As a sports analyst with a keen interest in the financial aspects of various sports, I often find myself delving into the revenue figures of different leagues and sports around the world. When it comes to determining which sport makes the most money globally, several factors come into play, including the revenue generated by the sport itself, the popularity of the sport, and the commercial value of its associated leagues and events.

Top Sports Leagues by Revenue


1. National Football League (NFL): With an annual revenue of around $13 billion, the NFL is not just the most lucrative sports league in the United States; it also stands out as one of the wealthiest sports organizations globally. The NFL's revenue comes from various sources, including ticket sales, broadcasting rights, licensing, and merchandising. The Super Bowl, the championship game of the NFL, is one of the most-watched events in the world, which significantly contributes to its revenue.


2. Major League Baseball (MLB): The MLB generates approximately $9.5 billion in revenue each year. Baseball is deeply ingrained in American culture, and the MLB has a long history and a loyal fan base. Revenue streams for MLB include broadcasting deals, ticket sales, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

3. **Premier League (English/Welsh football league)**: The Premier League is the most-watched football league in the world and has a revenue of around $5.3 billion. The global appeal of football (soccer) and the high-profile nature of the Premier League clubs attract massive investments from broadcasters and sponsors.


4. National Basketball Association (NBA): The NBA brings in around $4.8 billion in revenue annually. Basketball is a popular sport worldwide, and the NBA has successfully expanded its brand internationally. Revenue for the NBA comes from ticket sales, merchandising, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships.


5. National Hockey League (NHL): With a revenue of about $3.7 billion, the NHL is another major sports league in North America. While hockey may not have the global reach of football or basketball, it is immensely popular in North America and parts of Europe, contributing to a significant revenue stream.

Other Considerations

- Global Popularity: Football (soccer) is arguably the most popular sport worldwide, with an estimated 4 billion fans. The FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of international football competition, generates substantial revenue through ticket sales, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships.

- Individual Athletes: The earnings of individual athletes can also be an indicator of a sport's financial success. For example, top football players and managers often command high salaries and endorsement deals.

- Growth Markets: Sports like cricket and golf have seen significant growth in revenue in recent years, particularly in regions like Asia and the Middle East.

- E-Sports: The rise of e-sports cannot be ignored. While it may not be a traditional sport, the esports industry has exploded in recent years, with major tournaments and leagues generating substantial revenue through sponsorships, advertising, and media rights.

In conclusion, while the NFL leads in terms of revenue generated by a single league, football (soccer) as a whole, with its global reach and the financial success of entities like the FIFA World Cup and the Premier League, could be considered the sport that makes the most money in the world when considering the collective revenue across all levels and regions.

read more >>

Top 10 sports leagues by revenueNational Football League (NFL): $13 billion.Major League Baseball (MLB): $9.5 billion.Premier League (English/Welsh football league): $5.3 billion.National Basketball Association (NBA): $4.8 billion.National Hockey League (NHL): $3.7 billion.More items...read more >>