Top 10 most popular sports in the world 2023

Most people prefer a particular sport in each country. For example, in the United States, basketball is very popular, and in European countries like Spain and Italy, they prefer soccer. So what are the most popular sports in the world?

The great popularity of sports is due to different reasons; for example, many people play sports to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Others feel great excitement watching their favorite teams play in the company of their friends or family, so much so that they even decide to place sports bets.

Regardless of why they have so many followers, the most popular sports are the ten that we will now list.

10. Golf: 450 million fans

Golf is prevalent in North America, Western Europe, and East Asia. In golf, players try to get the ball into a hole with as few strokes as possible. The sport receives worldwide sponsorships from brands such as BMW, Cadillac, Rolex, Adidas, Nike, etc.

9. Rugby: 475 million fans

As a sport inclusive of all genders, rugby is a sport that attracts up to 10 million players worldwide, and it is similar to American soccer. However, while rugby players had little protective equipment, American soccer players had a lot, such as helmets and pads.

It is very fashionable in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and other publics belonging to Commonwealth nations.

Rugby’s most prestigious tournament attracts the best names in the rugby world and top brands that commit significant sponsorship funds. The brands sponsoring the sport are mostly MasterCard, Heineken, Emirates, DHL, and Toshiba.

8. Baseball – 500 million fans

Baseball is not only a pastime sport in the United States but is also more popular in the Caribbean and East Asia. Finally, baseball attracts sponsorships from brands such as Mastercard, Chevrolet, and Papa John’s.

7. Basketball – 825 million fans

A trendy sport invented by American-Canadian master James Naismith, basketball is now played worldwide with approximately 825 million fans.

There is no denying the fact that basketball is one of the most talked about sports in the world today. The National Basketball Association is the largest basketball league, commonly known as the NBA. And, as happens with so many other popular sports, people watch league games with friends and family. Usually, a lot of fans also bet on they also bet on Bovada NBA lines or any other specific betting platform. 

Brands worldwide are willing to invest millions of dollars in deals to achieve partnerships with the best basketball stars.

These deals have sometimes continued even after the player’s retirement, as seen in LeBron James and Michael Jordan’s shoe deal with Nike.

6. Table tennis: 875 million fans.

Ping Pong increased its fan base to 875 million. The sport originated in England in the early 20th century but is now prevalent in Europe, America, Asia, and Africa.

Although table tennis events are less publicized than other sports tournaments, it enjoys a moderate following and fan base on social media worldwide.

5. Volleyball: 900 million fans

A sport that attracts up to 900 million fans, volleyball receives much attention, mainly in Western Europe, North and South America, Australia, and Asia.

Brands such as Mikasa and Dick’s Sporting Goods support volleyball events.

4. Tennis: a billion fans

A very strenuous and physically intense sport, tennis is a sport where surprises are not uncommon.

Both men’s and women’s tennis has recently attracted excellent media attention, which has attracted the attention of famous brands like Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and TAG Heuer.

3. Field hockey: 2 billion fans

Hokey has about 2 billion followers, with India and Pakistan’s most prominent field hockey fans.

Ice hockey is extremely popular in Canada and the United States, which consists of putting a ball into the opposing team’s net. In ice hockey, there is body contact, but in field hockey, there is not.

2. Cricket: 2.5 billion fans

Cricket matches are played on a circular field. Players use a bat and run around the area as in baseball. The first cricket match was held in 1646.

In total, cricket has approximately 2.5 billion followers, and the countries where it is most prevalent are England, India, Pakistan, and Australia. Cricket also enjoys sponsorship deals from various brands, especially bat manufacturing brands.

1. Soccer: 4 billion fans

Soccer is known as the king of sports, and there are good reasons for it to receive this title and to be the first of the most popular sports. The sport has some 3.5 billion followers worldwide, and more than 250 million people take part in soccer matches regularly.

Almost everyone watches soccer, for example, during the World Cup. The continents with the highest number of followers are Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.

Top brands such as Coca-Cola, Qatar Airways, Pepsi, Nike, Puma, and Adidas have signed multi-million dollar deals with soccer governing bodies such as FIFA and UEFA and top soccer clubs and national teams.