Americans are passionate about sports—it’s not just entertainment, it’s a way of life! From thrilling last-minute touchdowns to buzzer-beating three-pointers, sports bring people together like nothing else. And with so many professional sports leagues to choose from, there’s always a game to watch and a team to root for.
The total revenue of the Big 5 sports leagues in the US for the 2023/24 season was a massive $52.37 billion! But have you ever wondered which of these sports leagues are bringing in the big bucks?
Read on to take a look at the five most profitable sports leagues here in the US!
The Top 5 Most Profitable Sports Leagues In The US
| Sr no. | Leagues | Revenue |
| 1. | National Football League (NFL) | $ 20.2 Billion |
| 2. | Major League Baseball (MLB) | $ 12.1 Billion |
| 3. | National Basketball Association (NBA) | $ 11.34 Billion |
| 4. | National Hockey League (NHL) | $ 6.6 Billion |
| 5. | Major League Soccer (MLS) | $ 2.03 Billion |
1. NFL – National Football League
- Revenue (2023): $20.2 Billion
- No. of teams: 32
- First season: 1920
- Founded in: 1920, Canton, Ohio, U.S.
- Commissioner: Roger Goodell
If you guessed that the NFL is the ultimate biggest sports leagues in the entire US, then you can pat yourself on the back!
The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league made up of 32 teams, with an equal split between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC).
In 2024, the NFL team sponsorships reached a record $2.5 billion, with ticketing, alcoholic beverage, and telecom brands contributing more than 60% of the growth. Also, with a revenue of $20.2 billion in 2023, the NFL is ranked among the most popular sports leagues in America.
The NFL’s most popular team, The Dallas Cowboys, bought in an impressive revenue of $1.22 Billion and a valuation of $10.1 billion in 2024, becoming the most profitable professional sports team not just in the US, but in the world.
Other highly valuable NFL teams include the New England Patriots, New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Bears.
2. MLB – Major League Baseball
- Revenue (2024): $12.1 Billion
- No. of teams: 30
- First season: 1901
- Founded in: 1876, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
- Commissioner: Robert Dean Manfred Jr
Baseball, known as America’s favorite pastime, is another highly profitable sports league. What makes this so interesting is that baseball isn’t exactly a popular sport around the world. Sure, it has fans, clubs and teams, but the majority of the action and fan base is located within the US.
The Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest professional sports league in the United States, featuring 30 teams across the U.S. and Canada, and represents the pinnacle of professional baseball.
The MLB generated $12.1 billion in revenue in 2024. Moreover, the league’s most iconic team, the New York Yankees, holds a valuation of $7.55 billion, with a total revenue of $679 million for the year.
Other highly valued MLB teams are the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets.
3. NBA – National Basketball Association
- Revenue (2024): $11.34 Billion
- No. of teams: 30
- First season: 1946–47
- Founded in: 1946, New York, United States
- Commissioner: Adam Silver
The NBA solidified itself as one of the most popular American sports leagues, driven by high-profile players and intense global interest. For many sports fans across the country, basketball is their game of choice.
The NBA was founded on June 6, 1946, but officially formed on August 3, 1949. This was after a merger between the Basketball Association of America (BAA) and National Basketball League (NBL). In 1976, the NBA merged with the American Basketball Association (ABA), which expanded the sports leagues by incorporating four new franchises.
In 2024, the NBA generated an impressive $11.34 billion in revenue. Additionally, among its teams, the Golden State Warriors led the way in the 2023/24 season, bringing in $800 million in revenue by the end of the season.
4. NHL – National Hockey League
- Revenue (2024): $6.6 Billion
- No. of teams: 32
- First season: 1917–18
- Founded in: 1917, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Commissioner: Gary Bettman
The NHL ranks fourth in the most profitable sports leagues in the US and is considered the premier professional ice hockey league in the world.
NHL’s appeal lies in the high-speed action and fan loyalty, particularly in the northern US states and Canada. The NHL has also made great strides in growing its audience beyond traditional hockey markets, especially with its Winter Classic and outdoor games.
In 2023/24 season, the NHL hit a record-high revenue of $6.6 billion with the sponsorship revenue reaching $1.4 billion. The Toronto Maple Leafs remained the league’s most valuable team for the second consecutive year, valued at $3.8 billion. Meanwhile, all 32 NHL franchises saw their value increase by at least 21% since 2023.
5. MLS – Major League Soccer
- Revenue (2023): $2.03 Billion
- No. of teams: 29
- First season: 1996
- Founded in: 1993, United States
- Commissioner: Don Garber
The MLS is one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the US, driven by the rising popularity of soccer, especially among younger generations. While soccer is more globally popular in Europe than in the US, the MLS has seen tremendous growth in recent years, with increasing viewership, new franchises, and major signings like Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, boosting its profile.
In 2024, Major League Soccer (MLS) saw a significant boost in its sponsorship revenues, reaching a record $665 million. Also, both the league and club sponsorship revenues grew by 13%. Additionally, in terms of team valuation, Los Angeles FC leads the league with a valuation of $1.28 billion, followed by Inter Miami CF at $1.19 billion.
With 29 teams, including new expansions, MLS continues to expand its footprint across the country, attracting a loyal and growing fan base.
Now that we have reached the end of our list on the Most Profitable Sports Leagues in the US, lets take a look at some detailed insights on it.
Detailed Insights on the 5 Most Profitable Sports Leagues
| Global Star Power & Iconic Players | The NBA thrives on global stars like LeBron James and Michael Jordan whose appeal transcends borders. Similarly, MLS saw a surge in global interest due to high-profile international players like Lionel Messi joining U.S. teams. |
| Entertainment & Experience | Leagues like the NFL and NBA have embraced entertainment by integrating music, celebrity appearances, and large-scale events like the Super Bowl and NBA All-Star Weekend, enhancing fan engagement both at the stadium and on TV. |
| Technological Integration | The NBA and NFL use advanced tech for enhancing the fan experience, from real-time stats to VR and AI, increasing fan interaction. The MLS has begun incorporating new tech to improve the game experience for fans both in-stadium and online. |
| Hockey’s Strong Regional Fan Base | The NHL, founded in 1917, has a dedicated fan base in the northern U.S. and Canada. The sport thrives on its fast action and regional loyalty, particularly in states like Minnesota and Michigan. |
| Cultural Significance | All these sports offer more than just entertainment; they are part of American culture, promoting community engagement, youth programs, and national pride. |
FAQs
- What sport generates the most money?
Answer: The sport that generates the most money in the United States is American football. The NFL (National Football League) leads the way, with a staggering revenue of $20.2 billion in 2024. The league’s 32 teams are all valued at a minimum of $4 billion, with an average team worth of $5.7 billion—marking an impressive 11% increase from the previous record of $5.1 billion.
- What is a sports league?
Answer: A sports league is an organized group or association of teams or individuals that compete against each other in a particular sport. It typically operates over a set period, with teams playing a series of games or matches to determine rankings, standings, and ultimately, a champion. Examples include the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
- What are the big 5 sports leagues?
Answer: The National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL) and the Major League Soccer (MLS) are the big 5 sports leagues in the US.
