Let’s explore the most popular sporting activities in the World in 2024
When it comes to activities that can bring people from different cultures together, sports tops the list. Experts say it transcends cultures, geographical borders, and even languages, uniting in a shared passion for athleticism, thrill, and competition. However, not all sports are created equal, some are more popular than others. In this article, we explore some of the top sports in the world, especially in 2024.
First Popular Sport in the World: Hockey
Hockey is emerging as one of the most popular sports in the world. It may not attract the numbers like football or cricket, but hockey is known for having a very passionate fan base. Pundits point out that the game’s deep-rooted traditions have worked well in solidifying its status as one of the most loved sports in the world.
While it may not have the global reach of sports like soccer or basketball, hockey’s passionate fan base and its deep-rooted traditions have solidified its status as a beloved game. Scanning through the list of fifty ice hockey stars as listed in the sports magazines, one cannot fail to notice that the top earners compare fairly with other top games.
Even when it comes to placing bets, punters rate hockey among the most lucrative areas, where handsome bonuses and other offers can be obtained.
Soccer (Football) – Sport #2
There may be disagreements on what name to use for a game that is played by 22 players; some call it football while others insist on using the word soccer, however, when it comes to the question of what are the most popular sports in the world, we are all in agreement. Whether it is in the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, or the rest of the world, football remains the top sporting activity globally.
An estimated 4 billion people worldwide watch football in a given year, and this number is expected to keep on rising. While justifying why they have decided to increase their sponsorship in football, Unilever company top official had this to say “More than 2 billion people watched the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, and 2 million attended the matches in person – both record highs.” This is something that experts in football allude to and see a great opportunity for those looking to grow their brands.
Pundits think that football’s popularity is attributed to the simplicity of the game, the competition, and the kind of money that one can earn as a player even when it comes to betting.
Major events such as the World Cup, the leagues, and continental meets, among others, draw billions, not just as fans but also punter as they try their luck in the match bets.
Basketball – In Popular 10 Worldwide
Conventional estimates put the number of people who watch basketball in the world at roughly 2.2 billion. What many may not know is that these fans are spread across the world. This makes it one of the most loved sports in the world.
The NBA has been mentioned widely as one of the sporting associations that has influenced the popularity of basketball, not only in the United States but worldwide. With NBA finals in 2024 slotted for between June 6 and 23, experts expect the event to attract billions of fans worldwide.
With more events lined up in the year, the figures might rise, almost overtaking soccer as the most popular sport.
Cricket – Last on Our List, But First in India
Cricket may be mainly played in India, Pakistan, South Africa, England, and Australia, but judging by the number of fans it attracts, it is popular even in non-cricket-playing nations. Current statistics estimate that close to two billion people watch the game, especially during test matches and international tournaments. In 2024, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, among other major tournaments, is expected to attract a huge crowd and record TV following in different parts of the world.
Other sporting activities that will attract huge viewership in 2024 include:
- American football, particularly the NFL, whose major event, the Super Bowl, is the most-watched annual sporting event in the world with 123.4 million people watching the event in 2024
- Tennis tournaments with the Australian Open breaking the record by attracting more than a million attendees and a billion views in 2024
- Rugby, specifically the Union and League formats with the latest breaking record match between Blues vs Crusaders attracting 600k views on one of the sporting channels.
Sports will continue to unite the world as fans gather in the stadiums and around screens, cheering their favorite teams and players. The list of most popular sports may not change in the coming years but the numbers will continue rising.