The richest and most valuable sports leagues in the world earn billions every year through TV deals, brand sponsorships, and global fan support. Leading the list are the Indian Premier League (IPL), National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), and the English Premier League (EPL).
With fan bases across continents, the business of sports has evolved into a multibillion-dollar sector. The global sports market rose from $486.61 billion in 2021 to $512.14 billion in 2023, and is projected to exceed $700 billion by 2026.
These leagues stand out for their massive popularity and strong business models. Whether it’s cricket in India or football in the U.S. and Europe, each league attracts millions of fans and big brands, making them some of the most valuable sports leagues in the world today.
Most Valuable Sports Leagues in the World: IPL Overtakes NFL in 2025
| Rank | League | Revenue (est.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IPL | $18.5 billion | Fast growth, highest per-match value |
| 2 | NFL | $18 billion+ media revenue | Broadcast deals dominate |
| 3 | MLB | $11.3–11.5 billion | High local broadcasting |
| 4 | NBA | $10–10.5 billion | Global TV rights |
| 5 | EPL | $7.5 billion | International rights booming |
| 6 | NHL | $5.5–6 billion | U.S./Canada regional strength |
| 7 | La Liga | ~$4.9 billion | Consistent viewership |
| 8 | Bundesliga | ~$4.8 billion | Highest stadium attendance |
| 9 | Serie A | ~$3 billion | Stable TV deals |
| 10 | UEFA Champions League | ~$3.8 billion | Top European club competition |
1. Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Sport: Cricket
- Formed: 2008
- Revenue: $18.5 billion (2025)
- Top Sponsors: TATA, Jio, Dream11
In 2025, the Indian Premier League (IPL) officially became the most valuable sports league in the world, surpassing even the NFL. The league, launched in 2008, has turned cricket into a global money machine, mixing sports and entertainment like no other. With a jaw-dropping revenue of $18.5 billion, the IPL now sits at the top of the global sports industry.
Highlights:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru brand value: $269 million
- Broadcast rights (2023-2027): $6.2 billion, surpassing Disney Star’s hold
- Player average salary: $5.3 million/year
2. National Football League (NFL)
- Sport: American Football
- Formed: 1920
- Revenue: $18 billion (2024)
- Top Sponsors: PepsiCo, Nike, Verizon, Bud Light
The NFL is in the second place global sports industry with $18 billion in revenue for 2025. Its franchises dominate in terms of value and stadium infrastructure, with 29 of the world’s 50 most expensive stadiums. The Dallas Cowboys alone are worth $10.32 billion.
Key Facts:
- Primary income from broadcasting deals (ESPN, Fox, NBC)
- Partnerships with major global brands (Nike, Visa, Pepsi)
- On track for $25 billion annual revenue by 2027
3. Major League Baseball (MLB)
- Sport: Baseball
- Formed: 1876
- Revenue: $11.5 billion (2024)
- Top Sponsors: Chevrolet, Mastercard, Nike
MLB ranks third with a revenue of $11.5 billion, rebounding strongly post-COVID. It remains America’s oldest professional sports league.
Notables:
- Aaron Judge: $360M, 9-year contract (Yankees)
- 30 teams, 162 games/season
- Average player salary: $4.9 million
4. National Basketball Association (NBA)
- Sport: Basketball
- Formed: 1946
- Revenue: $10 billion (2024)
- Top Sponsors: Nike, Pepsi, State Farm
The NBA’s value and popularity have surged globally. With $10 billion revenue, the league now averages a team valuation of $3 billion.
Standouts:
- Golden State Warriors valuation: $7.56 billion
- Jersey partnerships and global media deals = major revenue boosters
5. English Premier League (EPL)
- Sport: Football (Soccer)
- Formed: 1992
- Revenue: £6 billion (2024)
- Top Sponsors: Barclays, Nike, EA Sports
The EPL is the top football league in England, pulling in around £6 billion annually. Manchester United and Liverpool drive massive global fan engagement.
Growth Drivers:
- Broadcast rights (Sky, BT Sport, Amazon)
- International TV revenue exceeds domestic deals for the first time
- Total club value: $30.3 billion
6. National Hockey League (NHL)
- Sport: Ice Hockey
- Formed: 1917
- Revenue: $5.5 billion (2024)
- Top Sponsors: Geico, Honda, Budweiser
The NHL, North America’s premier ice hockey league, pulled in $5.5 billion. With 32 teams, the league remains a staple in U.S. and Canadian sports.
Key Facts:
- Rangers top-valued team: $2.2 billion
- Expanded ESPN deal & new team (Seattle Kraken) boost revenue
7. La Liga Santander
- Sport: Football
- Formed: 1929
- Revenue: €4.5 billion (2024)
- Top Sponsors: Santander, Nike, Puma
Spain’s premier football league, home to Real Madrid and Barcelona, ranks seventh globally.
Financial Highlights:
- Real Madrid valuation: $6.6 billion
- 20 teams, 38 games/season
- Sponsorship income: $930M+
8. Bundesliga (Germany)
- Sport: Football
- Formed: 1962
- Revenue: €4.3 billion (2024)
- Top Sponsors: Adidas, Deutsche Telekom
The Bundesliga is Germany’s top-tier football league and the most attended league worldwide.
Insights:
- FC Bayern Munich valuation: €3.8 billion
- Avg. attendance: 42,700+ per game
- Domestic TV rights: €1.1 billion/year
9. Serie A (Italy)
- Sport: Football
- Formed: 1898
- Revenue: €2.8 billion (2024)
- Top Sponsors: TIM, Puma, Coca-Cola
Italy’s top-flight league is known for tactical football and legendary clubs like AC Milan and Juventus.
Media Facts:
- AC Milan valuation: €1 billion
- Broadcast deals with DAZN & Sky Italia
- 3-year revenue: €262.5 million
10. UEFA Champions League
- Sport: Football (Club Competition)
- Formed: 1955
- Revenue: €3.5 billion (2024)
- Top Sponsors: Heineken, Nissan, Gazprom
Europe’s elite club competition, the UEFA Champions League, concludes the top 10. With top clubs from EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, and more, it delivers elite-level football.
Financials:
- Manchester City squad value: €4.1 billion
- Long-term broadcast deals with DAZN
- Revenue growth expected with new competition formats
These leagues not only dominate in viewership and stadium attendance, but also reflect the financial backbone of global sports. From cricket’s IPL to the NFL’s billion-dollar empire, the sports industry continues to thrive across continents.
