A significant sport in India, which is competitive in international terms, as well as in Korea and Turkey. Some minor interest across a number of countries.
30 Speed Skating
33 Indycar
Very regional sport, but a huge sport in Australia, with considerable interest also in the UK. Lesser global appeal means it remains to some extent in the shadow of it's larger cousin Rugby Union, which some its major starts have defected to.
12 Badminton
2 Basketball
Biggest Global Sports
A statistics-based analysis of the world's most popular sports
Dominant sport in: Germany, France, UK, Italy, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands, Nigeria. S. Arabia
Huge sport in: China, Japan, S.Korea, S. Africa
Major sport in: Australia, India, Canada
Medium sport in: US, Indonesia
1 Association Football (soccer)
High interest: All months
The following list of the world's biggest sports is based on data collected on amount of coverage from major online sports news websites on a daily basis across some of the world's biggest countries, with amount of coverage weighted by country size to evaulate a true list of the world's biggest sports.
Soccer is the biggest global sport and a top 10 sport in all countries measured, as well as the dominant sport in South America, Europe and Africa. The world cup final is watched by an estimated 600 million people and the annual CL final by more than 300 million. More than 200 countries take part in the world cup qualifying. Has 5 of 10 worlds highest attended leagues and stars Messi and Ronaldo in top 10 paid sportsmen.
Huge sport in: US, China, Turkey
Major sport in: Italy, Germany, France, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Spain, S.Korea, S.Arabia, Indonesia
Medium sport in: Australia, Japan, Nigeria, Netherlands, S. Africa
Minor sport in: UK
Fringe sport in: India
High interest: November to June
A massive sport in US and China, as well as major across continental europe and South America, making it one of the biggest global sports. NBA finals broadcast in over 200 countries, with over 10 countries represented on the the rosters. Over 200 national basketball federations. Lebron James and Kobe Bryant 2 of world's top 4 paid sportsmen
4 Cricket
Dominant sport in: India
Huge sport in: UK, Australia, South Africa
Minor sport in: Nigeria
Fringe sport in: France, Germany, Spain, Turkey, S.Korea, Netherlands. S. Arabia, Indonesia
High interest: All months
Dominates sports media coverage for around a quarter of the world's population in the Indian sub-continent. Also huge in UK, Australia and South Africa. 2011 world cup final watched by more than 400 million globally and semi-final between Pakistan and India by reported 1 billion. Indian hero Dhoni earns almost $30 million per year
3 Tennis
Major sport in: France, Germany, Italy, UK, China, Brazil, India, Russia, Mexico, Canada, Spain, Turkey, S.Arabia, Indonesia, Netherlands, S. Africa and Australia
Medium sport in: Japan, US, S.Korea, Nigeria
High interest: May to September and January
Probably the world's most universal sport being in the top 7 sports in every single country measured and a major sport of interest in Asia, Europe, Australasia, Latin and North America, thus making it 3rd in world's biggest sports. Wimbledon finals in top 10 most watched annual events and Roger Federer 2nd highest paid sportsman. More than 40 countries represented in top 100 players
5 Baseball
Huge sport in: US, Japan, S.Korea, Canada
Major sport in: Mexico
Minor sport in: Netherlands
Fringe sport in: France, Germany, Italy, UK, Australia, China, India, Spain, Turkey, Brazil, S. Arabia, Indonesia, Nigeria, S. Africa
High interest: April to October
Huge sport in 2 economic powerhouses of US and Japan, being the biggest sport in the latter. Also a major sport in Canada, Mexico and Korea. MLB and Nippon league are the 2 most attended sports leagues in the world. Many of world's stars are also from latin american origin.
6 Formula 1
Huge sport in: US
Major sport in: Canada, Mexico
Minor sport in: UK, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Brazil, Japan, Nigeria and S.Korea,
Fringe sport in: France, Italy, Netherlands, China, Russia, Australia, S. Arabia, S. Africa and Indonesia
High interest: August to February
The biggest sport in the US, with popularity fueled by the US domestic market, where the Superbowl is regularly the most watched annual event. Also big in neigbouring Canada and Mexico. Whilst less successful in globalising than other US sports, it maintains some interest as a minor sport in most of the world and has 2 of top 10 paid sporstmen.
7 American football
Huge sport in: Indonesia
Major sport in: Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Netherlands, S. Arabia,
Medium sport in: Japan, China. India, France, Russia, Turkey, South Africa
Minor sport in: Australia, Canada, Nigeria.
Fringe sport in: US, S.Korea
High interest: February to November
Has a major following in Europe and Latin America, but also has strong interest across the developing world. Races broadcast to over 200 countries with a reported estimated viewing figures of around 500 million per race. Around $3 billion spent annually by the F1 constructors.
Major sport in: Nigeria
Medium sport in: China, Japan, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, India, Russia, Spain, Mexico, Turkey, S. Africa, Netherlands, S. Arabia and Indonesia
Minor sport in: US, Australia, Canada, S.Korea
High interest: May to August
A very global sport with significant interest across all countries measured. Most watched sport in world's biggest event, the summer Olympics, with 100m final an iconic global event gaining an estimated audience over a billion. More than 40 countries gained medals at the last olympics from all continents.
8 Athletics
Major sport in: US, Japan, UK, S.Korea, S. Africa
Medium sport in: Australia, Germany, Italy, France, India, Canada, Netherlands and Spain
Minor sport in: China, Mexico, Turkey, Nigeria and Indonesia
Fringe sport in Brazil, Russia, S. Arabia
High interest: April to August
A major sport in US, Japan, Korea and UK, it also has solid interest in most of the rest of the world, including the rest of Europe and Australia. Heavy interest for 4 majors and Ryder Cup between US and Europe. Strong growth considered to be driven by global popularity of Tiger Woods. Annual Fedex Cup offers winner $10 million
9 Golf
Dominant sport in: Canada
Huge sport in: Russia
Major sport in: US
Medium sport in: Germany
Minor sport in: France, S.Korea, Netherlands
Fringe sport in UK, Italy, China, Japan, India, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, S. Arabia
High interest: November to June
Biggest sport in Canada, 2nd in Russia and 4th in the US, making it the biggest "winter" sport. Some interest also in Western Europe. World championship gained cumulative audience of over 700 million in over 100 countries, despite limited participation of some major NHL stars.
10 Ice Hockey
Major sport in: Mexico, Russia, Indonesia
Medium sport in: US, UK, Germany, Spain, Japan, India, Brazil, S. Africa, S. Arabia and Nigeria
Minor sport in: France, Italy, China, Australia, Canada, S.Korea, Turkey, Netherlands
High interest:All year
Significant following in North and Latin America, much of Europe and Japan. Floyd Mayweather reported to earn more than $50 million per fight. World champions from every contininent, particularly Japan, Mexico, US, UK and Russia. Less structured nature of sport considered to put popularity under threat from UFC.
11 Boxing
Huge sport in; Indonesia
Major sport in: China, India
Medium sport in: S.Korea
Minor sport in: Japan, Nigeria
Fringe sport in: UK, France, Russia, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Turkey, S. Arabia, Netherlands
High interest:August, April
Huge population reach being a top 5 sport in China Indonesia and India. Players such as Lin Dan in China and Saina Nehwal in India are considered major sporting figures, with richest stars having a net worth of more than 30 million dollars. More limited interest in Europe and America
13 Volleyball
Major sport in: Brazil, Turkey, S.Korea
Medium sport in: China, Japan, France, Italy, Russia
Minor sport in: Germany, Netherlands, S. Arabia, Nigeria, Indonesia
Fringe sport in: UK, US, India, Mexico, Canada, Spain
High interest:August to December
Big in the developing world, particularly Brazil, but also asia and parts of Europe. More national federations than any other sport at more than 200 and some estimates place it as having the most number of participants. World championships screened live across Europe and Asia.
16 Snooker
Major sport in: China
Minor sport in: UK
Fringe sport in: Germany, India, Brazil, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands
High interest:October to May
High in the rankings primarily due to huge interest in China, where it is the number 4 sport. Also some interest in UK, where it was traditionally based. Now a large part of tour is played in China, whilst world championship has a prize pot of over $1 million
15 Swimming
Medium sport in: France, Italy, Australia, China, Japan, Brazil, S.Korea, Netherlands, S. Africa, Indonesia
Minor sport in: UK, Germany, US, India, Russia, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Spain, S. Arabia
Fringe sport in: Nigeria
High interest:April to September
Global sport being top 20 in almost every country measured, although no higher than 8th in any country. Second highest interest sport in Summer Olympics, with champions from US, Asia, Europe and South America, although more limited interest for regular events.
GII Score:
2313
GII Score:
1372
GII Score:
1072
GII Score:
803
GII Score:
560
GII Score:
381
GII Score:
460
GII Score:
414
GII Score:
377
GII Score:
340
GII Score:
319
GII Score:
316
GII Score:
260
GII Score:
182
GII Score:
184
17 Mixed Martial Arts
Major Sport in: Brazil
Medium sport in: US, Japan, Canada
Minor sport in: Russia, S.Korea, Mexico, S. Africa, Indonesia
Fringe sport in: UK, China, Spain, Turkey, Nigeria. Netherlands, S. Arabia
High interest:All months
Big in Brazil, but also with strong following in US Canada and Japan. Driven by strong popularity of Ultimate Fighting Challenge (UFC), but also covers popular Japanese mixed martial arts events. Star Anderson Silva reported to earn more than $500,000 per event.
GII Score:
165
14 Cycling
Major Sport in: France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands
Medium sport in: UK. Germany, Australia, Mexico, Turkey, S. Africa, S. Arabia
Minor sport in: Russia, US, Brazil, India, China, S.Korea, Canada, Indonesia, Nigeria
Fringe sport in: Japan
High interest:May to July
Big in Europe, particularly France, Spain and Italy, where major tours are held, although failed so far to get a strong foothold in the US. Tour De France finale is one of the most watched global events, with interest in the sport focussed on the tours of Italy and France.
GII Score:
207
18 Rugby Union
Huge sport in: South Africa
Major Sport in: France, UK, Australia
Medium sport in: Italy, Japan, Spain
Minor sport in: S. Arabia, Nigeria, Netherlands
Fringe sport in: Russia, Brazil, Germany, China, S.Korea, Turkey, Canada, Indonesia
High interest:September to May
A major sport for about 5% of worlds population living in Australia, South Africa, France and UK, with some interest in the rest of the world. World cup is a huge global event, with attendance figures of 2 million+ across all games in recent versions, reportedly only surpassed only in scale by Olympics, football world cup and Tour de France
GII Score:
159
20 Nascar
Major Sport in: US
Minor Sport in: Mexico, Canada
Fringe sport in: Russia, Brazil, UK, Italy, Spain, Turkey, S. Africa, Indonesia
High interest:May to November
A major sport in its homeland of the US, but with limited international interest, particularly outside North America. In the US, it is the major motorsport and top driver Dale Earnhardt JR is reported to earn more than $20 million a year.
GII Score:
117
21 Field Hockey
Major Sport in: India
Medium sport in: Netherlands
Minor sport in: UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, S. Africa
Fringe sport in: China, France, Russia, S.Korea, Spain, Canada, Turkey
High interest:December to July
Tradtionally considered the national sport in India, it is top 5 in interest there driving its top 20 position globally. Estimated to have more than 3 million worldwide playing field hockey. It maintains some interest in Western Europe, Australia and Japan.
GII Score:
109
23 Horse Racing
Medium sport in: UK, US, Japan, Australia
Minor sport in: Turkey, Canada
Fringe sport in: China, Germany, Italy, Brazil, S.Korea, Mexico, Spain, S. Africa, Netherlands, S. Arabia
High interest:March to June, October/November
Primarily a gambling sport, it maintains strong interest in US, UK, Japan and Australia, although has more limited appeal elsewhere. Interest tends to focus on major races, such as the Kentucky Derby, the Grand National and the Melbourne Cup.
GII Score:
90
22 Table Tennis
Medium sport in: China, Nigeria
Minor sport in: Germany, Japan, S.Korea, Netherlands
Fringe sport in: UK, France, Russia, Brazil, India, Spain, Turkey, Indonesia
High interest:January to May
A popular sport in China in particular, but maintains interest in Asia generally and in parts of Europe. One of the world's biggest participant sports, being played casually around the world.
GII Score:
103
24 Gymnastics
Medium Sport in: S.Korea
Minor sport in: Japan, China, US, Germany, Russia, Brazil, Turkey, Netherlands
Fringe sport in: UK, France, Italy, Australia, Spain, Mexico, Canada, Nigeria, Indonesia
High interest:April to May, October
A consistent sport of interest across almost all of the countries tested (except India), although not a major sport in any. Particularly interest in Asia. Interest is focussed on certain events, such as the Olympics and world championships.
GII Score:
77
26 Figure Skating
Medium Sport in: Japan, Russia, S.Korea
Minor sport in: China, France, Canada
Fringe sport in: UK, Italy, Germany, US, Brazil, Turkey, Spain, Netherlands
High interest:November to March
High interest in Japan, Korea and Russia and one of the most watched winter olympic sports. It retains at least some interest in most of the major global countries in Europe, Americas and Asia.
GII Score:
62
27 Wrestling
Medium Sport in: India, Turkey
Minor sport in: US, Russia, Japan
Fringe sport in: UK, France, Germany, Australia, China, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Spain, Indonesia, Nigeria, S. Arabia
High interest:February to June, September
A traditional sport in a number of countries, particualrly in India and Turkey, where it maintains strong appeal, but also in Japan, Russia and the US. It makes for one third of all Olympic medals gained in the last 2 games for India, driving popularity in this country. Recently re-instated to summer olympics after initially being removed.
GII Score:
59
28 Downhill Skiing
Medium Sport in: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands
Minor sport in: US, Canada
Fringe sport in: UK, Russia, Japan, China, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, S.Korea, Spain, Turkey, Indonesia, S. Arabia, S. Africa, Nigeria
High interest: December to March
A significant sport in continental Western Europe, where the skiing world cup remains important. Recorded as the 2nd most watched sport at the winter olympics. It remains a fringe sport in most of the rest of the world, including Russia and Eastern Europe, where other winter sports are more popular.
GII Score:
58
29 Diving
Medium Sport in: China
Minor sport in: Russia, Mexico
Fringe sport in: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Australia, S.Korea, Turkey, Indonesia, Netherlands
High interest:July, August, October
Has good interest in China, where multiple Olympic gold medallists such as Guo JingJing have celebrity status. Has some interest across the world, although more focussed on World Aquatic Championships and Olympics
GII Score:
58
19 Moto GP/Motorbike
Huge sport in: Indonesia
Major Sport in: Italy, Spain
Medium sport in: Netherlands, S. Africa, S. Arabia
Minor sport in: UK, Germany, France, Brazil, India, Australia, Turkey
Fringe sport in: China, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria
High interest:March to October
Strong interest in Southern Europe where many of the recent champions have come from. Moderate interest across Europe, Australia, Brazil and India although no real traction in the US or Asia.
GII Score:
146
32 Rugby League
Huge Sport in: Australia
Medium sport in: UK
Fringe sport in: France, Spain
High interest:May to September
GII Score:
45
25 Handball
Major Sport in: Germany, Spain
Medium sport in: France
Minor sport in: Russia, Brazil, S.Korea, Turkey, Netherlands, S.Arabia
Fringe sport in: UK, China, Japan, Nigeria
High interest:September to May
Some global interest in set places, particularly continental Europe, although with some interest also in South America and Asia. No real coverage in US.
GII Score:
65
Major sport in: Netherlands
Medium sport in: China, S.Korea
Minor sport in: Germany, Russia, Japan
Fringe sport in: US, Canada, S. Arabia
High interest:November to March
Some significant interest, particularly across Eastern Asia and central to Eastern Europe, although little to no traction in US or South America.
GII Score:
56
Medium sport in: US
Minor sport in: Brazil, Canada
Fringe sport in: UK, France, Italy, Japan, India, Australia, Mexico, Netherlands, S.Africa, S.Arabia
High interest: March to August, particularly May
Indycar's interest remains primarily focussed on the US domestic market, particularly the Indy 500, although there remains interest elsewhere. It has slightly more international appeal than NASCAR racing, although lacks the domestic appeal to reach the same level on this list. Top drivers can earn more than $10 million annually.
GII Score:
41
34 Shooting
Minor sport in: India, China, Russia, S.Korea
Fringe sport in: UK, France, Italy, Australia, Spain, Turkey, S.Arabia
High interest:September, January
Particularly big in India, where they have had previous Olympic success, but also significant interest in Russia, Korea and China, with strongest interest in Asia generally. Limited interest as a spectator sport in the Western World
GII Score:
37
38 Biathlon
Medium sport in: Russia, Germany
Minor sport in: France
Fringe sport in: Italy, China, Canada, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia
High interest:December to March
Mixture of cross country skiing and shooting. Interest strongly focussed on Eastern and Central Europe, with Biathlon being the major winter sport in Russia and only behind Ice Hockey and Downhill skiing in Germany. Little interest however outside of Europe.
GII Score:
32
35 Touring Cars
Medium sport in: Germany
Minor sport in: France, Brazil, Russia, Spain, Australia, S. Arabia, Nigeria
Fringe sport in: UK, India, US, , Italy, Japan, S.Korea, Turkey, Indonesia, Netherlands, S. Africa
High interest:April to Novermber, particuarly June
DTM racing particularly big in Germany, as well as V8 in Australia, although World Touring Car Championship has appeal everywhere. Le Mans 24 Hour Race also a high-point in appeal, with some interest in touring cars in most countries measured.
GII Score:
37
37 Judo
Medium sport in: Brazil
Minor sport in: Japan, France, S.Korea, Netherlands
Fringe sport in: UK, Germany, China, India, Russia, Mexico, Spain, Turkey, Indonesia, S. Arabia
High interest:August
Interestingly now more popular in Brazil than its home country of Japan, it does mantain interest in Japan and Korea and in Western Europe, particularly France.
GII Score:
32
39 Australian Rules Football
Huge sport in: Australia
Fringe sport in: UK, Spain
High interest:March to October
Interest almost entirely focused in areas of Australia, although here it is a huge sport. Australian league has 4th highest average attendance in global sport. There are a few international teams, with a small amount of interest in the UK, but no real interest elsewhere.
GII Score:
27
31 Rally
Medium sport in:France, Spain, Turkey, S. Arabia
Minor sport in: Brazil, China, Germany, Italy, Russia, Mexico, S.Africa, Netherlands
Fringe sport in: UK, US, Australia, India, S.Korea, Indonesia
High interest:January
Sport's interest focuses on world rally championship in Western Europe and the Dakar Rally, which is particularly big in the devleoping world in January and has a number of different disciplines. Global interest, but particularly in Europe.
GII Score:
48
36 Weightlifting
Minor sport in: China, India, Mexico, Turkey, S.Korea, Nigeria, Indonesia
Fringe sport in: Russia, UK, Japan, France, Germany, Spain, S. Arabia
High interest:September-January, April
Some interest in 2 main population centres of India and China, as well as in Korea and Mexico. The Olympic sport maintains a presence in Europe, particularly Turkey and Russia.
GII Score:
36
42 Sumo
Medium sport in: Japan
Fringe sport in: Russia, China, Germany, Brazil, S.Korea
High interest:Jan, March, May, July, September
Traditionally the national sport of Japan, it has in recent years been overtaken by major Western Sport. It does however maintain medium interest there, particuarly Grand tournaments held every two months
GII Score:
22
41 Sailing
Medium sport in: Italy
Minor sport in: Brazil, France, Australia, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands
Fringe sport in: UK, Germany, China, Japan, Russia, S.Korea, Mexico, S. Arabia, S,Africa
High interest:April to Decmeber
Interest in Europe, particularly the south, Australia and South America in this sport. Interest comes from a mix of dinghy sailing as included in the Olympics and from major sailing events such as the Americas Cup.
GII Score:
24
40 Archery
Minor sport in: India, S.Korea, Turkey, Mexico, Indonesia
Fringe sport in: UK, Italy, US, China, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands
High interest:April to September
GII Score:
25
44 Kickboxing
Minor sport in: Japan, China, Indonesia
Fringe sport in: Russia, Turkey, Netherlands
High interest:Ocotber to April
Interest largely based in Asia, with some significant interest in China and Japan, particularly for Muay Thai martial art form of Kickboxing. Limited interest in Western World currently, where mixed martial arts and Boxing are more popular
GII Score:
19
43 Wushu (Kung fu)
Minor sport in: China, Indonesia
Fringe sport in: S.Korea, Turkey, Spain
High interest:December
Interest limited largely to massive domestic Chinese market. No real interest as a sport in the rest of the world, despite entering popular culture as a discipline.
GII Score:
20
45 Fencing
Minor sport in: Germany, France, Italy, S.Korea
Fringe sport in: Japan, Brazil, Russia, US, China, Turkey, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia
High interest: July to September, November
Global sport although interest highest in continental Western Europe and Korea. Interest mostly focussed on major championships such as olympics and world championships.
GII Score:
19
50 Ski Jump
Medium sport in: Germnay
Minor sport in: Japan, Nethelrands
Fringe sport in: Russia, China, France, UK, Spain, Mexico, S.Korea, Saudi Arabia
High interest: December to March
The 6th most popular winter sport and particularly big in Germany, but also in Japan. Elsewhere there is only limited interest.
GII Score:
14
46 Equestrian
Minor sport in: Germany, France, Netherlands
Fringe sport in: UK, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, S.Korea, S. Arabia, Indonesia
High interest: July to October
Popular in Western Europe, particularly around major events and especially in Germany and France. Some interest globally in India, China and Brazil.
GII Score:
16
GII Score:
12
49 Surfing
Minor sport in: Australia, Brazil
Fringe sport in: France, Germany, Italy, US, China, Russia, Spain, Mexico, South Africa and Indonesia
High interest: May - July, November-December
Popular in South America and Australia particularly, but some interest around the world. Interest focused on summer season in both North and Southern Hemisphere.
51-100 most popular sports
51. Beach Volleyball
52. Pool/Billiards
53. Kabaddi
54. Curling
55, Cross Country Skiing
56. Bobsleigh/luge
57. Squash
58. Freestyle skiing
59. Synchronised swimming
60. Triathlon
61. Water Polo
62. Darts
63. Snowboarding
64. Bull riding/rodeo
65. Trampolining
66. Softball
67, Canoeing
68. Drag Racing
69. Skateboarding
70. Motocross
71. Lacrosse
72. Karate
73. Windsurfing
74. Polo
75. Extreme sports/x-games
76. Rollerhockey
77. Dragon Boating
78. Tenpin Bowling
79. Racquetball
80. Netball
81. Bandy
82. Competitive Climbing
83. Pencak Silat
84. Mountain Biking
85. BMX
86. Speedway
87. Trial biking
88. Waterski
89. Competitive Paraglideing
90. Competitive Dance
91. Padel
92. Modern Pentathlon
93. Nordic Combined
94. Rafting
95. Croquet
96. Sepak Takraw (kick volley)
97. Rollerskating
98. Kempo
99. Chinlone
100. Ju Jitsu (Brazilian)
GII Score:
542
GII Score:
137
47 Rowing
Minor sport in: UK, Germany, Turkey, Indonesia
Fringe sport in: France, Italy, US, Australia, India, China, Russia, Brazil, Japan, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Netherlands
High interest: April, May, September
Interest around the world, but generally only as a relatively niche sport. Interest forcussed on Olympics, World Championships, although also interest in events such as Oxford vs Cambridge Univerisity Boat Race, which has more than 200k live spectators each year.
GII Score:
14
48 Taekwando
Minor sport in: S.Korea, Turkey, Mexico, Nigeria
Fringe sport in: UK, France, China, Russia, Brazil, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia
High interest: May, July and August
Particularly interest in homeland of South Korea, still the most successful nation in the Olympic sport but also around the world in Europe, Latin America and Asia.
GII Score:
14
GII Score:
14