What are the Most Popular Sports in the World?
Watching sports is an incredible hobby that appeals to many people for different reasons. They provide real-world excitement and entertainment that is incomparable to films or television shows. It can also be an escape from the stress of daily life. Sports teams can represent your hometown or country, and bring you pride in the place you come from. Above all, watching sports can feel very passionate and meaningful. There are many different sports out there that appeal to different people from different cultures. Here are the biggest sports in the world, all of which are watched by millions of people every year.
American Football
While the NFL may not have broken out into international markets, in the United States football is the top sport with millions of fans across the country. Every year, the push into international markets gets stronger, and there are fans popping up everywhere. American football is enjoyed for its strategic gameplay that can be immensely exciting with big plays and dramatic scoring. There are over 16 million people that watch every NFL game, and the entire season regularly has over 180 million viewers.
Some of the most famous NFL players are Aaron Rogers, the longtime Packers quarterback, and Tom Brady, who is often considered the best quarterback of all time. In what could be the last year of his career, Brady has made the sensational decision to leave his longtime team, the New England Patriots, and play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that certainly has seen better days. Reuniting with his former teammate Gronkowski, Buc fans are overjoyed and hoping for a big season. Reuniting the legendary combination of Brady and Gronkowski certainly brings the Bucs favorable odds in the NFL betting markets.
Basketball
From humble beginnings, basketball has spread to a global obsession. While the main viewer base is in the United States, where over 15 million people watched the NBA finals, there is also huge fan bases across Europe and Asia. In Europe, countries like Greece, Spain, and Turkey are known as basketball fanatics. In Asia, China and the Philippines are similarly obsessed with the fast-paced pastime. Basketball is popular with both the male and female demographic, with dedicated women’s leagues. Some of the NBA’s most talented players like LeBron James make over $30 million a year from their salary alone, but sponsorships and fashion collaborations can bring that figure to over $100 million annually.
Tennis
Tennis is a fast-paced and cardio-intensive sport that leaves you on the edge of your seat with its competitive matches. There are reportedly millions of fans globally, with Europe and the UK being the center of the fanbase. As its origins go back to the early 14th century, it is one of the most prestigious and reputable major sports. The top tennis events like Wimbledon regularly attract millions of viewers. Notable and famous tennis pros earn enormous figures, like Novak Djokovic who has amassed over $133 million in his career from salaries and endorsements.
Cricket
Cricket has become a powerhouse in international sports over the decades, with billions of fans watching. In places like India and Pakistan, cricket is the biggest sport and attracts immense amounts of viewers and recreational players. Notably, the sport has also spread to places like South Africa, New Zealand and Australia where it is very popular as well. The Cricket World Cup is one of the most successful sporting events, with 2.5 billion people watching on average. While it is a popular pastime in many countries, it can also be incredibly lucrative. The top players in cricket earn over $20 million a year.
Soccer
Of course it should be no surprise that football is easily the most popular sport in the world. It’s said that more than 270 million people play the sport regularly, making it immensely popular in many different countries recreationally. While it has global appeal, the bulk of the football market is centered in Europe, where it is a historical and cherished pastime that ties into the many traditions and cultures of the area. One of the most famous leagues for the sport is the Premier League, the top level of football in England, but there are many more like La Liga and others that are just as competitive. The prestigious FIFA World Cup is watched by an average of 3 billion people, making it the most viewed sporting event on earth. With billions of dollars generated annually from sponsorships, television deals, and attendance at games, it’s also one of the most lucrative sports.