How much would Atlanta gain from World Cup?

The AJC’s Kristi Swartz cites the figure reported in a study commissioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation’s World Cup bid committee at $80 million, and I’m certainly hoping that number isn’t too optimistic.

The report concludes that having the World Cup within these borders in 2018 or 2022 would have a benefit of $5 billion across the board.

But I remain skeptical when I hear about any touted financial windfall associated with sports — whether it’s building a new stadium or playing host to a major event.

How are these figures arrived at? Which sectors of a local economy benefit?

Those are the perpetual questions that really never get quite fully answered.