18 Outstanding Sports Industry Revenue Statistics in History

The sports industry is a powerful economic force, contributing significantly to the global economy. Its influence is undeniable, with a demographic encompassing almost every type of individual.

Worldwide, the sports market made $487 billion in 2022, with three of the world’s biggest football clubs, FC Barcelona, FC Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, contributing the most to the market.

Check out these mind-blowing revenue statistics in the sports industry to understand how it navigates to success through challenging times.

Highlights of the Article

• Women’s elite sports will hit the billion-dollar threshold for the very first time.
• Qatar spent $46 billion at the 2022 World Cup to construct and renovate the eight stadiums.
• Nike rules the sports apparel industry with a market share of 38.23%.
• Companies are willing to pay $7 million for a 30-second spot during the Super Bowl commercial break. 
• Tokyo Summer Olympic 2020 gained the most revenue, with $7.6 billion. 
• Germany is the home of the second and third leading sports apparel brands—Adidas and Puma.
• Over 24,244 sports betting businesses contributed to the $242 billion in revenue in 2023.
• Professional players can secure up to $1 billion in sponsorship from a well-known brand.

How Much Revenue Does the Sports Industry Generate?

The sports industry is a vast and diverse market. Different segments contribute to the industry’s total revenue:

• By Type: Spectator Sports, Participatory Sports
• By Revenue Source: Media Rights, Merchandising, Tickets, Sponsorship

Among the segments, participatory sports contribute the most to the market. These sports include golf, bowling, and skiing. The market reached $326.8 billion in 2023, a 4.63% increase compared to 2022. 

Other segments have their fair share of contributions. Keep reading to learn more about how much they contribute to the sports industry.

Sports Industry Revenue Statistics by Year

The economic dip in 2020 due to COVID-19 created over $8.84 billion in revenue losses for sports leagues. Despite the adversity, the industry has thrived and adapted to changing landscapes.  

Globally, sports have always been one of the fastest-growing industries. Billions of dollars are spent in this industry. Hence, thanks to its multifaceted sector, the sports industry has stood the test of time. 

Let’s explore the professional sports revenue statistics throughout the years. 

1. In 2027, the projected value of the global sports market is expected to exceed $623.63 billion.

(Business Research Company, Statista)

The global sports industry suffered greatly, with a 15.37% decrease in its market size in 2020. However, in 2021, the market share bounced back and significantly increased by 13.39%. 

Even with the unceasing Russo-Ukranian war since 2022, the industry has thrived and keeps growing. The market has grown by almost 32% in the three years since the pandemic. 

With increasing popularity and demand, the sports market’s revenue will continuously grow at a CAGR of 5.2%. Its market revenue will reach $623.63 billion in 2027.

2. The global sports media market generated almost $56 billion in 2023.

(Broadband TV News)

The value of global sports media rights has maintained its rising market for three years. In 2023, the revenue increased to $55.99 billion. The market experienced a CAGR of 12.7% from 2019-2023.

By the end of 2024, the global forecast predicts the market will soar with the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris and the UEFA European Championship. The forecast projects that the revenue will exceed $60 billion. 

3. Experts foresee the National Football League to reach a $25 billion revenue by 2027.

(Forbes, Sportsnaut)

The NFL is among the leaders of American television. Most NFL revenue comes directly from TV and streaming partners, generating about 67% of the league’s revenue. In 2023, TV rights alone generated $12.39 billion.

Aside from broadcasting and streaming, the NFL also makes money from merchandise, ticket sales, and sponsorship. With its ever-increasing popularity, the league aims to earn $25 billion in revenue by 2027. 

Did You Know?

In 2023, seven of the top ten most valuable sports teams were from the NFL. The combined worth of the sports team is $48.3 billion. Dallas Cowboys owns the top spot at $9 billion. 

4. The 2020 Summer Olympics yielded a massive revenue of $7.6 billion. 

(Statista, IOC, Front Offices Sports)

The Olympics have benefited from the digital age. The 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics accumulated 3 billion unique viewers across TV and digital platforms for the 17-day event.

The total generated revenue was worth $7.6 billion. Broadcasting rights are the main driver, accounting for 61%. Next, the marketing right takes over 30% of the revenue.

Fun Fact

The 2014 Sochi Olympics is still the most expensive Olympic Games ever. The hosting nation spent around $2 billion in security alone, a total expenditure of $59.7 billion.

5. Women’s sports will generate $1.3 billion for the first time in 2024.

(Deloitte, Parity)

Undeniably, men’s sports dominate the sports industry. It overshadows women’s sports, which only receive 4% of total media coverage. However, in 2023, the media coverage grew to 15%. 

Commercial deals are the main drivers of the industry, followed by broadcasting rights. The exposure paves the way for the industry, resulting in a fan and investor engagement surge. 

In 2024, the industry will have a 32.52% increase compared to the previous year. Women’s professional sports revenue will reach a billion-dollar threshold for the first time.

The three drivers of this growth are the following:

• Commercial Revenue: $696 million
• Broadcast Revenue: $340 million
• Gameday: $240 million

6. FIFA anticipates to produce $11 billion in the 2023-2026 cycle.

(Sports Value)

FIFA, the wealthiest sports organization worldwide, recorded the highest revenue since 2002, generating around $7.6 billion in 2023.

Side Note

The popularity of FIFA is evidence of how beloved the sport of Football is on a global scale. Many consider Soccer/Football the most played and followed sports worldwide.

 

Fans credit factors such as the competitive nature, exciting plays, and low-scoring yet high-stakes premise of the game as to why it is so beloved.

During 2022, FIFA television broadcasting rights contributed the largest share, at $3.43 billion. The 2022 season was also the most-watched edition, with over five billion viewers. 

Marketing rights are the second source of income. FIFA successfully sold all available sponsorship packages, generating 1.8 billion in the 2019–2022 cycle.

With the event’s success concerning revenue and viewership, the organization has set a goal for the 2026 World Cup, aiming to generate over $11 billion.  

Fun Fact

For the first time in history, FIFA World Cup 2026 has three host nations: Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

 

This premise means that Mexico has won the bid for FIFA World Cup hosting duties three times, the most bidding wins yet.

Sports Industry Revenue by Country Statistics

The world loves sports. Billions of people of every nationality and ethnicity participate in their favorite sports. Whether a player or a fan, sports participation grows with more exposure in this modernized world.

People’s obsession with sports is evident, especially in international events like the Olympics. Over 200 nations compete in the Olympics to take home medals, bringing more light to sports and boosting revenue.

Fun Fact

The United States has the most Olympic medals. As of 2023, the country has a total of 3,105 medals:
🥇Gold: 1,229
🥈Silver: 1,000
🥉Bronze: 876

The statistics listed below will give you insights into the country’s participation in sports. You will also learn some sports industry facts and highlights per country.  

7. North America contributed 16.4% to the global sports market in 2023.

 (Business Research Company, Statista, Sports Business Journal)`

The global sports market increased to $512.14 billion in 2023. It grew by around 5.25% compared to the previous year.

Among the biggest contributors to the market is North America. The region generated around $84 billion in gross revenue in 2023, accounting for 16.4% of the global sports market.

The popular sports in the region are as follows:

• American Football (NFL) – $11.98 billion
• Basketball (NBA) – $10.58 billion
• Baseball (MLB) – $10.32 billion

Over 70% of North America’s Gen Z and Millenials in the spectator segment prefer watching sports digitally. This preference increased the region’s broadcasting market value by up to 37.5% in 2022.

Fun Fact

Although baseball is deemed America’s pastime, American Football has gained much popularity. A regular NFL season averages around 17 million TV and digital media viewers annually.

8. China leads the global sports equipment market, with an expected $40.13 billion in 2024. 

(Statista)

The demand for sports equipment increases as the sports market grows. As the player base grows, so does the need for more sporting gear and supplies, which people buy and sell.

Experts forecast this rise in demand to result in a $172 billion revenue growth for the global sports equipment revenue by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 5.86% until 2028. 

China emerges as the main contributor to the sports market. The country’s population produces $40.13 billion in revenue, primarily because the government promotes physical fitness.

Side Note

Aside from physical sports, China also thrives in revenue concerning its+ eSports sector.

 

The “Red Dragon Nation” holds the largest eSports market globally, with a $10 billion revenue during the first half of 2023.

9. Germany housed two global sports footwear industry giants in 2022, contributing $18 billion in combined revenue.

(Statista, All Top Everything)

The US generates the highest revenue in the Sports Footwear industry, which experts project to produce $15.37 billion in 2024.

Nike, a US brand, rules the market. On the other hand, Germany owns the second and third spots–Adidas and Puma. Presented below are the revenue of the three global sports brand giants in 2022:

• Nike: $29.14 billion
• Adidas: $13.24 billion 
• Puma: $4.61 billion

Despite two of the most prominent brands originating from Germany, the country’s sports footwear market must catch up, accounting for only $1.97 billion in 2024.

However, experts project the market to experience annual growth of 3.78% from 2024 to 2028.

Side Note

One factor driving Germany’s sports footwear industry is the country’s love for sports and sports betting. Around 14.31% of the country’s citizens partake in sports betting once a month.

10. Europe dominates the sports technology industry, accounting for over 35.7% of the market share. 

(Spherical Insights)

Over time, the sports industry has evolved. Integrating technology into sports has enhanced players’ performance, increasing the demand for technology-based services. 

In 2022, global sports technology was valued at $20.13 billion, a catapult growth of 65.14% from the previous year. The main driver of the industry is Europe, boasting over 35.7% market share.

Worldwide, the sports technology industry will continue to grow until 2032, with an annual growth rate of 14.27%. 

Fun Fact

Smart Stadium technology is prominent in Europe. Among the most advanced smart stadiums worldwide is the Allianz Arena Stadium.

 

The stadium has a retractable roof, a 75,000 seating capacity, and a dynamic LED lighting system that adjusts its colors depending on the teams playing.

11. Qatar Sports Events market generated nearly $30 billion during the 2022 World Cup.

(Forbes, Statista)

Qatar was the hosting nation for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The country built seven spectacular stadiums for the event, with a total spending value of almost $10 billion. 

While the event had passed, the infrastructure remained. Despite being among the many countries that outlaw sports betting, Qatar has eight stadiums catering to hundreds of thousands, highlighting their love for sports.

These eight stadiums can be a venue for any sports event. In 2024, Qatar’s Sports Events market will continue to expand, with a penetration rate of 9% and an increase of 18.14% from 2022 to 2024.

12. The 2023 Cricket World Cup in India accumulated over $2.6 billion in revenue. 

(Statista, Online Manipal)

For the first time, India hosted the Cricket World Cup solely in 2023. The highly anticipated men’s cricket event boosted the country’s economy, from tourism to sports. 

India accumulated over $2.6 billion by hosting the Cricket World Cup. The event’s success has led the country’s sports events market to grow, with a CAGR of 2.72%.

In 2024, the revenue would reach $1.06 billion. The market volume continues to grow until 2028, projecting $1.18 billion.

Fun Fact

India is home to one of the top Cricket leagues worldwide, the Indian Premier League. The league hosts many of the sport’s most incredible talents and matches globally.IPL produce around $8.4 Billion in brand value in 2022.

Figures Behind The Sports Industry Revenue Growth and Trends

Keeping up with the latest trends is essential since traditional experiences have blended with digital. The sports industry constantly evolves, with innovative ideas and shifting consumer preferences.

One of the booming trends is eSports. The industry generated $1.38 billion in 2022, with South Korea as the global powerhouse in the eSports market. 

Aside from eSports, this section tackles some transformative sports trends that shaped the industry. You will also learn how much money the sports industry has gained from them. 

Fun Fact

Michael Jordan invested $26 million into eSports in 2018, putting a major stake in a startup called aXiomatic Gaming.

 

The company owns Team Liquid, one of the most valuable eSports teams worldwide. 

13. In 2023, Nike and Adidas generated nearly $76 billion in combined revenue, leading the sports apparel market.

(Startup Talky, Statista)

In 2023, the sports apparel market was valued at $213.2 billion. The growing fitness awareness has driven the market to increase remarkably.

The two leading brands are Nike and Adidas. However, it is undeniable that Nike is the market leader, bagging 38.24% of the market share in 2023, while Adidas holds 16.77%, a 21.46% gap.  

Aside from the apparel, both companies have been competing in sports sponsorship. This aggressive marketing strategy will help the market grow until 2030, with a value of $293.73%.

14. Global Fitness Tracker is set to reach $200.56 million by 2032.

(Fortune Business Insights, Spherical Insights) 

The adoption of fitness monitoring devices increased during the pandemic. Among these devices are wearable technology and sensors, which players use to track their health and activity.

With the rising demand, fitness trackers’ garnered a 39.2% market share in 2023. The annual growth rate of 16.5% will result in exponential market growth from $43.71 billion in 2022 to $210.89 billion in 2032.

Fun Fact

On September 16, 2022, the Apple Watch Series 8 was released with best-in-class health features, including a revolutionary temperature sensor that enables the following:🏃🏻‍♀️ Additional features for women’s health📳 Crash Detection for serious car crashes🔋 An all-day, 18-hour battery life 

15. Despite not being legal to all, sports betting has had an 184.71% increase since the market dip.

(Global Data, Statista, Straits Research) 

Sports betting is legal in only 30 countries, each with complex laws and regulations. Despite being legalized in 15% of the total countries in the world, the global market remains flourishing, thanks to the 24,244 active sportsbooks.

In 2023, the market experienced an 184.71% increase since the dip during the pandemic. Online sports betting plays a role in the exponential growth. Notably, three regions boosted the industry:

• Europe: contributes to the largest market, with more than 35% in 2022.
• Asia-Pacific: fastest-growing market at an annual rate of 14.9% in 2024.
• Australia: generates the highest online revenue, amounting to $9.76 billion in 2024. 

The table below shows the 5-year market size of the sports betting industry.

Did You Know?

Football tops the famous sports betting market, accounting for more than 24% of the market share in 2022.

16. Sports sponsorship worldwide was worth $105.47 billion.

(Statista, Pitch)

Professional players can often secure billion-dollar sponsorship deals. These deals include but are not limited to, digital advertisement, matchday programs, and engagement events.

Undeniably, sponsorships contribute largely to sports revenue, serving as a significant revenue source for the market. In fact, sports sponsorships produced $105.47 billion in 2023. 

The industry will continue to expand, accounting for an annual increase of 8.68%. By 2030, the global Sports Sponsorship market will reach $189.54 billion. 

Fun Fact 

Michael Jordan is still amongst the best-paid athletes, earning a $3.3 billion inflation-adjusted income from various endorsements and his stake in multiple sports teams and businesses.

 

Despite having been retired for over two decades, many people still regard Jordan as the GOAT of Basketball and the most outstanding athlete in history due to his countless feats and achievements in sports.

17. In 2023, a 30-second ad spot for the Super Bowl cost advertisers around $7 million.

(Front Office Sports, The Street)

The Super Bowl is the most-followed sporting event in the US. The “Big Game” allows advertisers to sell to over 113 million viewers. Not only that, the stadiums can accommodate up to 100,000 live crowds.

Despite the 30-second ad cost of $7 million, more companies are still willing to advertise their brands. In 2022, approximately 70 ads were shown, generating $578.4 million in Super Bowl revenue.  

Did You Know?

In Super Bowl LVI, Amazon earned the title of the top ad spender. The company invested $32 million to promote its products.

18. The Sports NFT market was valued at $1.4 billion in 2021 due to increased demand.

(Bankless Times, Market Decipher, One37pm)

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) in sports are digital assets that allow fans to acquire rights to their favorite sports, players, and teams. These sports NFTs can be either of the following: 

• Memorabilia
• Trading Cards
• Audio/Video Clips
• Sports Kits

NFT rose to fame in 2021. In the same year, sports NFTs reached a market value of $1.4 billion. With the digital trend, the market doubled to $2.6 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow annually at 36.3%.

The enormous price Sports NFTs sell at is a testament to their value to people. For example, the Statue of Lebron NFT sold for $21.6 million, the most expensive sports NFT ever sold.

Below are the top 5 most expensive sports NFTs in history in 2023:

1. Statue of LeBron – $21.6 million
2. MLB Champions Brett Gardner – $21.28 million
3. Jermall Charlo: Lions Only Gold Ultimate – $19.1 million
4. Michael Jordan SportPunk – $5.06 million
5. Rare Diego Maradona – $43 million

Fun Fact

NBA Top Shot is one of the first major sports NFT platforms launched in 2020. It transforms and sells sports footage into digital collectibles.

 

In February 2021, NBA Top Shot generated a monthly sales of over $224 million.

Bottom Line

The sports market is a massive industry that generates billions of dollars in revenue. It has a dynamic field with diverse sectors that shape and contribute to the market.

With technological advancements and changing trends, the industry continuously evolves, providing more exposure, engagement, and opportunities.

As a result, despite facing challenges, the sports industry has proven resilient. The industry continues to innovate in equipment, clothing, and events, providing new avenues for market growth.