Sports have an undeniable grip on our global culture, with billions tuning in to watch their favorite games. In the United States, approximately 66% of the population actively engages with sports, a statistic that only hints at the worldwide phenomenon. Over the last fifty years, the number of sports fans has consistently risen, and high-earning athletes now make upwards of $100 million annually. Sports not only provide entertainment but also serve as a platform for socialization, relaxation, and a display of extraordinary talent.

While preferences vary by region—football reigning supreme in America, and soccer dominating in Europe and South America—certain sports have managed to capture global attention. Here’s a breakdown of the most-watched sports around the world:

Understanding Viewership Metrics

When discussing the “most viewed” sports, we focus on the global fanbase rather than metrics like television deals or sponsorship revenues. We consider live audiences, television viewership, and even streaming on various platforms, aggregating these figures to identify true fan engagement.

1. Soccer

Total Fans: 3.5 billion

Soccer holds the title of the world’s most popular sport, with over half the global population tuning in for events like the World Cup. With 250 million players worldwide, its reach extends across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, making it a truly universal game—except for North America.

• Originated in China during the 2nd century.
• Lionel Messi is the highest-paid player, earning around $90 million annually.
• Medieval soccer balls were crafted from inflated pig bladders.

2. Cricket

Total Fans: 2.5 billion

Cricket’s global impact is significant, particularly in countries like India, Pakistan, and Australia. The Cricket World Cup attracts over 200 million viewers, showcasing its popularity despite its minimal presence in the United States. Cricket matches typically involve two teams of eleven players competing to score the most runs.

• The first recorded cricket match took place in 1646.
• A historic match between South Africa and England in 1939 lasted an astonishing nine days.

3. Basketball

Total Fans: 2.4 billion

Emerging as one of the more modern sports, basketball began in the late 19th century and has rapidly gained a strong following, particularly in the USA, Canada, Japan, and China. Its fanbase is expanding quickly, and it’s on track to surpass football in viewership in the United States.

• For the first nine years, slam dunks were considered illegal.
• The shortest NBA player, Muggsy Bogues, stood at 5’3″, while Manute Bol was the tallest at 7’7″.

4. Hockey

Total Fans: 2.2 billion

Hockey exists in two main forms: ice and field. While ice hockey is particularly popular in North America, field hockey enjoys a strong following in countries like India and Pakistan. Though it may not generate revenue like some other sports, hockey maintains a dedicated fanbase and a growing online viewership.

• Early hockey pucks are rumored to have been made from frozen animal waste.
• Pucks are frozen before ice hockey games to minimize bouncing.

5. Tennis

Total Fans: 1 billion

Tennis stands out as an individual sport, with separate competitions for men and women. It garners massive viewership during events like Wimbledon, and has a significant presence in the Olympics. Betting on tennis also contributes to its popularity among sports enthusiasts.

• Wimbledon requires over 24 tons of strawberries for its annual tournament.
• The first female tennis players donned dresses, setting early fashion trends in the sport.

6. Volleyball

Total Fans: 900 million

Volleyball enjoys a unique position as one of the most evenly distributed sports globally. While it may not lead in revenue or viewership compared to others, its Olympic presence has made it widely popular.

• Introduced in the Olympics in 1964.
• The average volleyball player can jump over 300 times in a single match.

7. Table Tennis

Total Fans: 850 million

Table tennis, or ping pong, is widely played but not as highly viewed outside of the Olympics. Its accessibility makes it a favorite pastime in many households.

• China dominates the Olympic table tennis scene, holding a majority of gold medals.
• In the 1970s, ping pong facilitated diplomatic relations between the US and China.

8. Baseball

Total Fans: 500 million

Once America’s favorite pastime, baseball’s popularity has waned in recent years, ceding ground to football and basketball. However, it remains immensely popular in Japan, where it garners the highest television ratings.

• Baseball fans consume over 25.5 million hot dogs during games each year.
• Eddie Gaedel, standing at 3’7″, is known as the shortest player in baseball history.

9. American Football

Total Fans: 410 million

American football is hugely popular in the US but struggles for recognition globally. While it generates substantial revenue, its limited viewership outside the US presents a challenge for international growth.

• Only in the US and Canada is the sport referred to as football.
• It takes 600 cows to produce a season’s worth of NFL footballs.

10. Rugby

Total Fans: 400 million

Rugby, like American football, has roots in soccer and has splintered into various forms. It enjoys a dedicated following in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and France, where it is regularly watched.

• The highest-scoring rugby match occurred in 1995, with New Zealand defeating Japan 145 to 17.
• Italy joined the Rugby Union in 2000, expanding the competition from five to six nations.