It's difficult to determine which sports are the most popular worldwide. Really, there is no reliable method for monitoring the level of popularity of something as commonplace as sports. However, by combining information from surveys with statistics on event watching, we are able to get a general idea of how well-liked a certain sport is.
To rank sports by popularity both globally and in the US specifically, we did just that. See our supplementary piece on the subject for a breakdown by nation.
Now let's get going!
The World’s Top 3
These are the sports that draw the biggest audiences and typically bring in the greatest money for teams and athletes.
You should be aware, though, that money is not the only factor. Because they are enjoyable to perform, these sports have grown to be the most well-liked in the globe.
You should be aware, though, that money is not the only factor. Because they are enjoyable to perform, these sports have grown to be the most well-liked in the globe.
1. Soccer/Football
FIFA is the most popular sport in the world, with almost 4 billion fans worldwide. But in addition to being one of the most watched and accessible sports, it's also one of the most well-liked.
For instance, the 2018 FIFA World Cup had 3.6 billion watchers, making it by far the most popular sporting event with the highest audience figures.
In conclusion, there are approximately 211 associated associations under the umbrella organization of the sport, FIFA, which is the greatest governing body.
One of the most popular sports in the UK, the sport's current form originated in England. It is widely recognized as the best sport in Europe, with the majority of its elite players calling the ancient continent home.
For instance, the 2018 FIFA World Cup had 3.6 billion watchers, making it by far the most popular sporting event with the highest audience figures.
In conclusion, there are approximately 211 associated associations under the umbrella organization of the sport, FIFA, which is the greatest governing body.
One of the most popular sports in the UK, the sport's current form originated in England. It is widely recognized as the best sport in Europe, with the majority of its elite players calling the ancient continent home.
It makes sense that soccer players are among the wealthiest athletes in the world given how widely popular the sport is.
For instance, Lionel Messi makes almost $130 million year, despite having an average salary of roughly $92 million in 2019.
When it comes to the most popular women's sports, soccer likewise holds the top rank.
A total of 993 million people watched the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on television, demonstrating the huge TV following that women's soccer enjoys. Over 260 million people watched the finals, with 14.3 million of those people being in the US.
For instance, Lionel Messi makes almost $130 million year, despite having an average salary of roughly $92 million in 2019.
When it comes to the most popular women's sports, soccer likewise holds the top rank.
A total of 993 million people watched the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on television, demonstrating the huge TV following that women's soccer enjoys. Over 260 million people watched the finals, with 14.3 million of those people being in the US.
2. Basketball
Basketball is one of the most well-liked sports in American history, as we have already discussed. It is also one of the most popular sports in the world.
In addition, there are the second-most professional basketball leagues in the world. There are only two of them: college basketball and the NBA.
The Chinese Basketball Association, the Spanish Liga ABC, and the Argentina Liga Nacional are a few more noteworthy references.
Basketball has some of the greatest sponsorship deals in addition to being one of the most popular sports in the world in 2022.
In addition, there are the second-most professional basketball leagues in the world. There are only two of them: college basketball and the NBA.
The Chinese Basketball Association, the Spanish Liga ABC, and the Argentina Liga Nacional are a few more noteworthy references.
Basketball has some of the greatest sponsorship deals in addition to being one of the most popular sports in the world in 2022.
LeBron James, for example, inked a contract with Nike that pays him almost $50 million a year. By contrast, Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, doubles that amount with $100 million.
Although basketball is undoubtedly one of the most well-liked team sports and is primarily dominated by American players and data, there are a few outstanding players who are well-known throughout the world who were never able to break into the NBA.
Oscar Schmidt, Nikos Galis, Dimitris Diamantidis, and Nikola Mirotic are a few of these legendary athletes.
Although basketball is undoubtedly one of the most well-liked team sports and is primarily dominated by American players and data, there are a few outstanding players who are well-known throughout the world who were never able to break into the NBA.
Oscar Schmidt, Nikos Galis, Dimitris Diamantidis, and Nikola Mirotic are a few of these legendary athletes.
3. Cricket
With an approximate global fan base of 2-3 billion, cricket is the final sport on our list of the top three sports in the globe. It is most well-liked in Sri Lanka, South Africa, Pakistan, and India. It's also one of the most well-liked sports in Australia.
According to reports, cricket is a major sport in about 15 different countries. One of the biggest league structures in cricket nowadays is the Indian Premier League.
Regretfully, certain 2017 statistics show that the pay figures are less astounding.
In Sri Lanka, the top 17 contractual athletes earn about $30,000. Furthermore, with $23,380 per game, Indian cricket players are paid the highest of any cricket players in the world.
According to reports, cricket is a major sport in about 15 different countries. One of the biggest league structures in cricket nowadays is the Indian Premier League.
Regretfully, certain 2017 statistics show that the pay figures are less astounding.
In Sri Lanka, the top 17 contractual athletes earn about $30,000. Furthermore, with $23,380 per game, Indian cricket players are paid the highest of any cricket players in the world.
The Most Popular Sports in The US
This section will cover sports by state, present some fascinating US sports facts, and rank the most popular sports in the country.
America’s Top 3
Americans can get very passionate about their favorite teams and games, as you may know.
As a result, the biggest American sports also have enormous fan bases. Additionally, a few of them have rather high attendance rates.
As a result, the biggest American sports also have enormous fan bases. Additionally, a few of them have rather high attendance rates.
1. American Football
Regarded as a fundamental component of the American mythology, nearly 37% of Americans claim that American football is their all-time favorite sport. Additionally, the NFL (National Football League) is the most attended sport in the world, drawing an astounding 67,591 spectators on average.
It's impossible to overstate how popular the sport is in the United States, with 32 clubs competing in the AFC or NFC.
It is also one of the most well-liked collegiate sports. With over 100 million spectators, the primary event, the Super Bowl, has managed to become an unofficial holiday. It makes sense that the NFL also has some of the most valuable teams.
The median pay for NFL players is almost $860,000. With an average pay of $5.76 million and a median compensation of $1.1 million, quarterbacks naturally have it the best.
It's impossible to overstate how popular the sport is in the United States, with 32 clubs competing in the AFC or NFC.
It is also one of the most well-liked collegiate sports. With over 100 million spectators, the primary event, the Super Bowl, has managed to become an unofficial holiday. It makes sense that the NFL also has some of the most valuable teams.
The median pay for NFL players is almost $860,000. With an average pay of $5.76 million and a median compensation of $1.1 million, quarterbacks naturally have it the best.
2. Baseball
The biggest baseball league in the United States is called Major League Baseball, or MLB. It was the outcome of the 1903 merger of the National League and the American League.
The two leagues engaged in a "baseball war" before to their merger, with the goal of dominating the entire nation.
When it comes to TV ratings, baseball is without a doubt one of the most popular professional sports in America. Fans watched more than 1.34 billion minutes of Major League Baseball (MLB) action over the course of the first three weekends of the season. Since baseball is so central to the American experience, there has been much research done to determine if the game started in the US.
The MLB is the biggest baseball league in the United States, with 30 clubs, and its players earn the highest salaries. MLB players reportedly have a median income of $1.5 million and an average pay of $4.38 million.
The two leagues engaged in a "baseball war" before to their merger, with the goal of dominating the entire nation.
When it comes to TV ratings, baseball is without a doubt one of the most popular professional sports in America. Fans watched more than 1.34 billion minutes of Major League Baseball (MLB) action over the course of the first three weekends of the season. Since baseball is so central to the American experience, there has been much research done to determine if the game started in the US.
The MLB is the biggest baseball league in the United States, with 30 clubs, and its players earn the highest salaries. MLB players reportedly have a median income of $1.5 million and an average pay of $4.38 million.
3. Basketball
Not only is basketball one of the most popular team sports in the US, but it's also one of the most popular sports worldwide.
The two most popular basketball leagues in the United States are college basketball and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Considering that basketball is the only major sport exclusively with US origins, this is not all that surprising.
In 1891, the first-ever basketball match took place. Since then, it has grown to be one of the biggest sports in the world, with players earning respectable salaries.
For instance, Stephen Curry made $40.2 million in 2019, averaging $7.7 million per season as an NBA player.
The two most popular basketball leagues in the United States are college basketball and the National Basketball Association (NBA). Considering that basketball is the only major sport exclusively with US origins, this is not all that surprising.
In 1891, the first-ever basketball match took place. Since then, it has grown to be one of the biggest sports in the world, with players earning respectable salaries.
For instance, Stephen Curry made $40.2 million in 2019, averaging $7.7 million per season as an NBA player.
Not to be outdone, basketball is one of the most popular sports in the globe, with huge fan bases in places like China, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines.
The Most Popular Winter Sports
For a few of us, wintertime means curling up with a hot cup of coffee and a nice book. Others are more concerned with becoming competitive.
Ice Hockey
There are between 2.2 and 3.3 billion ice hockey and field hockey fans worldwide. One of the leagues with the highest income density is the National Hockey League (NHL).
The NFL league revenue for the 2019–20 US season came to $4.37 billion. In 2020, the league's total franchise value was $653 million.
Ice hockey is #1 when it comes to the most popular sports in Canada. Some of the most well-known hockey players in the world, like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, were born and raised in Canada and have made significant contributions to the history of the game.
Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs is the highest paid player of the 2020–2021 season, with an estimated salary of $15.9 million. However, he will only make "only" $13 million because of budget constraints.
The NFL league revenue for the 2019–20 US season came to $4.37 billion. In 2020, the league's total franchise value was $653 million.
Ice hockey is #1 when it comes to the most popular sports in Canada. Some of the most well-known hockey players in the world, like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, were born and raised in Canada and have made significant contributions to the history of the game.
Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs is the highest paid player of the 2020–2021 season, with an estimated salary of $15.9 million. However, he will only make "only" $13 million because of budget constraints.
Alpine snowboarding
Snowboarding has grown to be one of the most well-liked winter Olympic sports since it was formally acknowledged as an Olympic event in 1994.
In the years since its introduction to the Olympic arena in 1998 till 2016, surfers have won 42 medals.
In 2014, 48 different countries throughout the globe saw 5,000 hours of broadcast airtime dedicated to snowboarding, freestyle skiing, Alpine skiing, and ski jumping at the Sochi Olympics.
Thanks to those hours, ski jumping and snowboarding both had a peak audience of 92 million.
In the years since its introduction to the Olympic arena in 1998 till 2016, surfers have won 42 medals.
In 2014, 48 different countries throughout the globe saw 5,000 hours of broadcast airtime dedicated to snowboarding, freestyle skiing, Alpine skiing, and ski jumping at the Sochi Olympics.
Thanks to those hours, ski jumping and snowboarding both had a peak audience of 92 million.
Among young people's favorite sports may also be snowboarding, particularly among those who like more intense pursuits.
If you play your cards well, it may also be a profitable venture. Shaun White, for instance, has a net worth of $60 million, making him one of the highest paid skiers and snowboarders on the planet.
If you play your cards well, it may also be a profitable venture. Shaun White, for instance, has a net worth of $60 million, making him one of the highest paid skiers and snowboarders on the planet.
Alpine Skiing
At the same Olympic games in 2014, alpine skiing produced 1,374 hours of content, drawing in almost 77 million viewers.
Conversely, 634.37 million viewers watched the Alpine Ski World Cup 2019–2020 in Germany.
Skiing remains a rather attractive activity for women, despite not being among the most popular among them overall.
Women make up some of the top skiers, like Jamie Anderson, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Lindsey Vonn, who has a net worth of $6 million.
Conversely, 634.37 million viewers watched the Alpine Ski World Cup 2019–2020 in Germany.
Skiing remains a rather attractive activity for women, despite not being among the most popular among them overall.
Women make up some of the top skiers, like Jamie Anderson, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Lindsey Vonn, who has a net worth of $6 million.
The Most Popular Summer Sports
Let's look at the most popular sports in the sweltering summer months now. As long as it's not too hot outside, you may generally play a variety of sports throughout the summer, such as basketball, football, and soccer.
But we'll be concentrating more on summer sports in this area.
But we'll be concentrating more on summer sports in this area.
Summer Olympic Sports
The most well-liked summer Olympic sports are as follows, without choosing just one:
Gymnastics. Gymnastics is currently quite popular with both men and women, but it wasn't always like this.
Olympic gymnastics saw the entry of women competitors in 1936. The competition was divided up into distinct events in 1952. Gymnastics is one of the most well-liked sports for women nowadays.
Gymnasts may expect to make a meager $1,252,440 over their lifetime, with the US Olympic committee paying $25,000 for a gold medal, $15,000 for a silver, and $10,000 for a bronze.
Gymnastics. Gymnastics is currently quite popular with both men and women, but it wasn't always like this.
Olympic gymnastics saw the entry of women competitors in 1936. The competition was divided up into distinct events in 1952. Gymnastics is one of the most well-liked sports for women nowadays.
Gymnasts may expect to make a meager $1,252,440 over their lifetime, with the US Olympic committee paying $25,000 for a gold medal, $15,000 for a silver, and $10,000 for a bronze.
Track: Track is the most popular sport worldwide and has always been. Because it is the simplest sport to play, it is also one of the most popular among children. It's also likely one of the oldest sports out there.
The average annual salary quoted by sources ranges from $32,000 to $237,000, with sprinters earning significantly more (from $430,000 to $1,725,000).
In the men's field, marathoners can earn between $10,000 to $141,667, while women can earn somewhat more at the higher end ($1,667 to $200,000).
The average annual salary quoted by sources ranges from $32,000 to $237,000, with sprinters earning significantly more (from $430,000 to $1,725,000).
In the men's field, marathoners can earn between $10,000 to $141,667, while women can earn somewhat more at the higher end ($1,667 to $200,000).
Swimming: It's impossible to overlook swimming as one of the most popular summertime sports. It was first introduced in Britain in the early 1800s in its competitive form.
Regarding the modern Olympics, swimming was first included in the program in Greece in 1896. In 1912, women were given the opportunity to compete in swimming in Stockholm.
The first noteworthy accomplishment in swimming is attributed to Johnny Weissmuller, who became the first person to swim a 100-meter lap in less than a minute.
Approximately 70,000 registered swimming professionals reside in Australia, where swimming is also rather popular.
Regarding the modern Olympics, swimming was first included in the program in Greece in 1896. In 1912, women were given the opportunity to compete in swimming in Stockholm.
The first noteworthy accomplishment in swimming is attributed to Johnny Weissmuller, who became the first person to swim a 100-meter lap in less than a minute.
Approximately 70,000 registered swimming professionals reside in Australia, where swimming is also rather popular.
Tennis
We can categorically state that tennis is one of the most popular sports in the world and among the most popular in Europe.
With about one billion supporters and four major tournaments held annually, tennis is a well-known sport that receives a lot of media coverage.
Although it lacks leagues, the majority of nations have tennis federations that host annual regional and international competitions.
In addition, the highest-paid athletes are also some of the finest tennis players in the world. For example, Naomi Osaka made $37.4 million in total in 2019 and 2020.
With about one billion supporters and four major tournaments held annually, tennis is a well-known sport that receives a lot of media coverage.
Although it lacks leagues, the majority of nations have tennis federations that host annual regional and international competitions.
In addition, the highest-paid athletes are also some of the finest tennis players in the world. For example, Naomi Osaka made $37.4 million in total in 2019 and 2020.
In terms of participation, tennis may not be one of the most popular sports in the world. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly one of the highest-paying jobs.
Roger Federer is the most paid athlete in terms of earnings. In that time, he was able to make an incredible $106.3 million.
Golf
Golf is one of the top 10 sports in the world to watch, with an estimated 390 million fans worldwide. It is one of the most well-liked sports in the USA.
Furthermore, because it's a popular choice among many wealthy individuals, it's also known as "the rich man's game." The majority of experts surmise that this is the reason golf tournaments, despite being more of a "class sport," frequently receive favorable TV rights deals and air.
Golf features a variety of competitions in addition to leagues. The PGA and LPGA tours, the European Tour, and other golf competitions are among the most renowned.
Furthermore, because it's a popular choice among many wealthy individuals, it's also known as "the rich man's game." The majority of experts surmise that this is the reason golf tournaments, despite being more of a "class sport," frequently receive favorable TV rights deals and air.
Golf features a variety of competitions in addition to leagues. The PGA and LPGA tours, the European Tour, and other golf competitions are among the most renowned.
In 2020, a number of the most popular sports in the world included golf. A lot of folks enjoy playing it once in a while. Furthermore, the US golf course and club industry brought in slightly over $25 million in revenue in 2019, demonstrating the market's ubiquity at the time.
Among the most well-known figures in the sport is without a doubt Tiger Woods, who entered the professional ranks in 1996 and has dominated the field ever since. In addition to his 15 major championship triumphs, he has amassed an incredible $120,851,706 in total wins.
In addition, Woods gets his sponsors to pay him almost $60 million a year.
Among the most well-known figures in the sport is without a doubt Tiger Woods, who entered the professional ranks in 1996 and has dominated the field ever since. In addition to his 15 major championship triumphs, he has amassed an incredible $120,851,706 in total wins.
In addition, Woods gets his sponsors to pay him almost $60 million a year.
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