Top 10 Highest single-event payouts in sports history (updated 2025)

Prize money shows how big and important a sports event really is. In today’s sport, one big win can change a player’s life forever. Team sports dominate television audiences and often deliver the biggest financial rewards. In this article, we'll dive into the 10 highest single-event payouts in sports history, that are ranked by total prize money.

UEFA Champions League - Football

Prize Pool: $2.4 billion

The UEFA Champions League is the richest sports competition in the world. Top football clubs from Europe compete every season. The total prize pool is around $2.4 billion. Clubs earn money from match results, TV rights, and rankings. The winning team can earn close to €130 million. Its worldwide popularity makes it unmatched.

Formula 1 World Championship - Motorsport
Prize Pool: $2.2 billion
Formula 1 is one of the most expensive sports in the world. Teams earn money based on their final standings. Big teams like Red Bull and Mercedes earn the most. The prize money comes from sponsors, race fees, and TV deals.

LIV Golf Series - Golf
Prize Pool: $300 million
LIV Golf changed the golf world with huge prize money. The series offers $300 million in total. Each event pays $25 million. The winner of one event gets $4 million. There are no cuts, so players are paid even if they finish last. This attracts top golfers.

US Open (Tennis) - Tennis
Prize Pool: $90 million
The US Open is the richest tennis tournament ever. In 2025, the total prize money reached $90 million. The men’s and women’s singles winners earn $5 million each. Prize money has increased every year. This shows how big and popular tennis has become.

FedEx Cup Playoffs - Golf
Prize Pool: $100 million
The FedEx Cup Playoffs reward the best golfers of the season. The total prize pool is $100 million. The overall winner earns a $10 million bonus. Only top PGA Tour players qualify. It rewards season-long performance, not just one tournament.

Wimbledon Championships - Tennis
Prize Pool: $72.6 million
Wimbledon is the most famous tennis tournament. In 2025, its prize money crossed $72 million. Both singles champions earn over $4 million. Wimbledon keeps its traditions but still increases prize money. It remains one of the biggest events in sport.

French Open (Roland Garros) - Tennis
Prize Pool: $64 million
The French Open is played on clay courts. In 2025, the total prize pool reached $64 million. The singles champions earn close to €3 million. The tournament is known for long and tough matches. The league's prize money has grown steadily over the years.

Australian Open - Tennis
Prize Pool: $59.9 million
The Australian Open is known for innovation. In 2025, the prize pool was nearly $60 million. The winners earn over $2 million. The event focuses on player’s comfort and safety. Prize money continues to rise every season.

NBA Finals - Basketball
Prize Pool: $20 million
The NBA Finals offer big rewards for players. The total prize pool is $20 million. The winning team shares $2.6 million. NBA teams have smaller squads, hence players earn more per person. It is the biggest prize in basketball.

ICC Cricket World Cup - Cricket
Prize Pool: $10 million
The Cricket World Cup has a huge global audience. The total prize money is $10 million. The winning team earns $4 million. While prize money is lower than some sports, however, cricket’s popularity is massive. The event continues to grow worldwide.

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