Global Sports Market Set to Reach US$602 Billion by 2030

...Gaming emerges as the most valuable and fastest-growing segment at US$177 billion

The global sports market is projected to grow to US$602 billion by 2030, according to a new report from consultancy firm Kearney.

The report confirms that the market will hit a valuation of US$417 billion by 2025. Gaming has been identified as the most valuable and fastest-growing sector within the industry, with a current value of US$177 billion. Of this, the betting segment alone is worth US$133 billion.

The segment encompassing media rights, sponsorships, in-venue advertising, and merchandising—termed ‘commercialising IP and matchday’—is valued at US$154 billion. The broadcast and streaming category, which includes pay-TV subscriptions, streaming services, and broadcast advertising, stands at US$86 billion.

Kearney highlighted that the global sports market has expanded at an average annual rate of five per cent since 2020. Gaming is expected to continue its rapid growth trajectory, particularly as legal sports betting gains traction across the United States.

Rapid expansion is also anticipated in tier one media rights, which represent 60 per cent of the US$61 billion value attributed to this segment, as well as in sponsorship and in-venue advertising, valued at US$52 billion.

The report identifies three major trends expected to drive future growth: the rise of women’s sports, the emergence of new and spinoff formats like the Kings League, and the Middle East’s increasing prominence as a global sports hub.

“Sport is no longer a passion project for investors,” said Christophe Firth, a partner at Kearney. “It holds promise as a high-growth, high-return investment class. New technology, format innovation and revenue diversification has created new opportunities, not least the influx of private capital and strategic investors.

“However, these new entrants to the market have also raised the bar, driving increased expectations and the need for strategic thinking and professionalised operations. Clarity of ambition and strength in execution are the watchwords as the sector moves from passion to profit, creating value while also shaping the next era of global sports.”

Kearney expects the market’s growth rate to accelerate to eight per cent annually over the next five years.