The Sports Events Pyramid – The Top Sports Events in the World in 2024 and Beyond
This summer, the world unites in a thrilling celebration of sports. From the heart-pounding Tour de France to the electrifying Summer Olympics, fans and athletes from every corner of the globe come together for unforgettable action.
This summer, the world unites in a thrilling celebration of sports. From the heart-pounding Tour de France to the electrifying Summer Olympics, fans and athletes from every corner of the globe come together for unforgettable action.
Sports events are an integral part of global culture, captivating audiences and uniting people across various demographics. To better understand the significance and impact of these events, SmartZup has categorized them into a Sports Events Pyramid hierarchy based on the sports popularity, the event brand, the viewership, the history, the legacy, and impact.
The International Sports Events Hierarchy
SmartZup has created this sports events hierarchy in the form of a pyramid. Events are classified in terms of:
- Iconic Sports Events.
- Flagship Sports Events.
- Premium Sports Events.
- Primary Sports Events.
- Niche, Regional and National Sports Events.
In the following section, we delve into the pinnacle of this hierarchy – Iconic Sports Events. These events are celebrated globally for their historical significance, thrilling competition, and unparalleled atmosphere.
The International Sports Event Pyramid
Source: SmartZup
The Iconic Sports Events
At the pinnacle of the SmartZup events pyramid are sports events with global impact and more than a billion TV/online streaming viewers. We call these The Iconic Sports Events. These are the most prestigious and widely recognized competitions that draw massive international attention and viewerships.
FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) control the world iconic events with billions of people watching and following their main tournaments and qualifying events.
The Iconic International Sports Events
At the pinnacle of all sports events is the FIFA World Cup, the premier event in international soccer. This event takes place every four years and can count on total viewership of 5 billion people. Significant above other well-known and iconic events such as the international tournaments organized by the IOC – the Summer and Winter Olympics. Top brands that sponsor FIFA events include Aramco, Hyundai/Kia, Adidas, Coca-Cola, Qatar Airways and Visa.
The Olympics, held also every four years, feature athletes from around the globe competing in various sports, showcasing the pinnacle of human athletic achievement and fostering international camaraderie. The next Olympics is taking place in Paris between July 26 – Aug 11, 2024. Top brands that are partners of the Olympics include Airbnb, Visa, Samsung, ABInBev, Alibaba, Allianz, ATOS, Bridgestone, Coca Cola, Intel, Deloitte, Omega, Panasonic, P&G and Toyota.
Other events that attract over 1 billion in viewership include international championships such as the Tour de France, the pinnacle of road cycling, this prestigious race, held annually in July, traverses the diverse landscapes of France, challenging elite cyclists with grueling stages, including iconic mountain climbs and high-speed sprints. Renowned for its rich history, intense competition, and international following, symbolizing the ultimate test of endurance, strategy. Top brands that are partners of the Tour de France include LCL, E.Leclerc, Skoda, Continental and Krys.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup, the premier event in women’s football, is also held every four years, brings together the best national teams from around the world to compete for the prestigious title. With its growing popularity and significant media coverage, the FIFA Women’s World Cup plays a crucial role in elevating the profile of women’s sports globally. FIFA partners are the same as the FIFA World Cup.
The ICC Cricket World Cup is the pinnacle of international cricket, held every four years and featuring the top national teams in a One Day International (ODI) format. The next world cup is scheduled to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October and November 2027. The ICC brand partners include Aramco, Emirates, DP World, Coca Cola and Induslnd Bank.
The America’s Cup, the pinnacle of international sailing, is the oldest trophy in sports, first contested in 1851. This prestigious yacht race attracts billionaires and wealthy teams who invest in cutting-edge technology and elite talent, often through their own companies. Major brands sponsorships include Louis Vuitton, Omega, Emirates, Coca Cola, Unicredit, Cupra, further intertwining the event with the maritime and luxury industries. It is predicted that this year’s viewership taking place in Barcelona will reach well over one billion people.
