In recent decades, the global sports industry has grown at an impressive rate, transforming the main disciplines into true economic giants. Billionaire sponsorships, television rights and strategic marketing have made some sports take off much more than others. Here is a ranking of the disciplines that generate the most business in the world, in terms of overall value of the sector, popularity, sponsorships and TV rights.
1. Soccer
Football is, without a doubt, the most profitable sport globally. The overall value of the business linked to this sport exceeds 600 billion dollars. Major leagues, such as the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga and Italy’s Serie A, generate billions in annual revenue through television rights and sponsors, while events such as the World Cup and UEFA Champions League attract billions of viewers. With global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, football clubs can count on profits from merchandising, image rights and match ticket sales around the world.
2. Football americano
In the United States, American football is the undisputed king of sport, and the NFL (National Football League) is the most profitable league, with an overall value estimated at 120 billion dollars. Every year the Super Bowl generates record figures in terms of advertising revenue and TV rights, attracting millions of viewers. The cost for a 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl can be up to $7 million. With franchises like the Dallas Cowboys, valued at over 9 billion, the NFL represents the pinnacle of sports business in the United States.
3. Basket
Basketball, and in particular the NBA (National Basketball Association), has a value of approx 90 billion dollars. Thanks to growing popularity in international markets such as China and Europe, the NBA has seen an explosion in revenues from TV rights and global sponsorships. Stars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo have grown the league’s appeal, transforming basketball into one of the most profitable sports industries in the world.
4. Tennis
Tennis is among the most followed sports globally, with a market that is worth more 40 billion dollars. Tournaments such as Wimbledon, Roland Garros, US Open and Australian Open attract millions of spectators and a rich array of sponsors. Top players, from Novak Djokovic to Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams, earn millions every year not only from prize money, but also from advertising contracts with major global brands. Tennis also has the advantage of being a highly versatile sport, popular throughout the world and well distributed among male and female audiences.
5. Formula 1
Formula 1 is the king of motorsports and the business that comes with it is worth approx 30 billion dollars. The sport is based on billion-dollar sponsorships, television rights and constant expansion into new markets such as the Middle East and Asia. F1 races are luxury events that attract prestigious companies and wealthy audiences, as well as generating significant revenue for host cities and nations. The recent success of the Netflix series “Drive to Survive” has brought even more visibility to F1, increasing investments from sponsors and fan engagement.
6. Baseball
Baseball, and in particular MLB (Major League Baseball), is one of the most profitable sports in the United States, with an overall value of over 15 billion dollars. Despite competition from football and basketball, MLB remains one of the most watched and richest sports leagues in the world. The long season of 162 games per team guarantees the franchises constant income in tickets, sponsors and television rights. In recent years, MLB has also sought to expand its audience, holding games in Mexico, Japan and the United Kingdom.
7. Golf
Golf, although more niche, generates significant revenues with a market valued at around 10 billion dollars. Tournaments like the Masters and the US Open are watched by international audiences, and major professional circuits, like the PGA Tour, attract major sponsorships from luxury brands and technology companies. With top players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, golf is one of the most influential sports for the high spending target.
8. Rugby
Rugby, although less popular globally than other sports, has a significant presence in markets such as Europe, Australia and South Africa, and generates revenues exceeding 6 billion dollars. Events such as the Rugby World Cup and the Six Nations attract large investments from sponsors and are followed by millions of fans. Its expansion continues especially in Asia, with Japan recently hosting a successful edition of the World Cup, a sign of future growth potential.
9. Volleyball
With global popularity, especially in countries such as Brazil, Italy, Japan and Russia, volleyball generates revenues of approx 5 billion dollars. International tournaments, particularly the Olympics and world championships, are watched by large audiences, and the expansion of beach volleyball has added new business opportunities, attracting sponsors and fans around the world.
10. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Finally, mixed martial arts, represented above all by the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), is one of the fastest growing sports in terms of business, with revenues that exceed 4 billion dollars. The UFC revolutionized combat sports marketing, selling millions of pay-per-view events and attracting global sponsors. Athletes like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey have brought great visibility to the industry, increasing the economic value of MMA.
