spending since 2018-19, with the largest spending on hotels and food and drink.

  • International visitors accounted for 19 percent of Broadway Tourists but contributed 42 percent of the total money brought into the city.

  • Broadway generated $979 million in taxes to New York City.

  • Despite running for 25 fewer performance weeks, total operating expenditures in 2024-25 were higher than 2018-19, totaling $1.4 billion.

  • In total, Broadway supported 114,600 full-time equivalent jobs in New York City, including direct Broadway employment and workers in other industries that benefit from Broadway-motivated visitors.

Broadway’s Economic Contribution to New York City 2024-2025 is published by The Broadway League, the clearinghouse for information on the business, demographics, and economic impact of Broadway theatre throughout North America. The League compiles various statistics and publishes extensive reports on a number of topics. The complete reports, with additional facts, figures, data visualization, and methodology, is available for purchase online at https://www.broadwayleague.com/research/order-research-reports/.

The Broadway League thanks the Theatre Development Fund for its generous support in co-funding this ongoing research project.