Top 10 fastest-growing sports in the world right now

The Sports Landscape Is Shifting Fast

Global participation numbers, broadcast deals, and social media engagement tell a clear story heading into 2026: the traditional dominance of football, basketball, and tennis is being challenged by a wave of sports that are attracting millions of new participants and viewers every year. From ancient martial arts to technology-driven competitions, these are the ten fastest-growing sports capturing attention across the world right now.

1. Padel

Padel has exploded from a niche racket sport played primarily in Spain and Latin America into a genuinely global phenomenon. The International Padel Federation reported over 25 million players worldwide by 2025, with that figure continuing to climb sharply. Court construction rates in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the United States have accelerated dramatically, with major investment from tennis federations and private equity firms alike. Its accessibility — smaller courts, lower physical demand, and easy pickup play — makes it uniquely suited for rapid adoption.

2. Pickleball

Pickleball remains the most discussed growth story in American sports, but its expansion is now genuinely international. The sport reportedly surpassed 13.5 million players in the United States alone by 2025, and professional leagues including Major League Pickleball continue to attract significant broadcast investment. Countries including Australia, India, and Spain have seen participation numbers double in just two years.

3. Esports

Competitive gaming continues to defy expectations as a spectator and participation sport. Global esports revenues exceeded $1.8 billion in 2024, with audience figures surpassing 500 million worldwide. The inclusion of esports as a medal event at the 2025 Saudi Arabia Esports World Championships and ongoing discussions about Olympic inclusion have cemented its legitimacy. Games like League of Legends, Valorant, and Counter-Strike drive enormous professional ecosystems.

4. Mixed Martial Arts

MMA’s growth trajectory shows no signs of slowing. The UFC alone held events across six continents in 2024 and 2025, and competing promotions like ONE Championship have built enormous audiences across Southeast Asia. Global participation at the amateur and gym level has surged, with MMA now ranking among the most-enrolled combat sports disciplines in gyms worldwide.

5. Flag Football

Flag football received perhaps its biggest legitimacy boost when it was confirmed as an Olympic sport for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The NFL has invested heavily in international development programs, and participation figures in Europe, Mexico, and Brazil have grown substantially. The sport appeals particularly to younger demographics and those seeking competitive team sport without the physical contact concerns of tackle football.

6. Cricket (T20 Format)

While cricket itself is ancient, the T20 format has transformed it into one of the world’s fastest-growing spectator properties. The Indian Premier League remains the richest domestic cricket competition globally, but leagues in the United States, South Africa, and the Caribbean are now drawing serious investment and new audiences. USA’s participation in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted on American soil, introduced the sport to a significant new market.

7. Disc Golf

Disc golf quietly became one of the most participated outdoor sports globally during and after the pandemic, as accessible, free-to-play courses attracted millions of new players. The Professional Disc Golf Association reported significant growth in course installations across Europe and North America, and streaming viewership for professional events on platforms like YouTube has generated surprisingly substantial audience numbers.

8. Bouldering and Sport Climbing

Climbing’s Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020 triggered a measurable surge in gym memberships and outdoor participation worldwide. Indoor climbing facilities have become common in major cities across Europe, North America, and Asia. The sport skews young and urban, making it a natural fit for demographic groups that sports marketers are increasingly targeting. Competition formats have also improved dramatically as a televised product.

9. Volleyball (Beach Format)

Beach volleyball has seen consistent growth as both a participation sport and a media property. Its combination of athleticism, outdoor setting, and relatively low equipment cost makes it widely accessible. Viewership figures for international events have grown steadily, and national federation participation data across Brazil, Germany, and the United States shows consistent upward trends through 2025 and into 2026.

10. Trail Running

Trail running has graduated from a niche endurance pursuit to a mainstream global sport with significant commercial infrastructure. The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc lottery receives applications from over 10,000 runners annually, and major trail events across Asia, South America, and Africa sell out within hours. Running shoe manufacturers and sports nutrition brands have responded with dedicated product lines and sponsorship programs that reflect the sport’s growing economic weight.

What These Trends Tell Us

Several common threads connect these growing sports: accessibility, social participation formats, strong digital content ecosystems, and appeal to younger demographics. Sports that offer easy entry points, strong community elements, and compelling online content are consistently outperforming more traditional properties in participation growth metrics. The next decade of global sports will be shaped considerably by the momentum these disciplines are currently building.