A lot of controversies has always ensured as various fans argue on which is the most expensive sports. While many sports require significant financial investment, only a select few offer equally lucrative rewards.
In this article by Sports Buddy, we’ll rank the top 10 most expensive sports based on their potential financial rewards, from prize money to sponsorship deals, and career opportunities.
Let’s explore which sports offer the highest returns for those who succeed at the highest level.
10. Sailing ($500,000 to $5 million)
Sailing may offer prestige for competition at different levels but the prize money is usually not substantial compared to the expenses involved.
In high profile events such as the Americas Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race, prize pools can vary from $500,000 to $5 million based on sponsorship agreements and team performance.
The true financial benefits come from lucrative sponsorship deals with luxury brands like Rolex, Prada and Louis Vuitton. Additionally top sailors often pursue careers in yacht design, coaching and consulting after their racing days which can be quite profitable.
Estimated yearly earnings for athletes range from $500,000 to $5 million, including sponsorships.
9. Competitive Alpine Skiing ($1 million to $10 million)
High level skiers have the chance to earn money through their sport especially when they compete in events like the Winter Olympics or the World Cup. The prize money for these competitions can vary widely reaching anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000 per event.
Renowned skiers such as Mikaela Shiffrin and Marcel Hirscher can rack up millions each year not from competition prizes alone but also through sponsorship deals with well known brands like Red Bull, Audi and Atomic.
In addition to their earnings from races, successful skiers often boost their income through endorsements. Some even explore coaching roles to further expand their financial prospects making it one of the most expensive sports.
Estimated yearly income, for top skiers ranges from $1 million to $10 million when factoring in endorsements.
8. Yachting ($2 million to $15 million)
Another sport on the most expensive sports list is yachting. Participating in yachting, one of the sports comes with a high prestige. However it also presents sailors the chance to reap substantial rewards.
The esteemed Americas Cup, recognized yacht races worldwide, offers a prize pool that can soar up to $10 million for the victorious team.
Beyond the cash prizes, accomplished sailors often secure lucrative sponsorship agreements with renowned brands such as Omega, Louis Vuitton and Land Rover.
Moreover top yacht owners and captains have opportunities to establish lasting careers in yacht design, event management or private charters, potentially leading to financial gains.
Estimated annual income for athletes ranges from $2 million to $15 million, including sponsorships.
7. Ice Hockey($2 million to $20 million)
Ice hockey presents opportunities for financial success, particularly in leagues like the NHL. Elite players can rake in salaries ranging from $1 million to $15 million per season with stars such as Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews commanding nearly $13 million annually making it one of the most expensive sports.
Moreover these top athletes often secure endorsement deals with brands in sports equipment, energy drinks and athletic apparel.
Even after retirement, players can continue to earn through coaching positions or media engagements. The allure of contracts worth millions over the term solidifies ice hockey’s reputation as a rewarding sport.
Estimated yearly earnings for athletes, $2 million to $20 million (including endorsements).
6. Tennis($5 million and $50 million)
Tennis provides players with lucrative rewards making it one of the most expensive sports. With prize money up for grabs at the four Grand Slam tournaments; Wimbledon, the US Open, the Australian Open and the French Open.
Champions of these tournaments can pocket up to $3 million each event while those ranked lower may receive amounts.
For instance in 2023 both Novak Djokovic and Iga Świątek bagged $3 million for their victories at the US Open.
Additionally, endorsement deals play a significant role in players’ earnings, with stars like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams raking in tens of millions annually through collaborations with brands such as Nike, Rolex and Uniqlo.
The estimated yearly income range for athletes is between $5 million and $50 million, including endorsements.
5. Golf ($5 million to $50 million)
Golf is a sport where top players can earn rewards. Prestigious tournaments such as The Masters, The Open Championship and the PGA Championship offer prize money ranging from $1.5 million to $3.6 million for the winner.
In addition to tournament winnings, elite golfers also land endorsement deals with brands like Titleist, TaylorMade and Rolex.
For instance in 2023 renowned players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy were reported to make between $20 million and $50 million annually through a combination of tournament prizes and sponsorships.
Moreover successful golfers often enjoy careers extending their potential lifetime earnings.
The estimated annual income for athletes, in this field ranges from $5 million to $50 million including endorsements consequently making it one of the most expensive sports.
4. Motor Racing (Formula 1, NASCAR, etc.) ($10 million to $70 million)
Motor racing is a sport that offers rewards with top athletes making significant amounts of money through prize money, salaries and sponsorships.
In Formula 1 for instance, drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen can rake in as much as $50 million each year from their contracts with teams like Mercedes and Red Bull along with additional earnings from races.
Moreover endorsement partnerships with renowned brands like Puma, Tommy Hilfiger and Mercedes Benz can further boost their income. Similarly in NASCAR leading drivers like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin command salaries ranging from $10 million to $15 million annually.
Overall the estimated yearly earnings for these top athletes span from $10 million to $70 million when factoring in endorsements.
3.Basketball ($50 million to $100 million)
Another one of the most expensive sports; basketball, especially the NBA, is a sport that offers great financial rewards. Star athletes like LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant make between $40 million and $60 million a year in salaries.
With the NBA’s salary cap, players can secure contracts worth hundreds of millions over multiple years. Additionally endorsements play a role in players income.
For instance LeBron James earns over $90 million annually through partnerships with brands like Nike, Beats by Dre and Coca Cola. Endorsement deals for players typically range from $10 million to $50 million per year.
Moreover NBA stars often receive bonuses for playoff success and other accomplishments. Many also invest in media ventures such as production companies and sponsorship driven projects to further increase their earnings.
Consequently elite basketball players can anticipate yearly earnings ranging, from $50 million to $100 million when combining salaries, endorsements and various revenue streams.
2. Football ($50 million and $150 million)
Football, being the sport globally offers players substantial financial rewards. Stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé consistently rank among the highest paid athletes with annual salaries ranging from $50 million to $100 million based solely on club contracts.
For instance Messi’s deal with Inter Miami includes a salary and a revenue sharing agreement based on MLS broadcasting deals.
Furthermore footballers earn through endorsements with Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar each making between $20 million to $50 million annually from partnerships with brands like Adidas, Nike and Pepsi.
The sport also involves transfer fees where top players can command over $100 million. Additionally these players often receive signing bonuses, boosting their overall earnings.
In total football offers players the opportunity to earn between $50 million and $150 million annually by considering salaries, endorsements and bonuses.
1. Boxing (Professional and Combat Sports) ($50 million to $300 million)
Boxing, the highest in our most expensive sports list is a sport that offers financial rewards with elite fighters raking in hundreds of millions from prize money and pay per view (PPV) agreements. Iconic matchups like Floyd Mayweather’s clash with Manny Pacquiao in 2015 have generated over $200 million in a single night.
Fighters incomes are boosted by PPV splits, ticket sales and endorsements. Stars like Canelo Alvarez, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua consistently earn between $30 million and $80 million per fight depending on the events scale. Moreover top boxers often land sponsorship deals with sports apparel brands, energy drinks and fitness companies.
The estimated annual earnings for athletes range from $50 million to $300 million, including PPV and sponsorships.
