NFL vs IPL vs NBA: Top 10 highest-earning sports leagues ranked

Sports leagues across the world make billions every year, but some stand far above the rest. One sport in the U.S. keeps breaking all money records, while others like cricket and football (soccer) are catching up fast.

The list of the highest-earning leagues shows just how big the business of sports has become. Let’s look at which leagues are making the most and why.

1. National Football League (NFL) makes the most at $18 billion a Year

In the United States, the National Football League (NFL) generates more revenue than any other professional sports league in the world. The league will generate around $18 billion in cumulative revenue in 2024 alone from the insane amounts of money it is receiving from television rights, especially CBS, NBC, FOX and ESPN.

According to a Forbes report, the Super Bowl, which is played during the month of February, generates more than $600 million.

2. Major League Baseball (MLB) comes second with $11.5 billion

The MLB schedules more than 2,400 games every year, and these games generate large revenues from ticket sales, media rights, and sponsors. Statista reports that the league makes approximately $11.5 billion annually. There are baseball fans in America who have followed the sport for 100 years.

Their devotion to the game fills parks and drives ratings for televised games.

3. National Basketball Association (NBA) makes $10.5 billion and is growing quickly

According to CNBC, the NBA makes about $10.5 billion per year and continues to grow. The league attracts a massive international fan base, especially China, Europe, and Africa, and increasing numbers as well. Stars like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Giannis Antetokounmpo attract big audiences. There is a new TV deal that will come by 2025, which will add not only could revenue for the league.

4. Indian Premier League (IPL) stands at $9–10 billion over a short cycle

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the richest cricket league in the world. It only runs for two months a year, and with media rights bubbling close to $10 billion in its media cycle. As reported by the BCCI, its media rights for 2023-2027, sold for over $6.2 billion. Teams such as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings regularly pull in impressive crowds, in stadiums and on screens alike.

5. English Premier League (EPL) makes $6 billion a year through global viewers

The English Premier League is football's biggest money maker. In addition to clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool, the EPL has a total value of $6 billion in a year. The league sells broadcast rights to clubs all around the globe. The Premier League has fans not only in these countries, but also in Asia, Africa, and America,

6. NHL – $5.5 Billion Per Year

The National Hockey League (NHL) is popular mainly in the U.S.

and Canada. It earns about $5.5 billion each year. Hockey has a strong fan base, especially during the playoffs. The league’s earnings come from TV rights, ticket sales, and partnerships.

7. La Liga (Spain) – $5 Billion Per Year

La Liga, Spain’s top football league, makes around $5 billion annually. It is home to some of the world’s biggest clubs, like Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. The league earns from broadcasting deals, global fan interest, and sponsorships.

Its strong international appeal keeps its numbers high.

8. Bundesliga (Germany) – $4.6 Billion Per Year

Germany’s Bundesliga brings in $4.6 billion each year. It is known for its high attendance, affordable ticket prices, and top clubs like Bayern Munich. The league is well managed and earns from both domestic and global TV rights.

9. Serie A (Italy) – $3.1 Billion Per Year

Italy’s Serie A used to be the top football league years ago. Now, it makes around $3.1 billion per year. The arrival of big players like Cristiano Ronaldo helped it regain attention.

It still lags behind others in marketing and global reach.

10. Ligue 1 (France) – $2.4–2.8 Billion Per Year

Ligue 1 is France’s top football league. It makes between $2.4 to $2.8 billion yearly. The global fame of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and new foreign investments have helped. But it still struggles with lower TV rights and less exposure outside Europe.The NFL plays fewer games but earns the most money. That makes it extremely valuable per game. The IPL, with only two months of matches, also makes a huge amount per match.In contrast, MLB plays thousands of games a year. So, while it earns a lot, each individual game brings in less money compared to NFL or IPL matches.Also Read: Kansas City Chiefs’ Star Patrick Mahomes’ Childhood Home Hits Market Struggle Despite Randi Mahomes’ Massive Price SlashThe NBA and EPL are the most popular globally. NBA stars are known everywhere. Soccer clubs from the EPL have fans in Asia, Africa, and America.Leagues like the NFL and MLB have limited reach outside the U.S. On the other hand, La Liga, Serie A, and Bundesliga are loved mostly by football fans in Europe and Latin America.