Sports like football, cricket, and basketball are loved by millions of people. But did you know sports also make a lot of money? Today, sports are not just games — they are big businesses. In 2025, sports leagues around the world are making billions of dollars every year!
In this blog, we will
look at the top 10 richest sports leagues in the world. Let’s find
out which leagues make the most money and how they do it!
1. National Football League (NFL) – $18 Billion
The NFL (National Football League) is the
richest sports league in the world, founded in 1920, featuring 32 teams and
superstar players. With major sponsors like PepsiCo, Nike, and Bud Light, the
NFL earns massive revenue from TV deals, ticket sales, and sponsorships.
Millions of fans watch NFL games, making it one of the most popular sports
leagues globally.
2. Indian Premier League (IPL) – $9 Billion
The Indian Premier
League (IPL) is the richest cricket league in the world, started in 2008,
featuring 10 exciting teams and thrilling matches. Sponsored by big brands like
TATA, Jio, and Dream11, the IPL earns huge money and is loved by fans not just
in India but across the globe, with players earning big salaries.
3. Major League Baseball (MLB) – $11.5 Billion
Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of
America’s top sports leagues, founded in 1876, and features 30 teams across the
country. Backed by big sponsors like Mastercard and Chevrolet, MLB earns major
revenue from games, TV deals, and advertising, with some star players earning
over $30 million a year
4. National Basketball Association (NBA) – $10 Billion
The NBA (National Basketball Association)
is the world’s most popular basketball league, founded in 1946, with 30 teams
and superstar players like LeBron James. Sponsored by major brands like Nike
and Pepsi, the NBA generates huge revenue through fan support, television
deals, and global sponsorships, making it a leader in the world of sports
entertainment.
5. English Premier League (EPL) – £6 Billion
The English Premier League (EPL) is the most watched football (soccer) league in the world, launched in 1992, and features iconic teams like Manchester United and Liverpool. With major sponsors such as Barclays, Nike, and EA Sports, the EPL earns massive revenue from global fans, TV broadcasting rights, and powerful sponsorship deals.
6. National Hockey League (NHL) – $5.5 Billion
The NHL (National
Hockey League) is the top ice hockey league in the United States and Canada,
founded in 1917, and features 32 competitive teams. Sponsored by major brands
like Geico and Honda, the NHL earns billions of dollars through television
rights, ticket sales, and strong partnerships with big companies, making it the
leading force in professional ice hockey.
7. La Liga (Spain) – €4.5 Billion
La Liga is Spain’s
top football (soccer) league, founded in 1929, and is home to legendary clubs
like Real Madrid and Barcelona. With major sponsors such as Santander and Nike,
La Liga earns huge income from global TV rights and a massive fanbase around
the world, making it one of the most popular football leagues on the planet.
8. Bundesliga (Germany) – €4.3 Billion
The
Bundesliga is Germany’s top football (soccer) league, founded in 1962, and is
famous for its packed stadiums and passionate fans. With major sponsors like
Adidas and Deutsche Telekom, the league earns strong revenue from sponsorships
and media broadcast deals, making it one of the most exciting and successful
leagues in the world.
9. Serie A (Italy) – €2.8 Billion
Serie
A is a top football (soccer) league in Italy, started in 1898, and is known for
smart and strong playing styles. Famous teams like AC Milan and Juventus have
made the league popular worldwide. With big sponsors such as TIM and Puma,
Serie A earns a lot of money through television rights and sponsorship deals.
10. UEFA Champions League – €3.5 Billion
The UEFA
Champions League is Europe’s top football (soccer) tournament, launched in
1955, and features the best clubs from across the continent. Sponsored by major
global brands like Heineken and Nissan, the tournament generates massive
revenue through international sponsorship deals and worldwide streaming, making
it one of the most popular and profitable football competitions in the world.
Sports today are about
more than just winning games — they are huge businesses! The richest
sports leagues in 2025 make money from fans, TV rights, and big
companies. Whether it's the NFL, IPL, or the NBA, these leagues show how
powerful and popular sports are around the world.
Data and financial figures in this blog are based on reports and references
from Sports Business Journal, Forbes, Statista, and official league announcements as of
2024–2025
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