Ranking The Big Four Leagues By Revenue And How Much Top Athletes Make In Comparison
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Professional athletes in the four major sports leagues—the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL—are paid some of the highest salaries in the world. But while their contracts are jaw-dropping, team owners often make even more. How do player earnings compare to the profits their teams generate? Let's break it down by league and include a ranking of which leagues bring in the most revenue.
NFL: The Money-Making Machine
The NFL is the top-grossing sports league in the world. Its massive media deals and intense fan following help teams rake in billions of dollars every year. For example, in 2022, the league generated over $18 billion in total revenue, with the average team pulling in more than $500 million annually. Top earners like Patrick Mahomes, who signed a 10-year, $503 million deal, may make headlines, but his annual salary of $45 million is still only about 8-10% of what a top franchise, like the Dallas Cowboys, brings in.
NFL Ranking: #1 in revenue.
Top Player: Dak Prescott Dallas Cowboys $60 Million
NBA: Growing Salaries, Expanding League
The NBA comes in second, with its rapidly growing global popularity contributing to impressive financial numbers. The league's overall revenue was estimated at $10 billion in 2023, with an average team making around $300 million annually. Superstars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry make more than $40 million per year, but that’s still a small slice of the pie. For instance, LeBron’s salary is less than 10% of the Lakers' revenue, which exceeds $500 million annually.
NBA Ranking: #2 in revenue.
Top Player: Jayson Tatum Boston Celtics $62.8 Million
MLB: Steady Earnings in America’s Pastime
Though Major League Baseball has faced challenges with viewership in recent years, its teams remain some of the most valuable in the world. In 2023, MLB's revenue surpassed $10 billion, with top teams like the New York Yankees bringing in over $600 million annually. Players like Mike Trout and Mookie Betts make $35-40 million per year, but those salaries still represent only a fraction of their teams’ overall earnings.
MLB Ranking: #3 in revenue.
Top Player: Shohei Ohtani LA Dodgers $70 Million ($68 million to be deferred a year)
NHL: Smaller Salaries, Steady Profits
The NHL operates on a smaller scale than the other major leagues, but it is still highly profitable. The league’s annual revenue is around $6 billion, and the average team makes between $150-200 million per year. While top stars like Connor McDavid earn about $12-15 million annually, their salaries are still modest compared to the revenues generated by their teams. Even the highest-earning franchises, such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, make close to $300 million annually.
NHL Ranking: #4 in revenue.
Top Player: Auston Matthews Toronto Maple Leafs $13.2 million
Overall Ranking: League Revenues
NFL: $18 billion in annual revenue
NBA: $10 billion in annual revenue
MLB: $10 billion in annual revenue
NHL: $6 billion in annual revenue
NBA: $10 billion in annual revenue
MLB: $10 billion in annual revenue
NHL: $6 billion in annual revenue
Conclusion: The Bigger Picture
While professional athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL earn millions, it’s clear that their salaries are just a fraction of the revenue their teams generate. Team owners, fueled by media deals, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, are reaping the majority of the financial rewards. As these leagues continue to grow and expand their global reach, this gap between player earnings and team profits is only likely to widen.
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Source: Dan Lalonde
Photo Credit: NHL/MLB/NFL/NBA
Social Media Hashtags: #NFLRevenue #SportsLeagues #TeamProfits #PlayerSalaries
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