Top 10 Richest Sports In The World In 2024

The sports industry plays a significant role in contributing to global GDP figures, exerting a substantial influence on economic growth. Here we will let you know about the top 10 richest sports in the world according to 2024.

Sports captivate a global audience, serving as a massively popular source of entertainment and amassing substantial revenue. Beyond monetary gains, they foster inclusivity among diverse cultures, cultivating widespread participation. Within this lucrative domain, the burning question emerges: Which sports will reign as the most financially prosperous in 2024? Dive in for an insightful exploration of these prestigious money-makers.

Top 10 Richest Sports in the World in 2023: Ranked

A study revealed that the sports industry is already valued at a staggering $1.3 trillion worldwide, with the US alone contributing $520 billion. Forbes, a renowned media organization, has published a report on sports media rights, predicting growth from $15 billion in 2014 to $22 billion by 2024. This impressive surge signifies the immense potential and profitability of the industry.

Can you believe it? Prepare to be amazed by the current landscape of the world’s wealthiest sports in 2023. We are about to unveil the most lucrative sports industries, where athletes earn top dollar for their extraordinary talents. Stay tuned for the captivating revelation! 🌎💰

Let’s have a look at the top 10 richest sports in the world.

1. Football – $600 billion

Football is number 1 in the list of the top 10 richest sports in the world. With a staggering net worth of approximately $600 billion as of 2023, football reigns as the wealthiest sport in the world. Also known as soccer, it captures the passion of roughly 250 million individuals across 200 nations. Its global market value of $600 billion solidifies its status as one of the most renowned sports. Remarkably, professional athletes in this industry earn an average of $4 million.

Notably, Forbes’ esteemed list of highest-paid athletes showcases prominent football stars, including Lionel Messi at the pinnacle with a net worth of $130 million, Cristiano Ronaldo at #3 with a net worth of $115 million, and Neymar at #4 boasting a $95 million net worth. Dive deeper into the realm of football by exploring the latest list of the world’s highest-paid footballers in 2022.

2. American Football – $200 billion

Recently placed the value of NFL or American Football at nearly $200 billion, ranking it second on the list. This year, the average salary for players in the National Football League stood at $2.4 million, with star players earning significantly more. In the previous year, the NFL generated an astounding $11,394 million in revenue, surpassing all other leagues in any sport. Notably, some of the wealthiest athletes are found within this sport, including Tom Brady, who Forbes recognizes as one of the top 10 highest-paid sportsmen this year.

3. Basketball – $90 billion

The NBA, a highest paid sports in the USA, projected to be worth nearly $90 billion, stands proudly as the third richest sport worldwide. With immense popularity in countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia, it owes its global recognition, in part, to the legendary Michael Jordan. While the United States undeniably contributes the largest share, the game’s appeal transcends borders, captivating fans from all corners of the globe.

In 2022, the average annual salary for an NBA player stands at around $3.8 million. Notably, LeBron James, one of the sport’s top players, commands an astonishing $96.5 million in earnings.

4. Ice Hockey: $60 billion 

As of 2023, the net market value of ice hockey surpasses a staggering $60 billion. Ice hockey is renowned for its lightning-fast pace and a fusion of exceptional skills, earning it the moniker, “The Fastest Game on Earth.” It comes as no surprise that numerous ice hockey players find themselves on Forbes’ list of top-earning athletes. The NHL, one of the most illustrious tournaments, generously compensates its average professional player with an impressive annual salary of approximately $2.2 million. In the 2021-22 season alone, the tournament generated a remarkable revenue of $6.1 million.

5. Baseball – $40 billion

Baseball, as an industry, currently holds a valuation of approximately $40 billion. Professional baseball players now earn an average of $8.5 million per year, with star players commanding even larger sums. However, this sport is actively pursued in only a handful of countries. Last year, Major League Baseball, the highest-tier tournament in the sport, generated a staggering $8,957 million in revenue. Notably, this season, each team has amassed an average of $298.6 million in earnings.

Clayton Kershaw, one of baseball’s best players, was paid $34.5 million last year. His team compensated him with an annual salary of $33.8 million, supplemented by an additional $750,000 from sponsorship deals in 2022.

6. Golf – $7 billion

Golf, often associated with wealth, has experienced a steady rise in popularity. Recent reports estimate the market value of the golf industry at a staggering US$7 billion. In the United States alone, an article by Golf Adviser in 2019 revealed that 2.6 million newcomers embraced the sport in 2018, matching the previous year’s record-high numbers. Notably, golf luminary Tiger Woods emerged as the top earner among all golf stars, amassing an impressive US$43 million in earnings last year.

7. Cricket – $6 billion

Cricket, recognized as one of the major sports worldwide, is played by more than 15 countries. This sport boasts significant financial inflows due to its numerous international competitions and series. Remarkably, cricket’s industry net worth has reached a staggering $6 billion this year, firmly cementing its place among the world’s wealthiest sports. Notably, by 2023, the average annual income of professional cricketers has soared to approximately $60,000.

The Indian Premier League, a highly acclaimed cricket tournament, amassed a staggering $633.62 million in revenue last season. Remarkably, each franchise participating in this event achieved an average income of $79.2 million.

Indian skipper and one of the best cricket captains, Virat Kohli, holds his place among the richest athletes in 2023. In the current year, he accumulated a staggering sum of nearly $24 million, placing him in the top spot among all professional cricketers. Kohli’s lucrative endorsement deals accounted for approximately $20 million of his earnings, solidifying his financial success.

8. Tennis – $6 billion

The Tennis Sports industry has surged to a staggering $6 billion this year, marking a growth of 1.1% compared to the previous season. This thriving domain embraces a multitude of affluent athletes, with the average player earning a modest $30,000 per year. Undoubtedly, the French Open reigns as one of the most esteemed tennis tournaments, amassing an impressive $2.6 million in revenue in 2022 alone.

Tennis is also home to two of the world’s wealthiest athletes. Rafael Nadal’s annual earnings amount to $40 million, whereas Roger Federer’s annual income totals an impressive $90.7 million.

9. Auto Racing – $5 billion+

The global Motorsport market is projected to experience robust growth, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2021 to 2026. This growth is anticipated to boost the market value from its current US$4.8 billion to a staggering US$7.8 billion by 2026.

The motor racing industry has experienced tremendous growth, surpassing $5 billion in market value in 2022. Projections indicate that by 2027, it will exceed the $7.5 billion milestone. Such remarkable success has earned it a coveted position among the world’s wealthiest sports.

Formula One, a highly renowned car racing competition, amassed a staggering $1.83 billion during its latest season. Notably, each team secured an impressive revenue of $166.4 million. The financial success of this popular sport exemplifies its global popularity and economic impact.

10. Boxing

Box has always captivated and enthralled audiences around the globe, offering years of exhilarating thrills. Perhaps what adds to its allure is the generous income it brings to professional boxers, who earn an average of $50,000. Amateurs, on the other hand, typically make between $1,000 and $4,000 per fight.

Boxers receive a compensation that increases to $5,000 to $10,000 per match, plus supplementary incentives for successful bouts and the support of sponsors and endorsements.

The true value of the sport remains uncertain. However, a glimpse of its worth can be inferred from Floyd Mayweather’s net worth. Sources estimate it to be $450 million, and when factoring in his earnings beyond boxing, the figure skyrockets to an estimated $1.1 billion.

So this was the list of top 10 richest sports in the world, according to a 2024 report.