Delhi NCR, Cricastar Sports Desk: The global sports industry is a multi-billion-dollar market, with professional leagues driving massive revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and merchandise. Below is a list of the top 10 biggest sports leagues in the world in 2025, including cricket and football, ranked primarily by revenue, with additional consideration for global fanbase, viewership, and cultural impact. The data is drawn from recent analyses and reflects the latest available figures.

National Football League (NFL)

• Sport: American Football
• Country: United States
• The NFL is the undisputed king in terms of revenue. It dominates the American sports landscape, with massive viewership and incredibly lucrative media rights deals. The Super Bowl is one of the world’s most-watched single sporting events.
• Key factors: High domestic popularity, huge TV deals, strong commercialization.

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Indian Premier League (IPL)

• Sport: Cricket
• Country: India
• The IPL has seen explosive growth and is now the richest cricket league in the world, and one of the top sports leagues globally. It attracts top international cricket talent, and its fast-paced T20 format has a massive appeal, particularly in India.
• Key Factors: Large viewership, lucrative media rights, and growing global interest.

Major League Baseball (MLB)

• Sport: Baseball
• Country: United States, Canada
• MLB is one of the oldest professional sports leagues and has a strong following in North America. It generates substantial revenue through broadcasting, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
• Key factors: Long history, strong regional following, large number of games.

National Basketball Association (NBA)

• Sport: Basketball
• Country: United States, Canada
• The NBA is a global powerhouse, featuring some of the world’s most recognizable athletes. It has a strong presence not only in North America but also in Asia and other parts of the world.
• Key Factors: Global appeal, star power, and effective marketing.

English Premier League (EPL)

• Sport: Football (Soccer)
• Country: England
• The EPL is arguably the most popular football league globally, with a massive worldwide audience. It features top clubs and attracts some of the best players in the world.
• Key factors: Global viewership, high-quality competition, and rich history.

National Hockey League (NHL)

• Sport: Ice Hockey
• Country: United States, Canada
• The NHL is the premier professional ice hockey league in North America. It has a dedicated fan base and generates significant revenue, primarily in the US and Canada.
• Key Factors: Strong following in North America, and long history.

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La Liga

• Sport: Football (Soccer)
• Country: Spain
• La Liga is one of the top football leagues in the world, home to world-famous clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona. It has a large global following.
• Key Factors: Global appeal, and world-class teams.

Bundesliga

• Sport: Football (Soccer)
• Country: Germany
• The Bundesliga is Germany’s primary football league and is known for its high attendance and strong clubs. It’s among the top-revenue-generating football leagues.
• Key Factors: High attendance, strong financial management.

Serie A

• Sport: Football (Soccer)
• Country: Italy
• Serie A is a leading football league in Italy with famous clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. It has a substantial history and global viewership.
• Key Factors: Historical significance and passionate fanbase.

UEFA Champions League

• Sport: Football (Soccer)
• Country: Europe
• The UEFA Champions League is an annual club competition, organized by UEFA, and is contested by top-tier European clubs. It is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world.
• Key Factors: Best European clubs, global viewership.