The most popular sports leagues and organizations on social media
| Updated: March 12, 2025In today’s digitally connected world, sports extend beyond stadiums and TV screens, battling for supremacy on social media. Football reigns as the world’s most popular sport, but what follows? Does the UEFA Champions League outshine FIFA’s World Cup in global fan appeal? Sportingpedia’s latest study answers these questions, ranking the most followed sports leagues and tournaments across the four major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. The UEFA Champions League tops all tournaments with 311.8 million followers, but the NBA steals the spotlight with 212.2 million, outpacing the English Premier League’s 204.6 million as the world’s most followed domestic sports league. Notably, three of the top four sports organizations by followers are football-related, with the NBA as the sole exception.
Methodology:
To determine the sports with the highest social media following, we conducted an analysis focused on major sports leagues and organizations. The goal was to identify the sports entities with the most followers on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. We recorded the follower count for each organization’s official accounts, and the ranking was determined based on the cumulative followers across all four platforms. Formula 1 and NASCAR are considered individual sports because the drivers race alone on the track, showcasing their skill and precision, despite the car’s performance relying on the expertise of hundreds of engineers and team members behind the scenes.
- The UEFA Champions League is the most followed sports competition globally, with 311.8 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok
- Football dominates the ranking, with three of the top four most followed competitions: Champions League (311.8 million), Premier League (204.6 million), and FIFA World Cup (150.2 million)
- Boasting 212.2 million social media followers, the NBA outstrips the English Premier League’s 204.6 million to reign as the world’s most followed domestic sports league
- Just days before its 2025 season opener this Sunday, Formula 1, the planet’s costliest and most high-tech sport races to 67.7 million followers
- Worldwide, only six powerhouses break the 100 million follower barrier: the Champions League, NBA, Premier League, FIFA World Cup, UFC, and ICC
- UFC is the most followed individual sport
Key Takeaways:
1. UEFA Champions League – Football (Collective)
The UEFA Champions League, the pinnacle of European football, has been captivating fans since 1992, inheriting the legacy of the European Champions Cup established in 1955. With a rich history, the current format involves a group stage followed by knockout rounds. In the 2023/24 edition, Real Madrid defeated Borussia Dortmund in the final to claim their 15th title. The Champions League’s social media dominance reflects its global appeal, boasting a total of 311.8 million followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
2. NBA – Basketball (Collective)
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been a cornerstone of basketball history, captivating audiences since its establishment. The NBA’s format includes 30 teams competing first in the regular season, which then culminates in the playoffs. In the 2023/24 season, the Boston Celtics clinched the championship, defeating the Dallas Mavericks for their 18th title. The NBA’s collective social media following of 212.2 million highlights its widespread popularity.
3. English Premier League – Football (Collective)
The Premier League, synonymous with English football excellence, has a storied history dating back to its establishment. The league’s format features 20 teams competing in a round-robin format. The 2023/24 season showcased thrilling matches and unforgettable moments, concluding with Manchester City lifting the title for the fourth consecutive year. With 204.6 million followers, the Premier League continues to capture the hearts of fans worldwide.
4. FIFA World Cup – Football (Collective)
The FIFA World Cup started in 1930 and is the most prestigious tournament in football. Teams from around the world come together every four years to play and crown the world’s best. In its latest edition in 2022, the tournament was hosted by Qatar, where Argentina, inspired by Lionel Messi, became World Champions after defeating France in the final. The World Cup accounts for 150.2 million followers across its social media profiles.
5. UFC – Mixed Martitial Arts (Individual)
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has revolutionized the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) since its inception. With a dynamic format featuring solo fighters in various weight classes, the UFC consistently delivers adrenaline-pumping events. Its social media presence, with 119.1 million followers, reflects MMA’s growing global appeal.
6. NFL – American Football (Collective)
The National Football League has a rich history dating back decades, shaping the landscape of American football. The NFL’s format involves a competitive regular season leading to the grand spectacle of the Super Bowl. The 2024 Super Bowl (concluding the 2023/24 season) saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the San Francisco 49ers to win back-to-back titles. The NFL’s 106.7 million followers attest to its enduring popularity.
7. ICC – Cricket (Collective)
Cricket, with its timeless traditions, is overseen by the International Cricket Council. Although the ICC is not a league or tournament, it is the most followed cricket organization by a large margin. Established to govern international cricket, the ICC organizes prestigious events such as the Cricket World Cup. In the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Australia defeated India to claim the title. Its 104.9 million followers highlight cricket’s global reach.
8. Formula 1 – Motorsport (Individual)
Formula 1, established in 1950, stands as the epitome of high-speed racing excellence. Each year, elite drivers compete in a series of races to determine the fastest on the track. The 2024 season ended with Max Verstappen clinching the drivers’ championship for the fourth consecutive year, while McLaren triumphed in the constructors’ standings, their first since 1998. With 67.6 million followers, Formula 1 maintains a strong digital presence.
9. MLB – Baseball (Collective)
Established in 1869, Major League Baseball remains one of the pillars of professional sports. In 2024, the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series, defeating the New York Yankees for their eighth championship. MLB engages its global fanbase with 42.1 million followers across social media.
10. NHL – Hockey (Collective)
Founded in 1917, the National Hockey League has become the home of professional ice hockey. In the 2023/24 season, the Florida Panthers won their first-ever Stanley Cup, defeating the Edmonton Oilers. The NHL has a combined 22 million followers across its digital platforms.
11. Wimbledon – Tennis (Individual)
With roots dating back to 1877, Wimbledon stands as the pinnacle of tennis excellence, charming audiences with its rich history and tradition. Over the decades, this prestigious tournament has witnessed legendary showdowns on the grass courts, showcasing the finesse and skill of top tennis athletes. In 2024, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the final once again, securing his second Wimbledon title. On the digital front, Wimbledon boasts a social media following of 18.7 million across Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
12. MLS – Football (Collective)
Major League Soccer has grown into a significant force within North American football since its founding in 1993. The league continues to attract global stars and raise its international profile, with Lionel Messi’s 2023 arrival at Inter Miami boosting visibility and leading them to the 2024 MLS Cup title over LAFC. MLS accounts for 19.1 million followers across the four platforms, reflecting its growing appeal.
13. PGA Tour – Golf (Individual)
Stepping onto the golfing stage in 1929, the PGA Tour has shaped the landscape of professional golf. With nearly a century of history, this prestigious tour has witnessed the finest golfers navigating the greens of iconic courses. Digitally, the PGA Tour has 15.8 million followers across its platforms.
14. NASCAR – Motorsport (Individual)
Founded in 1948, NASCAR is synonymous with stock car racing in the United States. Known for its high-speed events and loyal fan base, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series was won by Joey Logano, securing his third championship. NASCAR maintains a digital following of 15.2 million across Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok.
15. Volleyball World – Volleyball (Collective)
Volleyball World oversees some of the biggest international volleyball competitions. With a growing global fan base, the organization has accumulated 11.6 million followers on social media, driven by high-level tournaments and growing global interest in the sport.
16. Tour de France – Cycling (Individual)
Established in 1903, the Tour de France is the ultimate challenge in professional cycling, taking riders across picturesque landscapes and testing their endurance. The 2024 edition, the 111th, was won by Tadej Pogacar, who dominated with his third victory. The Tour de France has a following of 10.4 million across the top digital platforms.
17. EuroLeague – Basketball (Collective)
Founded in 2000, the EuroLeague stands as the top-tier European basketball competition. Featuring some of the continent’s best clubs, the tournament has steadily grown its global profile. In the 2023/24 season, Panathinaikos won the title, defeating Real Madrid in the final. The EuroLeague currently has 3.3 million followers across the major platforms.