Golf – 450 million
Golf has seen significant growth in popularity worldwide, with over 108 million adults and juniors playing the sport in regions affiliated with The R&A as of 2024—a nearly 3 million increase from the previous year. This includes traditional on-course formats (nine and 18 holes) as well as non-traditional formats like driving ranges, indoor simulators, and adventure golf. Asia leads adult participation with 26.2 million players, followed by Europe with 20.3 million. Junior participation is notably high in Europe, with 18.5 million young players. Women represent about 31% of adult players overall and 50% of those in alternative formats. The rise of non-traditional formats is a key driver of growth, especially among juniors, offering a broader and evolving appeal for the sport globally. Registered golf club membership has also steadily increased, reflecting golf’s expanding reach and sustained appeal.
Rugby union + rugby league combined – 475 million
Rugby Union and Rugby League combined enjoy significant global popularity, with millions of registered players and passionate fan bases worldwide. Rugby Union is the dominant code globally, boasting over 10 million players as of 2023, with a reach extending across countries in Europe, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. The Rugby World Cup is one of the largest sporting events, drawing billions in global viewers. Rugby League, while smaller, has a robust following primarily in Australia, England, and New Zealand, with over a million registered participants. Together, both rugby codes have cultivated a strong international presence, surpassing 6 million registered players globally and tens of thousands of clubs. Rugby’s growth is supported by rich traditions, major international tournaments, and expanding grassroots participation, making it one of the world’s most popular team sports.
Baseball – 500 million
Baseball enjoys significant global popularity, with an estimated 500 million fans worldwide as of 2025. It is especially popular in the United States, Japan, South Korea, and various Latin American countries. Major League Baseball (MLB) in the U.S. continues to grow in attendance, viewership, and digital engagement, boasting record streaming hours and strong TV ratings. International interest is increasing, with regular-season games held in countries like Korea, Mexico, and the UK, and a diverse roster of international players. Baseball’s cultural impact is deep in the U.S. where it is considered the national pastime, supported by extensive grassroots programs and youth leagues. The World Baseball Classic and the MLB World Series are prominent global events, attracting millions of viewers internationally, further cementing baseball’s status as a major global sport.
Table Tennis – 875 million
Table tennis is a highly popular sport worldwide, with an estimated global fan base of around 850 million people as of 2025. Its popularity is particularly strong in Asia, especially in China, Japan, and South Korea, where it is considered a key competitive sport. Europe, Africa, and the Americas also have growing table tennis communities, with widespread participation both recreationally and professionally. The sport benefits from its accessibility, low cost, and suitability for all ages. The global market for table tennis equipment was valued at over $260 million in 2025 and is projected to grow steadily with technological innovations and increasing media coverage of professional tournaments. The rise of esports and digital engagement has broadened the sport’s appeal and viewership internationally, fueling growth and sustaining table tennis as one of the top global sports.
Volleyball – 1.0 billion
Volleyball is one of the fastest-growing and most-watched sports globally, enjoying immense popularity across multiple continents. The 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) shattered broadcast records in key countries like Brazil, Poland, and Türkiye, with millions of viewers tuning in regularly. In Brazil, VNL matches attracted over 11 million viewers at peak times, making it the second most-watched non-football sport broadcast. Poland saw a surge in viewership with finals drawing 3.8 million, the highest on Polsat Sport in 25 years. Türkiye also experienced record audiences, surpassing major football events. The FIVB Volleyball World Championships have similarly captivated global audiences with over 1.1 billion views in China alone and millions across Europe and Asia. With growing TV and digital engagement, volleyball’s popularity is bolstered by rising grassroots participation and expanding professional leagues worldwide.
Tennis – 1.2 billion
Tennis remains one of the most popular sports worldwide, with over 106 million people playing at various levels across nearly 200 countries as of 2025. Global participation has risen by 25.6% in five years, driven largely by youth programs in Asia and Europe. Major tournaments like the US Open and Wimbledon captivate millions of viewers, with Grand Slam events averaging 24 million TV viewers each, plus around 12 million streaming viewers. Social media engagement is immense, with players’ highlights reaching over a billion monthly views. The sport is growing fastest in Asia-Pacific, with China and India contributing significant new players. Tennis is also witnessing increased female participation and technological advancements enhancing the fan experience. Its combination of high participation, strong global tournament viewership, and cultural relevance make tennis a truly global sport.
Field Hockey – 2.0 billion
Field hockey is a globally recognized sport with a growing and dedicated fan base and robust participation levels, particularly in Asia, Europe, Australia, and parts of Africa. The global field hockey market was valued at approximately $3.78 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $5.9 billion by 2033, driven by rising popularity, especially in emerging markets. Countries like India, Pakistan, the Netherlands, Germany, and Australia are traditional powerhouses, with extensive domestic leagues and strong international presence. The sport benefits from significant investments in youth development, grassroots programs, and improved infrastructure. Field hockey faces commercial challenges but continues to expand its reach with increasing media coverage and sponsorships. While the sport’s fan base is often conflated with ice hockey’s to total around 2 billion, field hockey alone commands millions of dedicated players and fans worldwide, with Asia-Pacific and Europe as the largest markets.
Basketball – 2.2 billion
Basketball is one of the most popular sports globally, with over 2.2 billion fans as of 2025, making it the third most popular sport after football (soccer) and cricket. It has widespread appeal across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The NBA plays a crucial role in basketball’s global popularity, broadcasting games in over 200 countries and available in more than 40 languages. Regional hubs of intense basketball interest include China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Spain, Germany, and Great Britain. Youth engagement is significant, particularly in the 16-29 age group, where interest has grown by 10% since 2019. The sport continues to see rising viewership for global events like the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Social media and digital platforms also contribute to its growth, fostering a vibrant worldwide community of players and fans.
Cricket – 2.5 billion
Cricket is one of the world’s most popular sports, boasting over 2.5 billion fans globally as of 2025, making it the second most watched sport after soccer. The International Cricket Council (ICC) currently has 108 member nations, reflecting cricket’s expanding reach beyond traditional strongholds such as India, England, Australia, and Pakistan. Asia dominates viewership, with India alone accounting for about 70% of global audiences. The sport’s rapid growth in Europe, the Americas, and non-traditional Asian markets is driven by shorter formats like T20 and The Hundred, making the game more accessible and fast-paced. Major events like the ICC Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup attract over a billion viewers worldwide. Cricket’s commercial value exceeds $6 billion annually, supported by broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and franchise leagues worldwide. Cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics is expected to catalyze further growth globally.
Football (Soccer) – 4.0 billion fans
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport worldwide, with approximately 3.5 to 4 billion fans as of 2025. Its global appeal spans every continent, making it a unifying force across cultures. The 2022 FIFA World Cup set new viewership records, reaching over 5 billion viewers in some capacity, cementing its status as the most-watched sporting event in history. The sport’s accessibility—requiring minimal equipment and space—contributes to its wide reach, with large followings in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and women’s World Cup draw massive global audiences. Football’s popularity is also growing rapidly in emerging markets and among younger demographics, with social media and digital streaming further boosting its global engagement and fan base.