The sports sector throughout the world will still be a big money producer in 2025. Every year, billions of money come in from sales of merchandise, broadcast rights, and marketing partnerships. This article is about the 10 sports Competition that are bringing in the greatest money in 2025. It shows you all the games that are popular and produce a lot of money all around the globe. American sports teams are generating a lot of money, and football is the most popular sport in the world. Fans, investors, and sponsors pay a lot of attention to these sports and earn a lot of money.
This ranking is based on fresh information on the size of the market, the amount of money made, the number of people who watch across the world, and the commercial partnerships in a number of leagues and tournaments. We look at how much money each sport makes, focussing on the key sources of revenue, such as broadcast rights, online platforms, stadium attendance, brand advertising, and going global. If you like sports, are a marketer, or simply a spectator, this list of the highest paying sports in 2025 is helpful. It tells you which games are earning the most money. The figures show you which sports are producing the most money this year and provide you an overview of the worldwide sports industry.
Top Ten Sports Competitions With The
Highest Revenue In 2025
10. Ligue 1 (France)
France’s top football league sits at the tenth spot with annual revenues estimated between $2.4 billion and $2.8 billion in 2025. This level of income is driven by a mix of domestic and international broadcast rights, league and club level sponsorship agreements, merchandising sales, and matchday receipts. Clubs such as Paris Saint Germain and Olympique Lyon generate significant commercial value and maintain a strong presence in European competitions. Ligue 1 remains a consistent contributor to the global football economy and a key player in European sport business.
9. Serie A (Italy)
Italy’s premier football competition earns approximately $3.1 billion annually. The league’s revenue comes from TV contracts like Sky Italia and international distribution, major sponsorship deals, merchandise sales, and ticket sales in packed stadiums. Teams such as Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan anchor its financial stability. Serie A continues to be among the top earning football leagues in Europe and contributes to the broader global football revenue landscape.
8. Bundesliga (Germany)
Germany’s Bundesliga ranks eighth with about $4.6 billion in revenue. This performance is supported by strong domestic and international broadcast rights, commercial sponsorship, and matchday income. The league benefits from high average attendance, one of the best in Europe, and financially strong clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Bundesliga remains a key driver in global football revenue rankings for 2025.
7. La Liga (Spain)
Spain’s La Liga is estimated to generate around $5 billion annually. Major elements fueling revenue include international media rights, sponsorships with global brands, merchandise sales, and high matchday income in packed stadiums. Icons like Real Madrid and Barcelona dominate global interest and help La Liga to retain a significant share of global football earnings.
6. NHL (National Hockey League, North America)
The NHL secures the sixth position with approximately $5.5 billion in annual revenue. Income sources include national and regional TV contracts, corporate sponsorships, merchandising and ticket sales. Franchises such as the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers play major roles in league value. While it trails behind the most lucrative American leagues, NHL remains a solid contributor to North American sport business.
5. English Premier League (England)
The Premier League comes in at fifth with about $6 billion in yearly revenue. Its global broadcast footprint, international sponsorship agreements, vast merchandise sales and strong matchday income combine to power its financial standing. Clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City are among the most valuable teams worldwide. EPL continues to dominate the football business world.
4. IPL (Indian Premier League, Cricket)
The IPL ranks fourth with revenues estimated between $9 billion and $10 billion annually despite being a compact seasonal league. Strong media deals—valued at about $6.4 billion for the 2023–2027 cycle—huge sponsorship contracts, digital streaming viewership and merchandising make up its revenue model. Massive domestic and global audiences, along with title sponsorship from major brands, fuel its rapid business growth. In 2025 its valuation reached $18 billion or more, positioning it as one of the world’s most valuable sports leagues.
3. NBA (National Basketball Association)
Basketball’s elite league lands in third place with estimated revenue between $10 billion and $10.5 billion. Its success stems from global broadcast agreements—including new deals around $6.9 billion per year—corporate sponsorships, high merchandise sales, and international expansion. Player endorsements and team valuation growth reflect its global appeal. The NBA’s strong global footprint, particularly in Asia and Europe, further enhances its business influence.
2. MLB (Major League Baseball, North America)
Major League Baseball takes second with annual revenue around $11.5 billion. It relies heavily on regional TV deals, a long regular season with consistently filled stadiums, licensed merchandise and sponsorship arrangements. While team valuations lag behind the NFL or NBA, franchises like the Yankees and Dodgers maintain high income and fan loyalty. MLB faces challenges around revenue sharing and economic reforms, but continues to hold a strong position among top earners.
1. NFL (National Football League, American Football)
At number one stands the NFL with approximately $18 billion in annual revenue in 2025. Broadcast rights across networks and streaming platforms form its primary income stream, supported by Super Bowl advertising, global expansion, corporate sponsorship, merchandising and game‑day sales. The league is on track to reach $25 billion in revenue by 2027 through international scheduling and marketing. Franchises such as the Dallas Cowboys are among the most valuable sports properties on the planet. American football continues to dominate the global sports business landscape.