Top 15 Most Popular Sports in the World 2024

Sports have always been an integral part of human culture and society. From ancient times to the modern era, sports have been a way for people to come together and compete in various physical activities. In 2024, the world has seen a rise in the popularity of sports, with millions of people tuning in to watch their favourite teams and athletes. In this article, we will discuss the top 15 most popular sports in the world based on their fan base, revenue, and global reach.

These sports have a massive following worldwide with millions of fans tuning in to watch their favourite teams and athletes compete. From the World Cup to the Olympics, these sports have become a global phenomenon bringing people together from all walks of life.

Top 15 Sports in the World 2024

Rank	Name of the sport	Viewership (Approximate)
1	Soccer (Association Football)	3.5 Billion
2	Cricket	2.5 Billion
3	Hockey (Including Ice Hockey and Field Hockey)	2.1 Billion
4	Tennis	1.2 Billion
5	Volleyball (Including Beach Volleyball)	1 Billion
6	Table Tennis	900 Million
7	Basketball	850 Million
8	Baseball	810 Million
9	Rugby (Including League Rugby and Union Rugby)	560 Million
10	Golf	475 Million
11	Boxing	450 Million
12	Formula 1	410 Million
13	American Football	380 Million
14	Cycling	350 Million
15	Track and field	300 Million

List of World’s Popular Sports 2024

Soccer (Association Football)

Soccer, also known as association football, is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is played by over 250 million players in more than 200 countries making it the most widely played and watched sport on the planet.

There are various reasons for the popularity of soccer. Firstly, it is one of the most accessible sports. All you need is a ball and a flat surface to play it. Furthermore, soccer has a rich history and culture that spans centuries and continents. It’s a sport that has the power to inspire, unite, and bring people together in ways that few other things can.

Check the List of Most Dangerous Sports in the World

Cricket

Cricket is a sport that has been around for centuries and has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. It is extremely popular in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, England, Australia, South Africa, and the West Indies.

With the advent of modern technology, cricket has become more accessible than ever before with live streaming, highlights, and social media allowing fans across the world to follow their favourite teams and players. The popularity of cricket is only set to grow in the coming years with new leagues and formats being introduced to attract younger audiences.

Hockey (Including Ice Hockey and Field Hockey)

Hockey, both ice hockey and field hockey, is a popular sport played globally and enjoyed by millions of fans. Ice hockey is a staple of winter sports in many countries but particularly popular in Canada and the United States where it is often considered the national sport.

On the other hand, field hockey, a sport played on grass or artificial turf, is enjoyed in many countries. It is amazingly popular in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Known for its strategic gameplay and finesse, field hockey requires a high level of skill, teamwork, and endurance. Both ice hockey and field hockey have gained popularity due to the excitement that the sport brings.

Tennis

Tennis is a sport that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world. With its fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and intense rivalries, tennis has become one of the most popular sports in the world.

From the grass courts of Wimbledon to the hard courts of the US Open, tennis tournaments attract massive crowds and millions of viewers every year. Another reason for tennis’ popularity is its international appeal. Tennis tournaments are held all across the globe, from the United States to Europe to Asia and beyond. This allows people from all over the world to come together and enjoy the sport they love.

Volleyball (Including Beach Volleyball)

Volleyball has become an increasingly popular sport worldwide with both indoor and beach variations gaining significant attention. The sport was first introduced in 1895 by William G. Morgan in Massachusetts. But, it wasn’t until the 1964 Tokyo Olympics that it became an official Olympic sport. Since then, the sport has grown in popularity and is now played in over 200 countries. Check highest paid Sports in the World

Beach volleyball, in particular, has gained a significant following in recent years. It was introduced as an Olympic sport in 1996 and has since become extremely famous due to its fast nature and exciting matches. The sport is played on sand which adds an extra level of difficulty for players but also makes for a visually stunning spectacle.

Table Tennis

Table Tennis, also known as Ping Pong, is a sport that has been growing in popularity over the years. It is a fast-paced and exciting game that requires quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and a lot of strategy. The game is played on a small table with a net dividing the playing area in half.

The sport has a long history, with the first Table Tennis tournaments being held in the early 1900s. Since then, Table Tennis has grown in popularity all around the world, with millions of people playing the game in their homes, at clubs, and in professional tournaments.

Basketball

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world with millions of fans and players across the globe. One of the reasons for basketball’s popularity is its accessibility. All you need is a ball and a hoop making it easy for people of all ages and skill levels to play.

The sport is played in countries all over the world from the United States to China. It has a large following among fans of all ages. The NBA, or National Basketball Association, is one of the most watched sports leagues in the world with millions of fans tuning in to watch the games each season.

Baseball

Baseball has been a beloved sport in the world for over a century. From the early days of the professional leagues to today’s modern game, baseball has captivated audiences with its unique mix of strategy, athleticism, and teamwork. It’s a game that’s easy to follow yet complex enough to keep even the most dedicated fans engaged. Additionally, baseball has a rich tradition and history that is woven into the fabric of American culture.

Rugby (Including League Rugby and Union Rugby)

Rugby is a sport that has been growing in popularity around the world over the past few decades. While it has always been popular in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, it has also gained a significant following in places like Europe, North America, and Asia. Rugby is played both as a league and union sport with each version having its unique set of rules.

Golf

Golf is a sport that has been famous for centuries, and it continues to be one of the most widely played sports in the world. Over the centuries, golf has evolved into the modern sport we know today. One reason for golf’s popularity is the sheer enjoyment that comes from playing the game. Golf courses are often located in beautiful settings, which makes playing the game a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Boxing

Boxing has been one of the most popular sports in the world for centuries. With its intense training, strategic gameplay, and electrifying matches, it’s no wonder that boxing continues to capture the hearts and minds of fans everywhere.

From the early days of bare-knuckle brawls to the modern era of gloves and high-tech training equipment, boxing has continued to evolve and grow in popularity. Today, boxing is a major global sport with millions of fans tuning in to watch the biggest matches and tournaments.

Formula 1

For over 70 years, Formula One (F1) has been the pinnacle of motorsports. With fans across the globe, F1 is one of the most popular racing series in the world. The sport combines cutting-edge technology, high-speed thrills, and the world’s best drivers to create an unforgettable experience for fans. The sport has also become more accessible in recent years, with more races being held in new markets and tickets becoming more affordable.

American Football

American football is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in the United States. The sport has a long and rich history, dating back to the late 19th century. There are a few key factors that have contributed to the sport’s popularity. Firstly, it’s a high-intensity game.

The physical nature of the sport also adds an element of excitement, with bone-crunching tackles and hard-fought battles for yardage. Additionally, the sport has a strong sense of tradition and community with passionate fans supporting their favourite teams through thick and thin.

See: Richest Sports Owners in the World

Cycling

Cycling has become a popular competitive sport, with professional cycling races like the Tour de France drawing large crowds and capturing the attention of sports fans around the world. Cycling has also been embraced as a form of recreation and tourism with people traveling to scenic destinations to explore by bike. With so many benefits to cycling, it’s no wonder that it has become such a popular activity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Track and Field

Track and field sports have been popular for centuries with roots that can be traced back to ancient Greece and the original Olympic games. The beauty of track and field lies in the combination of individual and team efforts. In track and field, there’s something for everyone, from sprints to distance running, jumping to throwing events, and even multi-event competitions like the decathlon.

Frequently Asked Questions