Top 10 Richest Sports Leagues In The World

See, when it comes to the most valuable, richest, and most revenue-collecting sports leagues in the world, most of you would guess that the NFL will be at the top of this list, right? But what about the others? Did you know that a sports league from India is also in the top 5 of this list as per the latest and very recent data? For some reason, if you want to know which sports leagues have made it to this list in 2024, then keep on reading this ranking of the top 10 richest sports leagues in the world as of 2024. Some you’ll be certain of, some will surprise you, and that’s how it is.

1. National Football League (NFL)

Without a single doubt, the National Football League, or NFL, is the biggest sports league on the planet and just so you know, as of 2024, it generated a mind-boggling amount of $13 billion in revenues. The National Football League, which was founded in 1920, currently has 32 teams and has become a major player in the sport’s broadcasting business through contracts with major networks like ESPN and Fox. You may see the previous big number of like $18 billion in revenue back in 2022, but yes, it has taken a dip, but still, the NFL stands as the richest sports league in the entire world, no matter how massive the revenue dip is.

2. Major League Baseball (MLB)

And then in second place in Major League Baseball (MLB) and just so you know, last year it made $11.34 billion. This enterprise has a great history starting from 1876 and has a lot to do with its financial success, such as a 162-game season, a playoff structure, and one of the most famous games in the world, the World Series. Among the other baseball teams, the L.A. Dodgers which bring in $5 billion, from the financial point of view.

3. National Basketball Association (NBA)

The NBA also made $10.58 billion in revenues during the 2022-23 season thus keeping its position as the most profitable sports league in the world and it is often in the top 3 of this list. And sure, it should be pointed out that the League is the main reason that basketball has become the most popular global sport and the NBA is where one can see rich teams like the Golden State Warriors which is valued at $7.56 billion.

4. Indian Premier League (IPL)

Taking the second fourth is the Indian Premier League (IPL), which has changed sports economics, but why’s that though? Well, before IPL even was a sports league, no one could have thought that a cricket sports league would make it this big. But right now, IPL is standing pretty strong on this list with a huge revenue collection of $9.5 billion, can you even believe that? In India, when it is the IPL season, you’ll know how big of a deal it is, that’s how excited everyone is about it over here.

5. English Premier League (EPL)

Without including the English Premier League (EPL), no list of rich sports leagues would be whole and we can’t just skip past this one. With over £7 billion in income for the very recent season, the EPL has grown to be a worldwide symbol from its inception in 1992, that’s what we are pretty certain of. The EPL highlights football teams like Manchester United and Liverpool, you know, the very famous names, using TV arrangements that now bring in more from overseas than home markets.

6. Hockey National League (NHL)

Down on the next spot, we have the National Hockey League (NHL), you know, bringing in $6.43 billion in 2023. With 32 teams, including the most valuable, the New York Rangers, valued at $2.2 billion, known for its strong fan loyalty and historical origins in North America, the NHL sure has significant income sources from large sponsorships from companies like Geico and Honda and TV rights deals with ESPN. Despite being so niche of a sport, the NHL surely has made it big.

7. La Liga Santander

With €5.69 billion in revenues for the 2023–24 season, La Liga, the top football league in Spain, has landed on the seventh spot on this list. With a regional sports league with a revenue this big? Yes, we had to include it in this list. You know, home to legendary teams including Barcelona and Real Madrid, the richest football team in the world at $6.6 billion, La Liga has amassed fortunes on international television rights and well-known partnerships with companies including Santander and Nike.

8. Bundlers

Earning around €4.4 billion in income for the 2022–23 season, Germany’s Bundesliga ranks eighth on this list today. Why, though? Well, just so you know, the Bundesliga, home of FC Bayern Munich, the most valuable team at €3.8 billion, is well-known for its exceptional attendance records, with over 42,000 fans per game on average. On top of that, there are big brand deals that made up a big chunk of that revenue last year.

9. Serie A

Italy’s Serie A came in eighth with €2.9 billion in income during the 2022–23 campaign. You know, having a tradition going back to 1898, Serie A has some of the most legendary teams in Europe, including €1 billion AC Milan, and no one can’t deny that fact. Sure, there was a revenue dip in the last season, but still, we can say for sure that Serie A stays relevant even if it faces financial difficulties.

10. UEFA Champions League

Completing the list is the UEFA Champions League, which brings €3.2 billion in income for the very recent season. And just to give you perfection, top teams from leagues including the EPL, La Liga, and Serie A come together for this elite football event, which continues to draw sponsorship deals from international companies including Heineken and Nissan. So yes, it is that much popular and special.

Conclusion

Sure, the NFL’s revenue collection has gone down a bit, but still, it is one of THE richest sports leagues in the world right now, but others like IPL, MLB, and NBA aren’t very far behind in this race. And to be honest, this list keeps on getting every single year, that’s the best bit about it.