The 15 Most Watched Sport Events (2024)

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The Biggest Spectacles in Sports: Most Watched Events on the Planet

In today’s digital age, where streaming platforms and social media vie for our attention, live sports continue to captivate audiences worldwide. The thrill of witnessing history in the making, sharing the collective joy of victory and the sting of defeat, transcends borders and cultures. Let’s explore the sporting events that command the largest viewership across the globe.

1. FIFA World Cup – 5 Billion Viewers

The FIFA World Cup is the most watched sporting event globally, with 5 billion viewers tuning in during the 2022 edition. This quadrennial tournament brings together 32 national teams, captivating fans worldwide. The 2022 final alone drew 1.5 billion viewers, highlighting soccer’s unmatched global appeal.

2. Tour de France – 3.5 Billion Viewers

The Tour de France, cycling’s premier event, attracts 3.5 billion viewers annually. This 23-day race across France showcases the sport’s toughest competitors. The combination of breathtaking scenery and intense competition keeps audiences hooked every summer.

3. Cricket World Cup – 2.6 Billion Viewers

The Cricket World Cup draws 2.6 billion viewers, making it one of the world’s most popular sports events. Particularly loved in South Asia, this quadrennial tournament is a must-watch for cricket fans, with every edition setting new viewership records.

4. Women’s FIFA World Cup – 2 Billion Viewers

The Women’s FIFA World Cup reached 2 billion viewers in 2023, doubling its 2019 audience. The tournament has rapidly grown in popularity, showcasing top female talent and breaking cultural barriers. Women’s soccer is now a major global event.

5. Summer Olympic Games – 2 Billion Viewers

The Summer Olympics draw 2 billion viewers, featuring a wide range of sports every four years. The Games offer something for everyone, from athletics to swimming, making it a truly global celebration of sport.

6. Winter Olympic Games – 2 Billion Viewers

The Winter Olympics also attract 2 billion viewers, with sports like figure skating, skiing, and ice hockey capturing global interest. Held every four years, the Winter Games are a staple of international sports, offering unique competitions.

7. UEFA Champions League Final – 450 Million Viewers

The UEFA Champions League Final is one of soccer’s biggest events, drawing 450 million viewers. Europe’s top clubs compete in this prestigious match, with 2023’s final seeing Manchester City crowned champions, and 2024’s champions being Real Madrid.

8. Super Bowl – 115.1 Million Viewers

The Super Bowl is America’s biggest sporting event, with 115.1 million viewers in 2024. Known for its high-stakes football, iconic halftime show, and viral commercials, it’s a cultural phenomenon beyond just sports.

9. Wimbledon – 25.6 Million Viewers

Wimbledon, the most prestigious tennis tournament, attracted 25.6 million viewers in 2024. Known for its traditions and grass courts, Wimbledon remains a favorite for tennis fans worldwide.

10. NBA Finals – 17.8 Million Viewers

The NBA Finals had 17.8 million viewers in 2024. The series determines the champion of professional basketball, with fans tuning in for top-tier action and celebrity-filled courtside seats.

11. World Cup of Rugby – 17 Million Viewers

The Rugby World Cup drew 17 million viewers for its 2024 opener. This quadrennial tournament is rugby’s most prestigious event, featuring intense international competition over six weeks.

12. Kentucky Derby – 16.6 Million Viewers

The Kentucky Derby, known as “the fastest two minutes in sports,” attracted 16.6 million viewers in 2024. This iconic horse race is a highlight of the American sporting calendar, blending tradition and excitement.

13. The Masters – 15 Million Viewers

The Masters, golf’s most prestigious tournament, drew 15 million viewers in 2024. Held at Augusta National, the event is famous for its green jacket and pristine course, making it a must-watch for golf fans.

14. World Series – 14.73 Million Viewers

The World Series, baseball’s championship, had 14.73 million viewers in 2022. This best-of-seven series is a cornerstone of American sports culture, concluding the MLB season in dramatic fashion.

15. NCAA Final Four – 14.7 Million Viewers

The NCAA Final Four drew 14.7 million viewers in 2023. This college basketball event is the climax of March Madness, known for its thrilling upsets and intense competition.

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FAQs about Most Viewed Sports Events

What is the most viewed sports event in the world?

The FIFA World Cup is the most viewed sports event globally, with the 2022 edition attracting over 5 billion viewers across various platforms. The final match alone drew 1.5 billion viewers, highlighting its massive global appeal (Roadtrips) (JWU College of Professional Studies).

What is the most viewed sport of all time?

Soccer (football) is the most viewed sport of all time. The FIFA World Cup, its premier event, consistently draws billions of viewers, making it the most-watched sporting event ever (WorldAtlas) (JWU College of Professional Studies).

Which is the biggest sporting event in the world?

The FIFA World Cup is considered the biggest sporting event in the world due to its global reach, cultural significance, and immense viewership, with billions tuning in every four years (JWU College of Professional Studies).

What are the most watched sport events wiki?

Some of the most-watched sporting events include the FIFA World Cup, the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, the Tour de France, and the Cricket World Cup. Each of these events attracts billions of viewers globally (Roadtrips) (WorldAtlas).

What is the most watched event in history?

The most watched event in history is the 2008 Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony, which drew an estimated 1 billion to 4 billion viewers, depending on the source (Rules of Sport).

How many people watch basketball?

Basketball, particularly the NBA Finals, draws significant viewership. In 2023, the NBA Finals had 17.8 million viewers, marking the event as one of the most-watched basketball competitions (24/7 Wall St.).

What are the top 5 sports?

The top 5 sports by global fan base and viewership are soccer (football), cricket, basketball, tennis, and field hockey (WorldAtlas).

Is football more watched than basketball?

Yes, football (soccer) is more watched than basketball. The FIFA World Cup far exceeds the NBA Finals in global viewership, with billions watching the World Cup compared to millions for the NBA Finals (JWU College of Professional Studies).

Is NBA viewership down in 2024?

As of 2024, there are no widely reported declines in NBA viewership. In fact, the 2023 NBA Finals had the highest viewership in five years, peaking at 17.8 million viewers (24/7 Wall St.).

Which sport has the most viewers?

Soccer has the most viewers worldwide, with the FIFA World Cup being the top event in terms of global viewership (JWU College of Professional Studies).

What is more watched, Premier League or NFL?

Globally, the Premier League is more watched than the NFL. While the NFL’s Super Bowl is the most-watched single-day event in the U.S., the Premier League has a larger global weekly audience (WorldAtlas).

What sport is more popular than football?

Globally, no sport is more popular than soccer (football). It is the most widely played and watched sport worldwide (JWU College of Professional Studies) (Rules of Sport).