A large majority of sports team participants are amateur athletes. However, pro teams and leagues have become an integral part of the modern-day sporting landscape. Here is a list of sports teams that are the most valuable in the world.
- Real Madrid CF - $4.8 billion
- Dallas Cowboys – $5.7 billion
- FC Barcelona - $4.8 billion
- New York Knicks - $5 billion
In 2012, gamblers betting on sports teams wagered more than $58 million on Wimbledon’s finals match at online sports betting sites. More than 1 billion fans tuned in to watch Wimbledon matches during the competition. The game holds fourth place in betting popularity amongst sports gamblers.
With approximately 93,000 matches, tennis fans have plenty of opportunities to wager. World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is favored in any tennis competition, especially after winning the 2022 French Open in Paris.
During March Madness, gamblers wager about $10 billion on basketball, which is third in betting popularity among sports fans. As 68 teams compete for the national championship, the teams’ fans wager on the outcome of individual matches and the final championship game. The Kansas Jayhawks won the 2022 NCAA championship, making the team one to watch for wagers in 2023.
American football is second to only one sport in global wagers. The National Football League attracts half of all sports betting in America. In fact, the Super Bowl attracted a record-topping $158 million in legal wagers in 2018. Estimates of illegal betting on the championship put the amount of overall betting closer to $5 billion.
Even though the Rams beat the Bengals in Super Bowl 2022, only the seven biggest sports teams have won consecutive championships, and it hasn’t happened since 2004. In 2023, odds makers may look at other major sports teams to win the Super Bowl, including the Buccaneers, led by iconic, 7-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady.
As the world’s most popular sport, soccer outperforms the best sports team betting action. The soccer championship, FIFA World Cup attracts teams from 210 countries that participate in the tournament. From qualifying matches to make the finals, teams compete to see which will win it all. Bettors are watching and wagering every step of the way. Both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are teams that sportsbook odds favor.