9 Most Expansive Sports in the World

Medical experts recommend engaging in sports as a means of staying physically active and maintaining good health. While some sports require only simple equipment and free time, pursuing a professional career in athletics can necessitate expensive training and gear.

However, certain sports, such as bobsledding or hot air ballooning, require significant financial investment in specialized equipment, which may make them inaccessible to many young people. Despite these challenges, sports remain an important aspect of physical activity and provide a wealth of benefits to those who participate.

However, not all sports are readily accessible or affordable to everyone. This list showcases some of the most expensive sports in the world that require significant financial investment.

 

09. Hot Air Ballon Racing

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One of the most thrilling sports on this list is Hot Air Balloon Racing, which first took place in France in 1783. While riding a balloon for an hour can cost around $300, professional racers can spend up to $20,000 on a hot air balloon and around $3,000 on training and safety precautions.

 

It is noteworthy that while many sports are widely recognized, some have ancient origins and are not well-known. For example, hot air balloons were invented by China in the 3rd century BCE, and military inventor Zhuge Liang used them to send messages to army troops.

 

08. Bobsleigh

Photo source: Olympics

Bobsledding, also known as bobsleigh, is a thrilling winter sport that involves sliding down narrow and twisted ice tracks on gravity-powered sleds. While it can be done individually, it's typically a team sport for two or four people, and it made its debut in the 2002 Olympic Games.

However, training for bobsleigh can be quite costly, as the sled alone can cost up to $25,000. When factoring in training grounds, professional training expenses, and the other equipment needed, the total cost can reach up to $100,000. The tracks used for training and competing can be curved up to 135°, making the sport even more challenging.

The first bobsleds or bobsleighs were created in Switzerland in the late 19th century by wealthy tourists from Victorian Britain. They used hand-built contraptions made of wood to slide down the famous street in the Alpine resort of St. Moritz.

07. Ski Jumping

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Ski jumping is a popular winter sport where competitors slide down a specially designed ramp and aim to jump the farthest. While it may seem like a sport that only requires two skis, it is actually one of the most expensive styles of skiing.

 

To become a professional ski jumper, one must have access to costly equipment, training facilities, a ski jumping slope, and a team of professional coaches. In total, the expenses can add up to around $100,000. Additionally, this sport is dangerous as skiers are required to jump from a height of 165 feet, reaching a speed of 75 mph.

 

Ski jumping has been a part of the Winter Olympics since 1924, with women's participation soon following. The International Ski Federation organizes all major ski jumping tournaments. The world record for the longest ski jump is held by Austrian skier Stefan Kraft, who jumped 832 feet.

 

06. Tennnis

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While tennis used to be associated with the wealthy, it has become more accessible and popular worldwide over the past few decades. In fact, it is now considered one of the most expensive sports in the world.

 

According to the U.S. Tennis Association, a professional tennis player spends an average of $143,000 per season on equipment, training, and coaching. However, tennis players are also some of the highest-paid athletes due to the large prize pools and lucrative sponsorships that come with the sport's global popularity.

 

Tennis tournaments, such as Wimbledon, are among the most-watched sporting events globally. In 2022, around 7.5 million television viewers and 500,000 fans attended the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London for the iconic tournament.

 

 

 05. Pentathlon

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Pentathlon is considered one of the most expensive sports to pursue professionally today. It involves five different events, including swimming, fencing, horse riding, pistol shooting, and running, and the cost of training, equipment, and expert coaching can be quite high.

 

Some may assume that those who are not exceptional in a single sport try their hand at all five, but succeeding in Modern Pentathlon requires exceptional physical strength, stamina, and above-average performance in each activity.

 

Did you know that starting from the 2020 Olympic Games, Pentathlon rules have changed slightly? The event now consists of three separate events for swimming, fencing, and equestrian (horseback riding), which determine each athlete's starting time. The last event alternates between laser pistol shooting and nearly two miles of running.

 

04. Sailing

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Sailing is one of the oldest sports, with its origins dating back to 3100 BCE in Egypt, even before the Austronesian people developed ocean-going sailing technologies. Today, it is one of the most expensive sports to play. Sailing participants require an expensive sailboat, a trained crew, and a lot of equipment maintenance.

 

Sailboats can cost anywhere between $100,000 to $700,000, and even though this may seem like a one-time investment, the sailing season is typically limited to summer, and equipment maintenance is required throughout the year, adding to the cost. Additionally, the sailing crew typically consists of 2-6 members, adding to the expenses.

 

Did you know that sailing has been a part of the Olympic Games since 1896, making it one of the longest-running Olympic disciplines still active today.

 

03. Equestrianism

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Equestrianism is an expensive sport, costing around $200,000 per year. The sport originated in France during the 1900s and involves riding horses through various obstacles in well-trained routines, including show jumping and dressage.

 

Training and building a trusting relationship with the racehorse are crucial for success in equestrianism, making it a sport for the wealthy and dedicated. Equestrian events have been part of the modern Olympic Games since 1900, with three disciplines recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI): dressage, show jumping, and eventing.

 

02. Formula

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Formula One is considered the second most expensive sport on our list, excluding the first one due to geographical limitations. It is challenging to train and compete in Formula One, and only a few people can afford to do so without sponsorships.

The sport was created in 1950 in Silverstone, England, with only a few races included in the championship series. Formula One drivers have to follow strict rules regarding weight, engine power, aerodynamics, and fuel consumption, making it challenging to be a successful driver.

Did you know that a single Formula One race can cost up to $200,000 for the driver and their team, and there are 22 Grand Prix races in a season? The current Formula One champion is Max Verstappen, a Dutch racing driver competing with the Red Bull Racing team.

01.The Whitianga

Photo source: wikipedia

The Whitianga Festival of Speed, originated in New Zealand's town of Whitianga, is considered the most expensive sport in the world.

Unlike other sports on our list, this is not an activity that requires training but instead is a unique race that involves jet skis, helicopters, parachutes, and powerboats. The festival began in 2009, and over twenty motorsport events are held annually.

Participating in this sport requires expensive vehicles and equipment, including helicopters, fast cars, jet skis, and powerboats, making it out of reach for most people due to the high cost of ownership and maintenance.