Christina Gough
Research expert covering sports and video gaming
Sports brands - statistics & facts
From the Olympics to the Super Bowl and Formula One to the NFL, sports brands across the world generate millions through sponsorship deals and TV agreements. On a regional level, North America and Europe host some of the most valuable sports leagues worldwide. The NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB are the major four North American leagues, while the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga are among the Big Five soccer leagues.
The world's biggest sports brands
The Dallas Cowboys of the NFL ranked as the most valuable sport team brand worldwide in 2023, boasting a value of over nine billion U.S. dollars. Meanwhile on the soccer field, Real Madrid CF was the most valuable soccer brand, with a valuation exceeding 1.8 billion U.S. dollars. In terms of sporting events, the Super Bowl is one of the most notable events on the sporting calendar, generating hundreds of millions in revenue each year. Some of the biggest NFL team sponsorship revenue categories in 2023 included ticketing, financial, and beverages.Top athletes earn millions each year
The world's biggest athletes have become brands within themselves, earning themselves millions through endorsements and sponsorships. LeBron James, for example, was the highest-paid NBA player in 2023/24, earning almost 120 million U.S. dollars, the majority of which was generated from endorsements with the likes of AT&T, Pepsi, and Walmart. Cristiano Ronaldo had the highest salary out of any soccer player worldwide, earning an estimated 200 million U.S. dollars a year with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi earned around 65 million U.S. dollars in this year, alongside around 70 million U.S. dollars in off-field income.Apparel brands' vital role in sports industry
In addition to athletes and events, apparel brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour play a vital role in the sports industry by designing and producing uniforms and equipment used during competitions. These companies generate significant revenue from the sale of sports apparel and equipment and influence the sporting industry through their sponsorships and endorsements. As one of the largest and most recognizable sports brands on the planet, it comes as no surprise that Nike invests significant sums into its promotional campaigns each year. In the 2024 financial year alone, Nike's advertising and promotion costs amounted to approximately 4.3 billion U.S. dollars. The battle for sportswear supremacy is increasingly been fought on social media, so which sportswear brand will spend wisely and emerge victorious in this extremely competitive market?
