10 BEST PAID SPORTS IN THE WORLD
—Written by Lkite Temitayo Ojo
Sports are activities generally done to as a recreational activity, and to make money through competitions. There are various categories of sports ranging from indoor to outdoor, and while some play only for the fun of it, many people have sports as their major sources of income.
Here is a list of the ten best-paying sports in the world right now:
1. Basketball
Of United States origin and founded in 1891, basketball is a mostly indoor game which is played between two teams consisting of five players each, and on a rectangular indoor court. Goals are scored by each of the teams throwing the ball through a hoop and net - called a basket - on the opponent’s side, thereby scoring a goal.
Competitively, basketball is known to be a winter sport, i.e it is mostly played in the winter, but many, schools, individuals, churches, etc, play it all round the year, though in informal settings. Fundamentally, the game of basketball aids in building stamina from the short sprints. Also, the movements that the players tend to the basketball, such as jumping while taking shots and grabbing rebounds, require muscle contractions which help build muscular endurance.
Basketballers are known to be the highest paid athletes in the world, earning up to $4-5 million per time. America's National Basketball Association is also the highest paying basketball league in the world.
2. Boxing
This is one of the oldest sports in human history, and due to how easy it is to learn compared to wrestling, more people get involved year in year out. The boxers have to throw punches both for offence and defence, without grappling the bodies of their opponents. Boxing is also highly-paid, with popular boxers like Floyd Mayweather making huge amounts from the sport.
3. American Soccer
Though not very known outside of the USA, this sport is one of the most watched and followed in America, making it one of the top three highest sports in the world. It is controlled by the National Football League) NFL) in the United States, and Tom Brady, the superstar has received a highest salary of $75 million.
4. Golf
Golf, though mostly played recreationally by (wealthy) people, is fast growing to be a widely played game. Contrary to the the impression that only wealthy people are interested in golf, golf courses are increasing in number around the world, thus making it more accessible and easy to play.
5. Soccer
This is undisputedly the most famous sport in the world, watched and played in over sixty countries. Played on a field by two teams of eleven members each, the 90-minute duration of the game sees each team try to score a goal by kicking the football in the net. Some prominent footballers in the world are Lionel Messi, Christiano Ronaldo, Nnamdi Kanu, and so on. It is also played in both female and male categories, and as one of the highest-paying sports in the world; soccer players earn up to $5 million per year.
Widely acclaimed soccer events like the World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Europa League, etc
6. Tennis
Another physically exciting sport, tennis is quite popular and enjoyed by people of various demographics. It is also very lucrative and its players earn up to $15 million annually, depending on their leagues.
7. Ice Hockey
This is also one of the most-followes sports in the USA. Its participants earning up to $9 million a year, it equally records millions of followers. Now regulated by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), ice hockey is recognised in USA, Australia and Canada.
8. Baseball
Baseball would appear to share the same spot on this list as auto racing and wrestling. Records have it that the highest-paid baseball player ever got paid $38 million a year. Major League Baseball is the most famous and baseball league in the world, and it is home to many of the top baseballers.
Auto Racing
First performed in 1867, this sport is one of the unsafest forms of recreation, and its daringness is undoubtedly a reason it is globally adored. Just like several other sports mentioned, it is well backed by sponsors, thereby making it possible for the racers go earn very high. The richest auto racer, Michael Schumacher, is worth over $600 Million net, and is also one of the richest athletes in the world. Michael Schumacher: $600 Million.
10. Wrestling
This widely acclaimed sport activity was first performed in the nineteenth century and with time gained name in Canada, the USA, and Mexico. Though the sequence of events — blows, lines and hits — are written by professional scriptwriter, the boxers still run the risk of sustaining injuries after the matches. However, the lucrativeness of the sport has earned it more players over the years. The highest paid wrestler is paid around $12 million.
As seen above, the highest paid sports in the world are those with the most engagements, ie large following and demand for following live games. They pay high because sponsors are usually willing and ready to throw their weights behind this sports. It is a case of garbage in garbage out — sponsors pump in money, streaming and following if the games fetch equally huge amounts, and the players are paid highly.
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