Sports bring people together, spark fierce rivalries, and create unforgettable moments. But beyond the passion and excitement, they are also a massive business. Every year, billions of dollars flow into the sports industry from ticket sales, sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and merchandise.
In 2025, the competition to be the most lucrative sporting event is tougher than ever. With global tournaments, elite leagues, and superstar athletes drawing huge audiences, some events stand out for their massive financial impact.
Whether itโs the Super Bowl, the FIFA World Cup, or the Olympics, these sporting spectacles generate staggering revenue, making them not just games but financial powerhouses.
So, which event will claim the top spot this year? Letโs break it down
Summer X Games 2025
Expected Revenue: $150 million
Summer X Games 2025 will take place in California and will bring together the best extreme sports athletes from around the world.
The event is known for high-energy competitions in skateboarding, BMX, freestyle motocross, and other action sports. Fans love the mix of entertainment, music, and thrilling performances.
Sponsorships play a major role in revenue generation, with companies eager to connect with the younger, action-sports-loving audience. TV broadcasting rights also bring in significant income, as the event attracts millions of viewers worldwide.
Ticket sales add to the revenue, especially with VIP experiences and premium seating options.
The X Games have grown beyond sports, influencing fashion, lifestyle, and youth culture. Companies see it as a perfect marketing platform, leading to strong brand investments.
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Revenue Sources
- Sponsorship deals with major brands
- TV broadcasting rights across multiple countries
- Ticket sales, including VIP experiences
The Masters (Golf)
Expected Revenue: $200-$250 million
The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world. It takes place at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, a course known for its beauty and tradition. Only the best golfers receive invitations to compete, making it an exclusive and highly anticipated event.
Unlike many other tournaments, The Masters does not have a title sponsor. Instead, it relies on a small number of long-term partners, such as Rolex and IBM, which pay premium prices for their association with the event.
Broadcasting rights bring in millions, with networks paying large sums to air the tournament. Hospitality packages, which include luxury dining and private seating, also contribute to its revenue.
The Masters is not only a sporting event but also a major economic driver for Augusta. Local businesses, hotels, and restaurants benefit from the thousands of visitors who travel to watch the tournament live.
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Merchandise sales, including the famous green Masters jackets, bring in additional income.
Revenue Sources
- High-value broadcasting rights
- Exclusive sponsorship deals with global brands
- Hospitality packages and premium ticket sales
- Merchandise sales, including Masters-branded apparel
Kentucky Derby (Horse Racing)
Expected Revenue: Over $400 million
The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the United States. It takes place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, and is known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.”
The race is part of the Triple Crown series and attracts top horses, jockeys, and massive crowds.
Betting is the biggest source of revenue for the Kentucky Derby. Millions of dollars are wagered on the race, both at the track and through online platforms. Sponsorship deals with brands like Woodford Reserve and Longines also bring in significant income.
Ticket sales contribute heavily, especially with premium seating options like luxury suites and the famous “Millionaireโs Row.”
The event is also known for its traditions. Attendees wear extravagant hats, drink mint juleps, and celebrate in style. This unique atmosphere makes it a top attraction, drawing wealthy guests and celebrities.
Local businesses in Louisville see a major economic boost during the Derby weekend, benefiting from tourism and hospitality spending.
Also, if you think you can guess the right winner, check out TwinSpires.
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Revenue Sources
- Betting and gambling profits
- Sponsorship deals with luxury brands
- Ticket sales, especially VIP and luxury suites
- Merchandise and concessions
Tour de France
Expected Revenue: $400-$500 million
The Tour de France is the most famous cycling race in the world. Riders compete over three weeks, covering thousands of kilometers across France. The event is watched by millions of fans along the route and on television.
The main source of revenue comes from broadcasting rights. Networks from around the world pay to air the race, as cycling has a strong international fanbase. Sponsorship deals also play a huge role, with major brands like Skoda, LCL, and Leclerc investing heavily in the event.
Advertising along the race route adds to the income, as companies pay to display their logos to the massive crowds and global audience.
Tourism is another key factor. Cities that host stages of the race see a huge influx of visitors, which boosts hotel bookings, restaurants, and local businesses. France benefits greatly from the economic impact of the event.
Revenue Sources
- Broadcasting rights across multiple countries
- Major sponsorship deals with cycling-related brands
- Advertising along the race route
- Economic impact on tourism and local businesses
Rugby Six Nations Championship
Expected Revenue: $400-$500 million
The Rugby Six Nations Championship is the most prestigious annual rugby tournament in Europe. It features England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales.
The tournament spans several weeks, with each team playing five matches. Fans from across Europe travel to support their teams, creating an electric atmosphere.
Broadcasting rights are the biggest revenue driver. Networks across Europe and beyond pay millions to air the matches. Sponsorship deals with brands like Guinness and TikTok add to the financial success.
Ticket sales from packed stadiums also contribute, with matches held in iconic venues like Twickenham and Stade de France.
Merchandise sales play a key role, as fans purchase jerseys, scarves, and memorabilia. The tournament also boosts the local economies of host cities, as hotels, restaurants, and bars see increased business during match weekends.
Revenue Sources
- Lucrative broadcasting rights across Europe and beyond
- Sponsorship deals with major global brands
- High ticket sales from sold-out matches
- Merchandise sales and tourism impact
UEFA Champions League Final
Expected Revenue: Over $500 million
The UEFA Champions League Final is the biggest club football match in the world. The 2025 final will take place at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. It attracts millions of viewers, making it one of the most-watched sporting events globally.
Broadcasting rights make up the biggest share of revenue. Broadcasters across the world pay huge sums to air the final, with European footballโs popularity driving up prices.
Sponsorships with brands like Heineken, Mastercard, and PepsiCo bring in additional revenue.
Ticket sales add another layer, with high-priced VIP seating and corporate hospitality packages selling out quickly.
Merchandise sales also play a role, as fans purchase jerseys and memorabilia to support their teams. The economic impact on Munich is significant, with thousands of fans traveling to the city, boosting local businesses.
Revenue Sources
- Global broadcasting rights bringing in massive sums
- Sponsorship deals with top-tier brands
- Ticket sales, including VIP and hospitality packages
- Merchandise sales and local economic impact
Australian Open (Tennis)
Expected Revenue: $500 million
The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year, held in Melbourne. It attracts the biggest names in tennis and is a favorite among players and fans due to its atmosphere and high-quality facilities.
TV broadcasting rights bring in the majority of the revenue, with networks worldwide paying for the rights to air the matches. Sponsorships with brands like Kia, Rolex, and Emirates add to the eventโs financial success.
Ticket sales are also a major factor, as fans flock to Melbourne Park to watch the tournament live.
The event boosts tourism in Melbourne, with thousands of international visitors attending. Hospitality packages, food sales, and merchandise also contribute to the revenue.
Revenue Sources
- Broadcasting rights sold worldwide
- Sponsorship deals with major global companies
- Ticket sales, including luxury hospitality packages
- Economic impact on Melbourneโs tourism industry
ICC Champions Trophy (Cricket)
Expected Revenue: Over $600 million
The ICC Champions Trophy is one of the most prestigious international cricket tournaments. The 2025 edition will take place in Pakistan, featuring the top eight One Day International (ODI) teams competing for the title.
Cricket has a massive global following, especially in South Asia, England, and Australia, making this event a major revenue generator.
Broadcasting rights are the largest source of revenue, with networks in India, England, Australia, and beyond paying huge amounts to air the matches. Sponsorship deals with companies like Coca-Cola, MRF Tyres, and Oppo add to the financial success.
Ticket sales will be high, especially in Pakistan, where cricket enjoys strong support.
Online streaming and digital viewership are expected to be higher than ever, with millions of fans watching through platforms like Hotstar and YouTube. Merchandise sales, including team jerseys and ICC-branded gear, will add further revenue.
Revenue Sources
- Huge broadcasting deals, especially in cricket-loving nations
- Sponsorship agreements with global and local brands
- Strong ticket sales, particularly in Pakistan
- Digital viewership and merchandise sales
Super Bowl LIX (NFL)
Expected Revenue: Over $600 million
Super Bowl LIX is the biggest event in American sports. The 2025 edition will take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is expected to attract over 110 million viewers worldwide. The halftime show, featuring top music artists, adds to the entertainment factor.
TV broadcasting rights account for the largest portion of revenue. The NFLโs media deals with networks like CBS, NBC, and ESPN bring in billions annually, with the Super Bowl being the most valuable game.
Advertising is another massive source of revenue, with companies paying millions for a 30-second commercial during the game. Sponsorships with major brands like Pepsi, Verizon, and Bud Light add further financial strength.
Ticket sales also generate huge revenue, with luxury suites and VIP packages selling for tens of thousands of dollars. Sports betting has become a significant contributor as well, with millions wagered on the game across the U.S.
If you’re interested in learning about the real cost of watching NFL games live in London, check out this article.
Revenue Sources
- Multi-billion-dollar TV broadcasting rights
- Advertising revenue from high-cost commercials
- Ticket sales, including VIP and hospitality packages
- Sponsorship deals with major global brands
- Betting revenue from legalized sports gambling
FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Expected Revenue: $2 billion
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the biggest club football tournament ever. Unlike previous editions, this tournament will feature 32 teams instead of the usual 7, making it a massive event.
It will be hosted in the United States, running from June 14 to July 13, 2025.
Revenue will come from multiple sources, with TV broadcasting rights leading the way. Broadcasters worldwide are expected to pay billions to air the tournament, especially in Europe, South America, and Asia.
Sponsorship deals with global brands like Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Visa will add to the financial impact.
Ticket sales will be a major factor, as the tournament will be held in some of the largest stadiums in the U.S.
Digital viewership and merchandise sales will also contribute significantly, with fans worldwide purchasing official team kits and tournament memorabilia.
FIFA has announced a $1 billion prize pool, and the total revenue for the tournament is projected to exceed $2 billion, making it the highest-grossing sporting event of 2025.
Revenue Sources
- Record-breaking TV broadcasting deals
- Sponsorships with top global brands
- Ticket sales across major U.S. stadiums
- Digital streaming and merchandise sales
Bottom Line
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the highest-grossing sporting event of the year, generating $2 billion. The Super Bowl LIX and ICC Champions Trophy will follow, each bringing in over $600 million.
Events like the UEFA Champions League Final, Australian Open, and Rugby Six Nations Championship will also contribute significantly, each crossing the $400-$500 million range.
