Many people are inspired by athletes' achievements to pursue a career in professional sports. Nevertheless, financial constraints can be a significant obstacle for some, as the cost of participating in various sports differs greatly and is a major factor in determining entry requirements. So, which sport is the most costly to play?
To identify the most costly sports globally, we considered several key factors, including the cost of equipment, the cost of participation, and membership fees. We also utilized data from multiple sources, such as Gintux, Financial Times, Stitch, and Bike Radar, to collect information on the expense of various sports.
Which is the sport with the highest participation costs?
| Sport | Cost of equipment |
| Formula 1 | $20 million |
| Yachting | $10 million |
| Polo | $40,000-$200,000 |
| Bobsledding | $30,000-$100,000 |
| Tennis | $50,000 |
| Horse racing | $12,000-$25,000 |
| Cycling | $12,800 |
| Golf | $3000 |
| Fencing | $2600 |
| Ice hockey | $1800 |
The success of many athletes often comes at a significant financial cost to their family and friends. However, some athletes come from affluent backgrounds, and others secure lucrative sponsorships to fund their careers. To put this into context, here is a list of the most expensive sports:
1. Formula 1
- 20 drivers
- Fire-resistant suits, helmets, halos, gloves, shoes
- International Automobile Federation (FIA)
Is Formula 1 the most expensive sport? Yes. It costs roughly $10 million to turn an amateur driver into a professional. Meanwhile, the average cost of a Formula 1 car falls between $12 and 20 million. This figure does not take into account repair costs, research and development, or other expenses. Additionally, Formula 1 teams spend an average of over $460 million per season to cover their operational costs.
2. Yacht racing
- Mid-range yachts accommodate a crew of 8-12 members and a maximum of 12 passengers.
- Spars, rigging, navigation equipment
- World sailing
Yachting is considered one of the most exclusive sports globally. For instance, a two-day beginner's course can cost anywhere from $191 to $255, while a small sailboat may set you back around $1,200. Furthermore, a boat participating in the America's Cup can cost approximately $10 million, and the overall cost of taking part in the competition exceeds $100 million.
3. Polo
- Two teams of four players
- goggles, mallets & balls
- International Federation of Polo (FIP)
A polo horse typically costs between $40,000 and $100,000, and can reach as high as $200,000. Meanwhile, a team's annual expenses for the 16-week polo season can range from $1 to $3 million. This significant investment is a major factor in why polo is often referred to as the sport of kings, accessible only to the wealthy few.
4. Bobsledding
- Groups consisting of 2 to 4 individuals.
- The sled, gliders, headgear, footwear
- International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation
A team of two to four individuals uses a bobsleigh to glide down an icy track with the goal of reaching the bottom as quickly as possible. Although it may seem like an entertaining endeavor, it comes with a significant price tag, with a bobsleigh costing approximately $30,000. An Olympic bobsleigh can cost as much as $50,000, and additional expenses can bring the total cost to $100,000 or more, including the purchase of other necessary items such as shoes, helmets, goggles, and other equipment.
5. Tennis
- In a single-player match, two players compete against each other, while in a doubles match, four players participate.
- Racket, tennis balls, shoes
- International Tennis Federation (ITF)
Professional tennis players are independent contractors who incur various expenses, such as tournament entry fees, travel costs, accommodation expenses, staff salaries, and equipment costs. As a result, a fully professional team's total annual expenses can range from $150,000 to $200,000. Additionally, the cost of equipment can fluctuate depending on its quality, and estimates suggest that a player can spend approximately $50,000 per year on equipment.
6. Horse racing
- Average of 12 to 14 races
- horses, racing course
- The International Federation of Racing Authorities (IFHA)
Is horse riding the most expensive sport? Yes, and it is considered a sport for the affluent. To illustrate this, a racehorse can cost between $12,000 and $25,000, and in some cases, even more. The price depends on a horse's performance, physique, abilities, and other factors. Furthermore, competition fees also contribute to the expense. For instance, entering a horse in the Grand National can cost between $1,400 and $2,100.
7. Cycling
- Between 10 to 20 riders per team
- Gloves, helmet, cycling shoes
- Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)
Cycling is a popular pastime for many individuals, but at the elite level, it requires significant financial investment. For example, a high-end bicycle, such as an ENVE, can cost approximately $12,800. In addition to the cost of the bike, the expenses associated with operating a professional cycling team are substantial. In 2023, the team with the largest budget was Ineos Grenadier, with a budget of around $55 million.
8. Golf
- 1 to 4 players per round.
- Golf equipment, including balls, clubs, tees, and a bag, as well as a cart.
- International Golf Federation
The initial investment for playing golf typically ranges from $455 to over $2000. Beyond equipment costs, golf membership, travel, accommodations, and team expenses contribute to the overall expenses. On average, a golfer spends between $2000 and $2500 annually, making golf one of the most costly sports globally.
9. Fencing
- Two players in one match.
- masks, gloves, jacket
- International Fencing Federation
It can cost anywhere from $2,500 for a non-competitive fencer to more than $20,000 for those who participate at a higher level. These expenses cover equipment, instruction, membership fees to the governing body, travel costs, and other related expenses.
10. Ice hockey
- Six players per team
- headgear, protective collar, ice skates
- The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF)
The most costly sport for children to participate in is ice hockey. Parents can expect to spend between $2,700 and $17,000 on equipment, lessons, travel, and other expenses. Those seeking high-end gear can find the priciest ice hockey stick available, priced at $4.69 million.
FAQs
- What is the most costly sport? Formula 1 is considered the most expensive sport due to individual expenses and team expenditures.
- Ice hockey is the most expensive sport due to the high cost of equipment, which can range from $337 to $3,440.
- What is the most expensive sports event globally? The Super Bowl is the most costly sports event globally, with a valuation of approximately $780 million.
- The three most lucrative sports are basketball, baseball, and Formula 1. Basketball has an average annual salary of $8.5 million, baseball $4.9 million, and Formula 1 $4 million.
- What is the most watched sport globally? Soccer is the most watched sport worldwide, with an audience of approximately 4 billion people globally.
- Which sport generates a significant amount of revenue? Basketball has the highest revenue among all sports worldwide.
- Which sport is the most profitable? The NFL is the most profitable sport because it owns the most valuable team, the Dallas Cowboys, valued at $9 billion.
- It is widely regarded that boxing is the most challenging sport globally, primarily due to its physically demanding nature.
Final word
Formula One, the world's most expensive sport, necessitates the use of costly equipment for practice. The car itself also requires constant maintenance, further increasing the expenses. Furthermore, travel, accommodation, salaries, and other expenses make this a costly endeavor. In the same manner, the remaining sports on this list require significant financial resources to participate.
