The world’s richest sports events: Where the money really flows
Ever wondered which sporting events hand out the most jaw-dropping sums of prize money? From elite football tournaments to horse racing spectacles, here’s a countdown of the 10 biggest payouts in the world of professional sports — and the numbers are staggering.
10. Cricket World Cup
Cricket’s biggest tournament may not top the charts, but it still delivers solid earnings. In 2019, England took home $4 million out of a total $10 million prize pool, while runners-up received $2 million. With smaller squad sizes, individual bonuses can add up significantly.
9. Rugby World Cup
Rather than a fixed prize fund, the Rugby World Cup rewards are performance-based and distributed by each nation’s rugby union. For example, England's squad in 2019 was in line for a £7 million bonus if they won. It’s not the biggest, but it’s certainly meaningful for players.
8. Super Bowl
Despite being one of America’s most iconic events, the Super Bowl doesn’t pay as much as you might think. In 2022, players on the winning team received $150,000 each, while the losing side earned $75,000. The total prize pool hovers around $12 million.
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7. Saudi Cup – Horse Racing
The Saudi Cup quickly became the world’s richest horse race after launching in 2020. With a jaw-dropping $20 million purse and $10 million going to the winner, it eclipsed even the long-time leaders like the Dubai World Cup and the Breeders’ Cup.
6. US Open – Tennis
The US Open now leads the way in tennis prize money. In 2021, it offered a record-breaking $57.5 million in total, with each singles champion earning $2.5 million. It surpassed even Wimbledon in terms of player earnings.
5. FedEx Cup – Golf
Golf’s biggest individual prize comes from the FedEx Cup, not a major. In 2022, the bonus pool ballooned to $75 million, with the champion taking home a staggering $18 million. It's a huge incentive for consistency throughout the PGA Tour season.
4. The World Series – MLB
Baseball’s biggest stage offers big rewards. In 2022, the World Series winning team claimed $35 million, with $24 million going to the runners-up. In 2018, a record $88.2 million was shared among postseason teams via the players’ pool.
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3. Boxing title fights
Boxing matches can generate astronomical payouts thanks to pay-per-view sales. Mayweather’s 2015 bout with Pacquiao earned him $180 million, and he made over $100 million again against McGregor in 2017. Tyson Fury earned around $40 million for beating Wilder in 2020.
2. Formula One
Formula One is both expensive and highly rewarding. Though exact figures are rarely confirmed, it's estimated that the championship-winning team can earn up to $75 million in prize money. Rewards are based on race results and final standings.
1. UEFA Champions League
Europe’s top football competition leads the way with the biggest overall prize fund in global sport. In 2022, more than €1.1 billion was up for grabs, with winners potentially earning up to €82 million. Clubs begin collecting prize money from the group stage onward.
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