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May 14, 20241 - National Football League (NFL)
It's estimated that it dominates the world of sports finances, with approximately $18.6 billion directly linked to the National Football League. Of course, this was fueled by the massive popularity of American football in the U.S., where such TV deals are lucrative and shattering records nowadays.
NFL - Image rawpixel
With a $110 billion contract, it will guarantee billions annually. Packed stadiums also offer an enormous boost, with average ticket sales north of $100 million per game, which is further pushed by concessions and luxury suite sales. An insatiable fan base has driven a billion-dollar merchandise industry, with Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers jersey leading the pack in 2023. The relatively short 17 regular-season game schedule with playoffs forces the stakes higher still.
This, coupled with superstar quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers earning and making unholy amounts in salary and endorsements, makes the league much more expensive. The mean value of a team is $4.8 billion, literally only an NFL franchise owned by the ultra-rich's wildest dreams. The Dallas Cowboys, fronted by star running back Ezekiel Elliot, top the list at an incredible $7.64 billion.
2 - Major League Baseball (MLB)
MLB - Image by Flickr
Major League Baseball is a giant, international sports organization fueled by the past: estimated revenues equal $10.32 billion. Money, in the amount of TV contracts that a company finds lucrative, includes contracts with entities like FOX, ESPN, and TBS, which alone add more than $100 million for the average team in Major League Baseball annually. Iconic venues like Fenway Park (Boston Red Sox) and Wrigley Field (Chicago Cubs) attract large crowds with premium ticket prices over $1,000 for some seats. The league, with all this history and strategic game-playing, is kept afire by players like Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels, who excels as both a pitcher and a hitter.
Owning an MLB franchise may be a small feat, but taking into account that the average franchise value is $2.07 billion, the New York Yankees, with Derek Jeter in their past and Aaron Judge in their present, sit atop the heap at a very cool $6.75 billion.
3 - NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION (NBA)
NBA - Image https://flic.kr/p/cD41P
NBA straddles with the velocity of the game and the power of the star, with revenues crossing the borders to be calculated at $10.58 billion. Its strength in the number of fans following in China, Europe, and other places allows it to transition into new markets with merchandise, broadcasts, and sponsorships. The NBA, like the NFL and MLB, has lucrative television contracts with giants like ESPN, TNT, and ABC. Ticket sales, in addition to the luxury suites in the entertaining atmosphere they help create and the seating configuration they offer, go towards revenue. Financially, one of the main factors for this prosperity is the global appeal of the NBA. Basketball is relatively easy to comprehend and focuses more on individual players like Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks, which creates an emotional attachment from the fans, eventually increasing merchandise sales and viewership.
Managing an NBA team is a dream job for millions and millions of people, considering that the average valuation of an NBA franchise is a whopping $2.2 billion.
Though one of the youngest relative to other leagues in this list, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown to turn itself into a financial giant and be worth around $8.4 billion. Behind IPL is the cricket-crazy nation of India, which was formed in 2008. Of course, big deals in sponsorship by Indian corporations and big television network deals with major Indian television networks ensure billions of dollars in revenue.
4 - Indian Premier League (IPL)
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High-intensity cricket action from players like Virat Kohli attracts great viewership and, consequently, great value in the deals cut. The valuations of IPL franchises, unlike any other league, differ massively depending on the team. For instance, Mumbai Indians are valued at a whopping $8.4 billion, which demonstrates success and a massive fan base.
5 - English Premier League (EPL)
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From the iconic clubs in the league's history, including Manchester United and Liverpool, to its global fan base, there is no reason the EPL's estimated revenue would not be valued at $6.6 billion. Lucrative TV deals with many of the world's broadcasters to ensure that the league and its clubs have a global reach. The revenue is also amply amplified through high ticket prices, some over £200 for the top matches.
