The Gold Coast is known for its vibrant sporting culture, with Australian rules football and rugby league being the two most popular sports in the region. Represented by professional teams like the Gold Coast Suns in the Australian Football League (AFL) and the Gold Coast Titans in the National Rugby League (NRL), the city has earned its place in Australia’s major sports leagues.

However, the Gold Coast’s sporting history is not without its challenges. The region has become somewhat infamous for being a "sporting graveyard" due to the struggles of several professional teams. Despite early excitement, many Gold Coast-based clubs have experienced poor on-field performances and financial difficulties, leading to their eventual dissolution. To date, no Gold Coast-based team has clinched a premiership in a national professional competition, a fact that remains a point of frustration for local fans.

On a brighter note, recreational sports remain a huge part of life on the Gold Coast. The city’s beaches and waterways make it an ideal destination for surfing, fishing, cycling, and boating enthusiasts. Golf also plays a significant role in the region, with numerous golf courses like Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove, and The Glades attracting locals and visitors alike.

The Gold Coast is well-equipped with sporting infrastructure, including Carrara Stadium, the Carrara Indoor Sport Centre, and the Nerang Velodrome. These venues host a wide range of events, but with increasing demand for larger facilities, newer stadiums like Robina Stadium and the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre have been built to accommodate NRL games and basketball teams.

The region has also produced some world-class athletes, including Olympic gold medal swimmer Grant Hackett, US Open tennis champion Samantha Stosur, and track and field star Sally Pearson. Their achievements contribute to the Gold Coast’s reputation as a sports powerhouse, even as the professional sports scene faces its ongoing hurdles.

Despite its challenges, the Gold Coast remains a major hub for both elite sports and community recreational activities, and continues to evolve in its pursuit of sporting excellence.