In the modern period, sports is one of the largest industries around the globe. Millions of men and women worldwide participate professionally in a variety of sports. Some athletes get extremely large salaries during their careers. The popularity of a sport and the size of its fan base both contribute significantly to its richness. A well-known athlete makes more money than a lesser-known athlete. In this post, you’ll find the list of the highest-paid sports in the world
Ever wondered where a sportsperson gets their money? Who provides him/her with a salary? Why are certain sportsmen paid so well? You’ll find the answers as you continue reading this post.
With more than 8000 different sports throughout the world, one can only imagine how tough it is for athletes to participate in a sport that values their efforts and pays them well for their labor. Some of the most paid individuals have a fandom and glamorous lifestyles in the sports world, which is a profitable field for careers. Sports are now associated with wealth and celebrity, which has paved the way for a new generation of multimillionaires to emerge.
Top 10 Highest-paid Sports in the World 2024
- 10. Wrestling
- 9. Auto Racing
- 8. Baseball
- 7. Ice Hockey
- 6. Tennis
- 5. Soccer
- 4. Golf
- 3. American Football
- 2. Boxing
- 1. Basketball
1. Basketball
Basketball is the highest-paying sport in the world in 2024. Among all professional sports leagues, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has some of the highest salaries. The typical pay for a basketball player is $44,444, or $21.37 per hour. The highest-paid sport is the NBA, where the highest-paid player made $343 million a year. Basketball player Michael Jordan also has a fortune of over $2 billion, making him one of the richest athletes in the world.
The participants get mind-blowing salaries from their respective teams. Additionally, they make millions of dollars through their sponsorship contracts. Basketball should come to mind as the sport that generates the most revenue if you’re trying to guess.
2. Boxing
Boxing takes up the number two position on our list of the highest-paid sports in the world and rightly so. The sport is one of the world’s oldest sports and was first practiced around 688 BC. A match’s highest-paid boxer made $333 million, second only to what the highest-paid basketball player earns annually. The prize money for tournaments is enormous for well-known fighters. In addition, commissions from Pay-Per-View, wagering, and endorsements bring in considerable profits for them.
The sport has brought in a lot of money for people like Floyd Mayweather Jr., Mike Tyson, Oscar Dela Hoya, and others despite the hard-hitting punches. The most viewed boxing match in history included Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
3. American Football
American football is one of the most watched sports in the USA and has millions of fans across the country. The NFL is the most well-known American football league worldwide. The league attracts players from all over the world because of its high pay.
The highest-paid NFL player earns $253 million annually, making football the third-highest-paying sport in the world. Most of the players also earn much from endorsement deals and sponsorships. The most well-known sportswear companies have some of the strongest endorsement deals with American football players. Many will think it is appropriate that these players’ earnings keep increasing given the rigorous nature of this sport.
4. Golf
Golf is one of the highest-paying sports in the world. Although it seems simple to pick up, it is one of the most difficult sports to master despite its popularity in the USA.
Golf was initially played in the 15th century, and in the 17th century, it began to gain popularity in the USA and Europe. The sport is currently the fourth-highest paid in the world.
Golf’s highest-paid professional earned $127 million annually. Tiger Woods, the world’s richest golfer, is currently one of the world’s wealthiest athletes. Forbes reports that Mr. Woods will still be the highest-paid golfer in 2022 after earning an astounding $62 million in 2021.
5. Soccer
I know you were already wondering whether the most popular sport in the world would not make it to the top 5 on the list. Well, wonder no more! The round leather game is the fifth highest paying sport in the world.
With more than 4 billion supporters worldwide, soccer is the most popular sport in the world. The highest-paid footballer has earned $126 million making soccer the fifth highest-paying sport. Average salaries for soccer players range from 1.6 to 3.2 million US dollars. On a list of the highest-paid athletes published by Forbes, David Beckham previously placed eighth. Lionel Messi, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kevin de Bruyne are further football legends.
Cristiano Ronolda of Al-Nasr Riad is the highest-paid footballer as of 2023 after signing a mouth watering deal with the Saudi Arabian team. At £109MILLION per year, he will be among the highest-paid athletes in 2023.
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6. Tennis
The highest paid tennis player earned $106 million a year making tennis the 6th highest paying sport in the world. Tennis is viewed by many as one most popular recreational sports played by millions across the globe. Most on the list of highest-paid female athletes are female tennis players. Studies have proven that tennis is the second most demanding sport that will test your stamina to its limits. Tennis is ranked as the #4 most popular game in the world with over one billion fans worldwide.
According to a Forbes report, Roger Federer is the highest-earning tennis player in 2024. Federer has earned a total of $52 million in endorsements from many companies like Nike, Rolex, and Credit Suisse. Other tennis icons include Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Daniil Medvedev, and many others. They earn a fair amount from endorsement deals and appearance fees.
7. Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in the US. The sport is also popular in Canada and Australia. The sport is also popular in Canada and Australia. . Ice hockey players typically land in respectable positions on Forbes’ list of the richest athletes.
The highest-paid athlete in this best-paying sport reportedly earned $99 million annually. Auston Matthews earned the most money in the NHL in 2022, according to Forbes. The center for the Toronto Maple Leafs earns $13 million in salary and an additional $3 million in endorsement, memorabilia, and licensing fees for a total of $16 million.
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8. Baseball
Baseball is another highest-paying sport that is popular in America. Max Scherzer is currently the highest-paid MLB player, earning over $43 million. Other Baseball stars include Carlos Correa, Mike Trout, and Gerrit Cole, among many others.
9. Auto Racing
The penultimate sport on our list of the top 10 highest-paid sports in the world is auto racing, which is popular in the USA and Europe. This amazing sport is one of the riskiest sports, which makes it highly intriguing and daring. Due to the high cost of maintaining a racing car, auto racing is the most costly sport in the world.
Michael Schumacher won the top spot on Forbes’ list of the wealthiest athletes in 1999 and 2000, respectively, with total earnings of $49 million and $59 million. The highest-paid race car driver, Lewis Hamilton, reportedly makes $36 million annually. The majority of motor racing events have substantial sponsorship.
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10. Wrestling
Wrestling completes our list of the top 10 highest-paid sports in the world.
It is one of the most popular sports in the world. Wrestling is watched and liked all over the world by millions of fans. Broke Lisner is paid $12 million which made him the current highest-paid wrestler. Other wrestling icons include Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins, The Undertaker, and many others. Of course, you can include the names of other wrestling icons you know, including your favourite wrestler.
