Licensing.biz have complied a list of the most influential sporting brands in the world with respect to licensing. Here are the top 10:
10. Arsenal and Premier League:
In joint tenth place, we have Arsenal and the Premier League, the football league in which the North London club are a part of. Arsenal are one of the top clubs in European football at this moment with a fan base that exists all across the planet. The Gunners haven’t enjoyed much success over the last eight years but they look like going places this season after the marquee signing of Mesut Ozil.
On the other hand, the English Premier League which was founded just over 20 years ago has changed the face of football in England. The Premier League is broadcasted in over 200+ countries, which makes it the most popular football league in the world.
For years, Tour de France has been one of the most followed sporting events in the world. Despite negative publicity in the recent past because of a number of doping incidents, die hard fans of the bicycle race have stayed loyal and followed the sport come what may. Such is the popularity of the event that European countries other than France have also hosted parts of a race over the years, with the 2014 Tour de France set to begin in the county of Yorkshire in England.
7. Chelsea and the NBA
Two different sports and two different countries but Chelsea and the National Basketball Association cannot be separated and are tied at the seventh place. Chelsea are one of the most successful football clubs over the last decade. Since Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003, the club has won 3 Premier League, 1 Champions Leagues, 4 FA Cup and 2 League Cup titles.
The NBA is the highest rated franchise-based sports event on the list. Started after the completion of World War II in 1946, the basketball league has grown from strength to strength since. The NBA enjoyed a great deal of popularity in the 1980s and 1990s when Michael Jordan was at the peak of his powers. If we take the average salary of sports personalities into consideration, then NBA players are the most paid sports athletes in the world.
6. FC Barcelona
It’s fair to say, on the pitch, Barcelona have been the best football team over the last five years. Since Pep Guardiola took over the managerial reigns at the Nou Camp, the club won 3 La Ligas, 2 Copa del Reys and 2 Champions League trophies in just four years until he took a sabbatical in 2012. The Catalans added another league title to their collection in 2012-13 under the management of Tito Vilanova. Barcelona are also the most followed football club on social media and have Lionel Messi, a four-time Ballon d`Or winner, who is one of the most marketable sportsmen on the planet.
5. Liverpool
Historically, Liverpool are one of the most successful teams ever. The Merseyside-based club have won five European Cups, with only Real Madrid, AC Milan and Bayern Munch winning as many or more. The Reds have also won 18 league titles, which is second to only Manchester United. After the advent of the Premier League, and with the league being televised to different parts of the world, Liverpool have become one of the most popular football clubs with a large portion of their fanbase being situated in South-East Asia. To capitalize on their popularity, the club have made frequent pre-season trips to Asia.
4. Wimbledon
Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and is definitely the most popular. With it, comes a lot of tradition. It is only tennis tournament that till date maintains a dress code of all-white. With a prize money of £22,600,00, Wimbledon is one of the richest sporting events as well.
3. England Rugby
Rugby is not one of the most popular sports on the planet. Hence, it is a bit of a surprise to see them on the list. The English Rugby Union team’s finest moment came in 2003 when they lifted the World Cup after an inspired performance from Jonny Wilkinson. With England hosting the next Rugby Union World Cup in 2015, the sport in the country is doing very well.
2. Manchester United
Manchester United are often considered as the most famous football club in the world. They were the biggest benefactors of the Premier League boom in the 1990s and the noughties. The Red Devils enjoy immense support from fans worldwide, with a lot of fans living in other countries making long trips to watch a game at Old Trafford, which is commonly referred to as the Theatre of Dreams. Sir Alex Ferguson retired earlier this year after 26 successful years at the club, but early indications are that it won’t affect Manchester United’s popularity a whole deal.
1. 2012 London Olympics
The 2012 Olympic Games, held in London, were one of the most memorable Olympic Games ever. The Games were lit up by the world-class performances from the likes of Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, Mo Farah, etc. The opening and closing ceremonies were especially a delight. Not only did the Brits do well with the organizing bit of the Games, they were also very successful in the sporting events as they completed the event with an all-time high of 29 Gold medals.