Formula 1 demonstrates stronger global reach and higher revenue generation, while MLB maintains a solid foothold in North America with significant attendance figures and a commitment to sustainability. Both are adapting to engage a wider audience through social media and rule changes.
| Attribute | Formula 1 | MLB |
|---|---|---|
| Global Viewership Numbers | Global fan base of 750 million, grew to 826.5 million in 2024 (12% increase). Average audience per Grand Prix in 2021 was 70.3 million. Global TV viewership grew from 1.5 billion to 1.6 billion between 2023 and 2024. | Significant presence in North America. TV viewership is increasing. Specific global viewership numbers are not available. |
| Revenue Generation | In 2024, revenue reached $3.65 billion. Media rights (32.8%), race promotion fees (29.3%), and sponsorships (18.6%). Other revenue streams include premium hospitality experiences and merchandise sales. | MLB team sponsorship revenue has climbed to nearly $1.9 billion in 2024, a 23% increase over 2023 and a 55% increase since 2022. |
| Number of Teams/Franchises | 10 teams, each fielding two cars. | 30 teams, divided equally between the National League (NL) and the American League (AL). 29 teams are in the United States and 1 in Canada. |
| Geographic Reach and Popularity | Global sport with increasing popularity in the United States, the Middle East, and established European markets. The United States now hosts three races. | Popular in the United States and Canada. Engagement is high across the US. California has the most MLB teams (5). |
| Sponsorship Deals and Revenue | Sponsorships contributed 18.6% to revenue in 2024. The average F1 team sponsorship deal is worth US$5.08 million, a 56% increase since 2019. | MLB team sponsorship revenue is nearly $1.9 billion in 2024. The Construction & Industrial sector experienced the highest year-over-year growth, up 45% to $76 million. |
| Media Rights Deals and Revenue | Media rights are the largest revenue source, accounting for approximately 32.8% of total annual income. | Details on specific media rights deals and revenue were not found in the search results. |
| Average Player/Driver Salary | Max Verstappen is the highest-paid driver at $65 million per year. Lewis Hamilton earns $60 million per year. Remaining drivers' salaries range from $2 to $20 million per year. | The average salary for MLB players hit a record high of $4.66 million for the 2024 season. Another source states the average rose 3.6% to $5,160,245. |
| Ticket Sales and Attendance Figures | Official fan attendance reached 6.5 million in 2024, a 9% year-over-year increase. Some race weekends had over 400,000 attendees, including Australia (452,000), Great Britain (480,000), and the US GP (approximately 430,000). | Leaguewide attendance eclipsed 70 million for the first time since 2017, with a 9.1% increase in per-game attendance. |
| Social Media Engagement | Followers across various platforms increased by 40% to 49.1 million in 2021, with video views up 50% to 7 billion. Social media is playing a pivotal role in how Formula 1 connects with fans worldwide. | MLB social media posts have generated a combined 37.1 million engagements (up 195% from 2023) and 487.6 million video views (up 186% from 2023). |
| Fan Demographics | Fan base is becoming younger and more diverse. Women now comprise 41% of the total fan base. The 16-24 year-old female demographic is the fastest-growing age sector. | 53% of US residents between 13-64 have engaged with the MLB in the past year. Among engaged audiences, 56% are male, and the most engaged age group is between 35-54 years old. |
| Impact of Rule Changes on Competition | Not applicable. | A 2023 survey found that 86% of people ages 18-24 and 25-34 said they were more likely to watch MLB games due to the rules changes. |
| Sustainability Efforts and Environmental Impact | Not applicable. | MLB is committed to responsible and socially conscious sustainability efforts. Key initiatives include Green Team activations, front office volunteer efforts, food donations, and substantive programs operated by MLB Clubs. |