As the 2024 SportsPro rankings are unveiled, Biles solidifies her status as the pinnacle of commercial value in sports
n a stunning display of market prowess, Simone Biles has once again claimed her position as the world’s most commercially valuable athlete, leaving renowned stars like Lionel Messi and Vinicius Junior in her wake. With an impressive score of 96.16 out of 100, Biles cements her legacy as a powerhouse in sports marketing.
Vinicius Jr and Messi: The challengers
Following Biles, Brazilian sensation Vinicius Junior secured the second spot with a strong 91.52, while football legend Lionel Messi has slipped to fifth place with 89.67. Biles’s dominance highlights a remarkable shift in the commercial landscape, showcasing the rising influence of female athletes.
Also making headlines is Caitlin Clark, who debuts in fourth place with a commendable 90.26. Her rapid ascent signals a new era for women in sports, challenging the long-standing male-dominated narratives.
A balanced representation in rankings
The 2024 rankings reveal a noteworthy gender balance, featuring 28 male and 22 female athletes. This shift emphasizes the increasing recognition and value of female athletes in the commercial arena.
The rankings are determined through a comprehensive evaluation of brand strength, market potential, and economic impact, offering insights into each athlete’s commercial worth.
With the sports sponsorship market projected to soar to $102 billion by 2030, brands are keen to align themselves with top athletes, making this year’s rankings more crucial than ever. As the full list of the top ten most marketable athletes of 2024 is revealed, the spotlight remains firmly on Simone Biles as she continues to redefine what it means to be a leading force in sports marketing.
