Explore the top five wealthiest sports leagues in the world for 2024, highlighting their massive revenue, lucrative broadcasting deals, and global fan engagement. Discover how these leagues dominate the sports industry and attract top talent and sponsorships.
5. English Premier League
Ranked fifth among the richest sports leagues, the Premier League stands as the largest globally, featuring 20 clubs and generating $30.3 billion in revenue. Its growth has been significant, despite a notable dip during the 2020/21 COVID-19 pandemic. The league’s popularity is driven by high-profile player acquisitions and lucrative broadcasting, business, and sponsorship deals.
LEAUGE | ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE |
Sport | Football |
Formed | 1992 |
Revenue | £6 billion (2022) |
Sponsors | Barclays, Nike, EA Sports |
4. National Basketball Association (NBA)
The NBA, North America’s premier basketball league, is the fourth wealthiest sports league globally. In 2022, it generated $10 billion in revenue, a significant increase from $3.7 billion in 2012. Major revenue sources include national TV contracts worth $500 million, as well as over $200 million from Nike jersey deals and the team patch program.
LEAGUE | NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION |
Sport | Basketball |
Formed | 1946 |
Revenue | $10 billion (2022) |
Sponsors | Nike, Pepsi, Ste Farm |
3. Major League Baseball (MLB)
Major League Baseball (MLB), one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious sports leagues, consistently ranks among the top 10 wealthiest leagues globally. With 30 teams and a grueling 162-game season, MLB generates significant revenue from broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, and ticket sales. Its financial success is bolstered by strategic partnerships with major corporations like Chevrolet and Nike, which contribute to its growing profitability.
LEAGUE | NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION |
Sport | Baseball |
Formed | 1876 |
Revenue | $11.5 billion |
Sponsors | Chevrolet, Mastercard |
2. Indian Premier League (IPL)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown into the world’s second-largest sports league by revenue, generating a staggering $9.5 billion. Since its launch in 2008, the IPL’s popularity has soared, with franchises like Mumbai Indians now valued at $1.3 billion. Strategic partnerships with major brands including VIVO, Pepsi, Dream11, and Tata, along with broadcasting deals with Disney+ Hotstar and Viacom 18, have played a key role in driving the league’s financial success.
LEAGUE | NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION |
Sport | Cricket |
Formed | 2008 |
Revenue | $9.5 billion (2023) |
Sponsors | Vivo, Dream 11, Byju’s |
1. National Football League (NFL)
The NFL, the top professional American football league, generated $18 billion in revenue in 2022. Founded in 1920, the league comprises 32 teams, including the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers. Its income primarily comes from broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and ticket sales, with key partners like ESPN, PepsiCo, Nike, and Visa.
LEAGUE | NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION |
Sport | Cricket |
Formed | 2008 |
Revenue | $9.5 billion (2023) |
Sponsors | Vivo, Dream 11, Byju’s |