Top 10 Sports Activities to get Income
While for the majority, a career in sports remains a dream, some of us really do grow up to become professional athletes.
The physical demands from this career could be taxing on the mind and body, but the right amount of dedication, hard work and perseverance can earn one bag of gold. The highest-paid athletes are some of the richest people worldwide, and every once in a while, the worth of various players is evaluated. The source of income for these players is diverse: from the endorsement deals and salary to the prize money received. Besides being a professional boxer or footballer, there are various other high-income yielding career prospects built around sports, like those of broadcasters, executives or general managers, coach, team’s agents, physicians, referees, and sports marketer.
Gambling or betting has been intimately associated with sports since time immemorial. Sports bettors can even place their bets legally through bookmakers or sportsbook. Such betting had taken a serious turn, and as solitary case, it goes on to ruin the spirit and integrity of games with match and spot fixings, point shavings and corruption. However, attempts are being made to regulate such activities.
Just like any fan can sit back at home and enjoy various sports on TV and computer, today gambling enthusiasts can enjoy legal sports betting on fictional as well as real-time sports on top sports betting review sites like 7spins casino. A majority of these sites also support Responsible Gaming to prevent its users from falling into the traps of gambling addiction.
Both amateur and professional bets are laid mainly on sports activities like Football, soccer, cycling, baseball, basketball, mixed martial arts, auto racing, cycling, boxing, and hockey. Moreover, bets can also be showered on entertainment events like the Grammys, Emmys and Oscars, non-athletic events like political election and reality shows, as well as horse and greyhound racing.
1. American Football
You will often find American Football players listed in Forbes’ Richest Players. Management jobs related to American Football also generate high income. The highest-paid football player to make it to the third position of the Forbes list of Richest Players is Peyton Manning with $42 million in 2004, and again in 2016.
2. Auto Racing
To compensate for the high risks of injury involved in sports of this genre, racing events like NASCAR or Grand Prix of Formula 1 are known to be one of the highest income generators in the market. The players also earn a ton from the innumerable endorsements of established and celebrated brands. Legendary racer, Michael Schumacher had topped the Forbes list of Richest Players in 1999 earning $49 million and again in 2000 with $59 million.
3. Baseball
This sport continues to be one of the most played games in the United States and has almost 2.1 million participants. Baseball is a fan favourite and has not only numerous stadiums in the West but also a huge fan base. If you are a movie buff, you will find this sport in uncountable Hollywood movies.
4. Basketball
Today, basketball is one of the most widely enjoyed sports in America with tournaments like the NBA being celebrated to be one of the most rewarding sports leagues. Besides receiving huge salaries from the respected teams, the players earn in bundles from the endorsements as well. Furthermore, some also have self-signed jerseys and shoes which consecutively pump their annual salaries. The famous Michael Jordan has consistently been the highest-earning basketball player and has topped the Forbes list multiple times.
5. Boxing
It is no secret how fatal this sport could up to be, and yet it is one of the most widely distinguished sports activities where the players get the scope to become the richest from the massive amount of tournament prize money. Additionally, their annual income is fattened up from gambling activities, huge amounts of profits from Pay-Per-View commissions and agreements. Numerous boxers have topped the Forbes list of Richest Players with Floyd Mayweather earning $105 million and becoming the number 1 in 2014.
6. Cycling
Cycling is one of the most on the go sports across the world, and some cycling tournaments are also known to pay its participants in huge bucks. The various endorsers also replenish their accounts and the legendary cyclist, lance Armstrong who is one of the most controversial figures of today, has secured his place in the 2019 list of highest paying sports players. Road bicycle racing has two popular formats- mass start events and time trials. The Stage Races takes multiple days to finish and comprises of a mixture of both formats.
7. Golf
When we see the word ‘Golf’, the only name that comes to our mind is of course of the prodigal Tiger Woods who had his name fixed in the number one position of the Forbes list of Richest players through 2002 to 2011 and again in 2013. The modern game of golf was first played in the Kingdom of Scotland in the 15th century. But the ancient origins of this sport cannot be traced back to a definite time and is unclear although some claim that it is a sport evolved from the Roman game of paganica which comprised of the players hitting a stuffed leather ball with a bent stick.
8. Ice Hockey
Not only is ice hockey famous for being The Fastest Game on Earth, but it is also one of the richest sports to play. It was first played in Canada in the 19th century and is the country’s national winter sport. Ice Hockey can be ruled to be one of the most expensive sports activities to train at. The NHL or North America’s National Hockey League pay their participants in millions and is also considered to be one of the most cutthroat leagues in the world.
9. Soccer
Soccer is perhaps the most widely enjoyed sport all across the world with it being played on every field and park from kids to adults. From being known as the ‘poor man’s game’ since all it that was required to play this game was a ball, the sport has now evolved to become one of the most generous in terms of income. It is no secret how much fame and recognition quality footballers receive during and after their active years. From tournaments, advertisements, events, and shows, their sources of income are numerous.
10. Tennis
WTA tours are one of the highest paying tournaments in the sports industry. It is safe to say that tennis is one of the popular recreational activities enjoyed by people of all ages at all levels of society. It was first played in Birmingham, England back in the mid 19th century. It can be played both in singles and doubles format.
Looking at the huge fat numbers might make you consider taking up sports as your career and ditching your books right away but know that it takes an insane amount of hard work and determination to build the skill to be praise and fame worthy.