Top 10 Richest Sports in the World in 2024

Boxing's rich history and global appeal land it among the top earners in sports, despite a surprising average salary of $50,000. Top boxers earn much more through sponsorships and winnings.

Boxing

Motorsport races into the top 9 richest sports, exceeding $5 billion globally. Formula One, a major series, generated $1.83 billion in revenue in 2022, with Lewis Hamilton pocketing a cool $82 million.

Motorsport

Tennis

Tennis, with a $6 billion market, is among the world's richest sports. Top tournaments like the French Open offer millions in prize money, contributing to athletes' wealth.

Cricket ranks top 7 in global sports, valued at $6 billion, with pros earning nearly $60,000 on average. IPL, a major event, pulled in $633.6 million last year, with franchises averaging $79.2 million in income.

Cricket

Golf, often called a sport for the rich, is the 6th richest at $40 billion. Tiger Woods, a legend, earned the most in 2022 (US$72 million).

Golf

Baseball, despite limited global reach, cracks the top 5 richest sports with a $40 billion market and an average player salary of $8.5 million.

Baseball

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey, a fast-paced sport popular in North America, ranks fourth with a $60 billion market. The NHL generates $6.1 billion and Connor McDavid is the league's highest earner (US$12.5 million).

Basketball, the world's 3rd most popular sport, boasts a $90 billion global market, heavily influenced by the US and the NBA's high salaries (avg. $3.8 million). Stars like LeBron James earn even more (US$96.5 million in 2022).

Basketball

American football, hugely popular in the US, boasts a $200 billion market and the NFL generates the most revenue of any sports league globally.

American Football

Soccer, the world's most popular sport, boasts a massive global market. Leagues like the Premier League generate billions, and top athletes earn millions per year.

Football