Sports have always been a source of entertainment and passion for people around the globe. Over the years, certain sports have gained immense popularity, attracting millions of fans worldwide. This post explores some of the most-watched sports globally, focusing on their unique appeal and the reasons behind their massive fan following.
Top 10 Most Watched Sports Globally
Know about top 10 most-watched sports in the world by viewership and why they are popular among fans.
| Rank | Sport Name | Viewership | Regions |
| 1 | Football (Soccer) | 3.5 Billion | Europe, Africa, Asia, America |
| 2 | Cricket | 2.5 Billion | Asia, Australia, UK |
| 3 | Field Hockey | 2 Billion | Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia |
| 4 | Tennis | 1 Billion | Europe, Asia, America |
| 5 | Table Tennis | 850 Million | Europe, Africa, Asia, America |
| 6 | Basketball | 800 Million | America, Oceania, Middle East |
| 7 | Baseball | 500 Million | America, Japan |
| 8 | Rugby | 475 Million | Oceania, South Africa, England |
| 9 | Golf | 450 Million | America, Oceania, Europe |
| 10 | Volleyball | 300 Million | Europe, Australia, Asia, America |
1. Football (Soccer)
Football, also known as soccer, is the most popular sport globally, with an estimated fan base of over 4 billion people. Its popularity spans continents, with a particularly strong presence in Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia.
Game Popularity Regions: Football is played and enjoyed worldwide. However, it has an exceptionally strong presence in Europe (particularly in countries like England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France), South America (Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay), Africa (Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa), and parts of Asia (Japan, South Korea, and China).
Viewership Stats: The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event globally. The 2018 edition in Russia reached a staggering 3.57 billion viewers, with 1.12 billion people tuning in for the final match. The UEFA Champions League, Europe’s premier club competition, attracts an average of 105 million viewers per match. Football worldwide viewership is 3.5 Billion.
Governing Bodies: FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is the international governing body for football. It oversees the sport’s rules, regulations, and major tournaments, such as the FIFA World Cup.
Famous Players: Some of the most iconic and influential football players in the historyof football include Pelé (Brazil), Diego Maradona (Argentina), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Johan Cruyff (Netherlands), Franz Beckenbauer (Germany), and George Best (Northern Ireland).
Main Tournaments
- FIFA World Cup (international)
- UEFA Champions League (club)
- UEFA European Championship (international)
- Copa America (international)
- African Cup of Nations (international)
2. Cricket
Cricket is a bat-and-ball game that enjoys immense popularity, particularly in Commonwealth countries.
Game Popularity Regions: Cricket is most popular in the Indian subcontinent, where it is considered a religion-like passion. The sport also has a significant following in Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, and the Caribbean.
Viewership Stats: The Indian Premier League (IPL), a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India, is one of the most-watched sporting events globally. The 2020 edition attracted 405 million viewers this season. The ICC Cricket World Cup is another major event, with the 2023 edition drawing a global audience of 1 trillion total viewing minutes. Live broadcasts generated an unprecedented 518 million viewers across various platforms. Cricket’s worldwide viewership is 2.5 Billion.
Governing Bodies: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is the global governing body for cricket. It oversees the sport’s rules, regulations, and major international tournaments.
Famous Players: Some of the most renowned cricketers include Sachin Tendulkar (India), Don Bradman (Australia), Brian Lara (West Indies), Imran Khan (Pakistan), Viv Richards (West Indies), and Shane Warne (Australia).
Main Tournaments
- ICC Cricket World Cup (50-over format)
- ICC World Twenty20 (T20 format)
- ICC Champions Trophy (50-over format)
- Indian Premier League (T20 league)
- The Ashes (Test series between England and Australia)
3. Field Hockey
Although it is not as popular as other sports, field hockey has a significant global following, particularly in Asia and Europe.
Game Popularity Regions: Field hockey is most popular in Asia, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Malaysia. The sport also has a strong presence in the Netherlands, Germany, England, and Belgium in Europe.
Viewership Stats: The 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup in India attracted a global television audience of 194 million. The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro also saw significant viewership for field hockey, with the final between Great Britain and the Netherlands drawing millions of viewers worldwide. Field Hockey’s worldwide viewership is 2 Billion.
Governing Bodies: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is the global governing body for field hockey. It oversees the sport’s rules and regulations and organises major international tournaments.
Famous Players: Some of the most renowned field hockey players include Dhyan Chand (India), Teun de Nooijer (Netherlands), Jamie Dwyer (Australia), and Luciana Aymar (Argentina).
Main Tournaments
- Olympic Hockey Tournament
- FIH Hockey World Cup
- FIH Pro League
- Hockey Champions Trophy
4. Tennis
Tennis entertains fans with its blend of individual brilliance and high-stakes competition. The sport’s global appeal is evident in the excitement generated by Grand Slam tournaments and the star power of its top players.
Game Popularity Regions: Tennis is popular worldwide, with significant followings in Europe (particularly in the United Kingdom, France, and Spain), the United States, Australia, and parts of Asia (China and Japan).
Viewership Stats: The 2021 Wimbledon Championships men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Matteo Berrettini attracted a peak audience of 7.5 million on BBC One in the United Kingdom alone. The 2020 US Open, despite being held without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reached 9.3 million viewers across ESPN and ESPN2 in the United States. Tennis worldwide viewership is 1 Billion.
Governing Bodies: The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the governing body for tennis worldwide. It oversees the sport’s rules and regulations and organises major international tournaments, including the Davis Cup and the Fed Cup.
Famous Players: Tennis has produced numerous iconic players, including Roger Federer (Switzerland), Rafael Nadal (Spain), Novak Djokovic (Serbia), Serena Williams (USA), and Maria Sharapova (Russia).
Main Tournaments
- Wimbledon
- US Open
- French Open (Roland Garros)
- Australian Open
- ATP Finals
- WTA Finals
Related Read: Top 5 Tips & Strategies for Successful Tennis Betting Online
5. Table Tennis
Also known as ping pong, table tennis commands a massive following, especially in Asia. The sport’s fast-paced action and the minimal space required to play make it accessible and enjoyable for many.
Game Popularity Regions: Table tennis is the most popular sport in China, where it is considered a national pastime. The sport also has a significant following in other Asian countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore.
Viewership Stats: Table tennis saw significant viewership at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, with millions tuning in worldwide to watch the matches. The 2019 World Table Tennis Championships, held in Budapest, Hungary, attracted over 400 million viewers in China alone. Table Tennis’s worldwide viewership is 850 Million.
Governing Bodies: The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is the sport’s worldwide governing body. It oversees its rules and regulations and organises major international tournaments.
Famous Players: Some of the most renowned table tennis players include Ma Long (China), Fan Zhendong (China), Xu Xin (China), and Timo Boll (Germany).
Main Tournaments
- Olympic Table Tennis Tournament
- World Table Tennis Championships
- ITTF World Tour
- ITTF World Cup
- Asian Games
6. Basketball
Basketball has a significant global following, with a strong presence in the United States, China, and various European countries. The fast-paced nature of the game, combined with its emphasis on athleticism and skill, has contributed to its worldwide appeal.
Game Popularity Regions: Basketball is the most popular sport in the United States, where it originated. The sport also has a significant following in China, the Philippines, Australia, and several European countries like Spain, Greece, and Serbia.
Viewership Stats: The NBA Finals, the championship series of the NBA, attracts a global audience of millions. The 2019 Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors averaged 15.14 million viewers per game in the United States alone. Football worldwide viewership is 800 Million.
Governing Bodies: FIBA (International Basketball Federation) is the governing body for basketball worldwide. It oversees the sport’s rules and organises major international tournaments. The NBA is the premier professional basketball league in North America.
Famous Players: Some of the most iconic basketball players include Michael Jordan (USA), LeBron James (USA), Kobe Bryant (USA), Magic Johnson (USA), Larry Bird (USA), and Shaquille O’Neal (USA).
Main Tournaments
- NBA Playoffs and Finals (professional league)
- FIBA Basketball World Cup (international)
- Olympic Basketball Tournament (international)
- EuroLeague (European club competition)
- NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament (College)
7. Baseball
Baseball holds a significant place in American and Japanese cultures, with Major League Baseball (MLB) games being deeply ingrained in the United States’ sporting fabric.
Game Popularity Regions: Baseball is most popular in the United States, Japan, South Korea, and several Latin American countries, such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela.
Viewership Stats: The 2020 World Series, MLB’s championship series, attracted an average of 9.78 million viewers per game in the United States. In Japan, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) games regularly draw large television audiences. Baseball worldwide viewership is 500 Million.
Governing Bodies: The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) is the international governing body for baseball and softball. Major League Baseball (MLB) is the premier professional baseball organisation in the United States.
Famous Players: Some of the most iconic baseball players include Babe Ruth (USA), Willie Mays (USA), Hank Aaron (USA), and Ichiro Suzuki (Japan).
Main Tournaments
- MLB World Series
- World Baseball Classic
- Olympic Baseball Tournament
- Japan Series (NPB championship)
Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Betting Odds: Learn the Basics
8. Rugby
Rugby has a fervent following in New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom, with the Rugby World Cup showcasing some of the most intense rivalries in sports.
Game Popularity Regions: Rugby is most popular in New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, and Fiji.
Viewership Stats: The 2019 Rugby World Cup, held in Japan, attracted a global audience of over 850 million viewers. The final between England and South Africa alone drew 44.9 million viewers worldwide. Rugby worldwide viewership is 475 Million.
Governing Bodies: World Rugby is the international governing body for rugby union. It oversees the sport’s rules and regulations and organises major international tournaments.
Famous Players: Some of the most renowned rugby players include Richie McCaw (New Zealand), Jonah Lomu (New Zealand), Dan Carter (New Zealand), and Johnny Wilkinson (England).
Main Tournaments
- Rugby World Cup
- Six Nations Championship
- The Rugby Championship
- Super Rugby
- European Rugby Champions Cup
9. Golf
Golf appeals to viewers who appreciate skill, precision, and strategy. Major championships attract global audiences and feature dramatic finishes.
Game Popularity Regions: Golf is popular worldwide, with significant followings in the United States, Europe (particularly in the United Kingdom and Ireland), Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Golf worldwide viewership is 450 Million.
Viewership Stats: The 2019 Masters Tournament, one of golf’s major championships, attracted 10.8 million viewers in the United States for its final round. The 2018 Ryder Cup, a biennial team competition between Europe and the United States, drew a global audience of over 1 billion viewers.
Governing Bodies: The International Golf Federation (IGF) is the international governing body for golf. It collaborates with major professional tours, such as the PGA Tour, European Tour, and LPGA Tour.
Famous Players: Golf has produced numerous iconic players, including Tiger Woods (USA), Jack Nicklaus (USA), Arnold Palmer (USA), and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland).
Main Tournaments
- The Masters Tournament
- PGA Championship
- U.S. Open
- The Open Championship (British Open)
- Ryder Cup
- Presidents Cup
10. Volleyball
Volleyball’s popularity spans both indoor and beach formats, appealing to a diverse global audience. With over 300 million fans worldwide, volleyball is particularly popular in Brazil, Russia, and Asia.
Game Popularity Regions: Volleyball has a strong following in Brazil, Russia, Poland, Italy, and the United States. Beach volleyball is especially popular in Brazil, the United States, and Australia.
Viewership Stats: The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro saw significant viewership for volleyball, with the men’s final between Brazil and Italy attracting millions of viewers worldwide. The 2018 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship, held in Italy and Bulgaria, reached a global audience of over 3 billion people. Volleyball worldwide viewership is 300 Million.
Governing Bodies: The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) is the international governing body for volleyball. It oversees the sport’s rules and regulations and organises major international tournaments.
Famous Players: Some of the most renowned volleyball players include Karch Kiraly (USA), Kerri Walsh Jennings (USA), Misty May-Treanor (USA), and Giba (Brazil).
Main Tournaments
- Olympic Volleyball Tournament
- FIVB Volleyball World Championships
- FIVB Volleyball World Cup
- FIVB Volleyball Nations League
- FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships
Conclusion
The most watched sports in the world captivate audiences through a combination of cultural significance, accessibility, and the sheer excitement they offer.
From the universal appeal of football to the passionate following of cricket, these sports play a vital role in bringing people together.
As technology continues to evolve, how we consume and engage with sports will undoubtedly transform, but the core reasons why we watch will remain the same—passion, competition, and the love of the game.
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