10 Most Popular Sports Leagues in the World

Spectator sport as is suggested by its name thrives on fan engagement. Every sporting league in the world looks for a way to increase attendance and ultimately the popularity of the league. There are some leagues in the world that are by and far the most popular among all.

Here are the top ten most popular sports leagues in the world

10. Nippon Professional Baseball, Japan

Nippon Professional Baseball (Image source: Twitter)

The Nippon Professional Baseball League in Japan is the 10th most popular league in the world when it comes to average attendance. This Japanese league has an average attendance of 28,250.

9. Big Bash League, Australia

Big Bash (Image source: Twitter)

The cricket-based Big Bash League in Australia is the ninth most popular league in the world. With an average attendance figure of 28,280, this league is climbing the charts in the past couple of years.

8. La Liga, Spain

La Liga (Image source: Twitter)

El Classico match between Real Madrid and Barcelona was once among the most watched sporting event in the world. After Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo left the league however it has gone down in average attendance. With 28, 450 it still ranks eighth in the most popular leagues.

7. Major League Baseball, USA

Major League Baseball (Image source: Twitter)

The second baseball-based league on the list, the MLB is the most popular baseball league in the world. Organized in the USA, the MLB attracts an average attendance of 30, 500 per match.

6. Indian T20 League, India

Indian T20 League (Image source: Twitter)

The Indian T20 League continues to climb the charts as cricket becomes more famous. The league recently became the second most lucrative in the world as media rights for the upcoming seasons were sold for a record-breaking amount.

With an average attendance of 32, 000 the league ranks sixth among the top ten most popular leagues in the world.

5. Australian Football League, Australia

Australian Football League (Image source: Twitter)

The Australian Rules Football also called the “Footy” is a hybrid of European football, rugby, and a mix of other sports thrown in for good measure. This is the most popular sport in Australia and ranks fifth among the top ten most popular sports leagues in the world with an average attendance of 33,500.

4. English Premier League, England

English Premier League (Image source: Twitter)

The English Premier League is a football league held every year in England. This is probably the most popular league when it comes to worldwide reach. In terms of average attendance, however, it ranks fourth with 36, 500 fans attending the games on average.

3. US College Football Division, USA

Collage Football (Image source: Twitter)

College football in the USA is entirely different from what it is everywhere else. While it is a low-key affair in other parts of the world, in the USA, college football attendances often surpass 100K.

The average attendance of US College Football Division matches is 43,300, making it the third most popular in the world.

2. Bundesliga, Germany

Bundesliga (Image source: Twitter)

Despite not being the best football league in the world, Bundesliga is certainly the most popular when it comes to matchday fans. With an average attendance of 43,330, the Bundesliga is the most popular football league and the second most popular sports league in the world.

1. NFL, USA

NFL (Image source: Twitter)

The National Football League from the USA smashes average attendance in world football. The average attendance at the NFL is almost 25,000 more than the second places Bundesliga.

The NFL is the most popular sports league in the world with an impressive average attendance of 68, 300.