Auckland has joined London, Moscow and Tokyo in the top 10 of world sporting cities.

The Global Sports Cities Index sees Auckland ranked 10th overall.

The likes of Berlin, Buenos Aires and Toronto don't crack the top 50 - and some cities like New York don't even make the top 100.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic chief executive Brett O'Riley says that's because those cities aren't taking a forward-thinking approach to international sport.

Events included in the study are those constantly rotated around the world and that can be hosted in more than one continent.

They include the Rugby World Cup, FIFA Under-20 World Cup and World Masters Games.