The World’s 10 Most Expensive Sports – Ranked

September 22, 2025 Kris Isaksen

Some sports demand more than just raw talent — they require serious financial backing. From equipment and travel to coaching and logistics, the following sports rank among the most expensive in the world, proving that for some athletes, the price of entry is sky-high.

10. Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is one of the priciest sports, even at youth levels. Essential gear like skates, pads, helmets, and sticks can surpass $3,000, while annual costs including travel, league fees, and coaching often reach $17,000. At the pro level, salaries and operational costs push the price even higher, with some equipment fetching eye-watering sums — the most expensive hockey stick ever sold cost $4.69 million.

9. Fencing

Fencing might look elegant, but it’s financially intense. A basic competitive gear set runs about $2,600, while annual expenses for international tournaments, travel, coaching, and upgraded equipment can top $20,000. For serious fencers, the cost of staying in top form quickly adds up.

8. Golf

Though golf starts as a casual pastime, it becomes costly at competitive levels. A decent set of clubs costs up to $3,000, while memberships at exclusive courses, travel, caddie fees, and private coaching can raise annual expenses to $20,000 or more. Elite players often employ swing coaches and psychologists, driving costs even higher.

7. Cycling

Tadej Pogacar — Radu Razvan / Shutterstock.com

Cycling at the professional level is far more than just pedaling. A high-end race bike can cost around $12,800, and most cyclists own multiple bikes for different events. With teams like Ineos Grenadiers operating on $50 million budgets, including mechanics, trainers, and nutritionists, it’s one of the most logistically expensive sports.

6. Horse Racing

Buying a racehorse is just the beginning — caring for it costs even more. A well-bred horse might cost $25,000, but feeding, training, transporting, and insuring it adds tens of thousands annually. Add in entry fees for top-tier races like the Grand National, and costs escalate quickly.

5. Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz — Victor Velter / Shutterstock.com

Tennis professionals pay their own way through the ranks. Gear, restringing, coaching, and travel can total $150,000 to $200,000 per year, especially on the international circuit. Even junior players may need to spend over $50,000 annually just to stay competitive.

4. Bobsledding

Bobsledding is one of the most technologically demanding Olympic sports. An Olympic-grade bobsled can cost $100,000, and that’s before training gear, travel to rare tracks, and salaries for mechanics and engineers. It’s a winter sport where precision and expense go hand in hand.

3. Polo

Known as the "sport of kings," polo is one of the most exclusive games around. Each player needs multiple horses per season, with each pony costing up to $200,000. Add in veterinary care, grooming, club fees, and international transport, and annual costs can easily climb into the millions.

2. Yacht Racing

Yacht racing is a sport where just owning the boat is a financial feat. A racing yacht like those used in the America’s Cup can cost $10 million. Ongoing costs include insurance, crew training, marina fees, and global transport, making it an elite sport for the ultra-wealthy.

1. Formula 1 Racing

Formula 1 cars — Photo: Michael Cola / Shutterstock.com

Topping the list is Formula 1 — the pinnacle of costly competition. A single car costs between $12–20 million, and developing a driver from karting to F1 can run another $10 million. With team budgets exceeding $450 million annually, including salaries, research, and repairs, F1 is the ultimate blend of sport and spending.