What Are the Most Expensive Sports to Play & Why?

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Discover why these sports come with such a hefty price tag

Co-authored by Bianca Peart and Bertha Isabel Crombet, PhD

Last Updated: July 9, 2025 Fact Checked

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Most Expensive Sports Worldwide

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Most Expensive Youth Sports

Playing sports is a great way to stay in shape and build a community. Whether you’re trying to get your kids into gymnastics or thinking of joining a pickleball league yourself, there’s something for everyone. However, not all sports are budget-friendly, and some require you to invest quite a pretty penny even if you’re just a beginner. If you’ve ever wondered what the most expensive sports are, keep reading for a comprehensive list. You might be shocked to learn how much throwing a horse in the mix will cost you!

Which sports are the most expensive?

Formula 1 (F1) racing: Can cost millions yearly.
Yachting: Can exceed $200,000.
Equestrian sports: Up to $10,000 yearly.
Skiing/ snowboarding: Up to $1000 for beginners.
Ice hockey: Hundreds to thousands of dollars per season.

Section 1 of 2:

Most Expensive Sports Worldwide

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Inaugurated by Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in 1950, the Formula 1 (F1) race is considered to be the apex of all motorsport competitions. During an F1 competition, a number of races take place across several countries and continents, called Grands Prix. Points are divided between drivers and constructors, adding up to over $200 million for everything from car design to maintenance to fees to fuel. How’s that for a hobby?^{[1]
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If the F1 is considered the most elite race on land, America’s Cup is the most elite race on water. America’s Cup is the world’s oldest sports competition of any kind, perhaps because humans have been exploring the seven seas for thousands of years! A yacht can cost $10-20 million, but even if you’ve already got one, the maintenance and entry fees cost over $3 million. It’s important to note that this race is reserved for the most avid and intrepid of yachtsmen… who can afford the incredible price tag.^{[2]
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If you’re a horse lover, rodeo, jumping, or horse racing may be up your alley— but not for cheap. The horse can cost up to $50K, but assuming you already own one, regular horse care can cost thousands. Even entry-level equestrians have to cough up the big bucks, and riding lessons may cost hundreds per session. So, if you want to ride, you need to pony up and pay up!^{[3]
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If you don’t already have gloves, boots, and all the right gear, it’ll set you back a few hundred dollars. And if you’ve never braved the snowy slopes before at all, lessons can cost over $250. Tickets, passes, and other fees will further contribute to your total. Conservatively, you’ll spend between $700-1000 your first time on the hill. And it certainly better be worth it!^{[4]
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League, tournament, and entry fees can drain nearly $1000 from your bank account. This isn’t even accounting for travel expenses and hotels, which teams have to spend money on regularly. Investing in the right skates, pads, and helmet can quickly amount to $1000, if not more. All in all, ice hockey can cost you up to $10K annually. So, that must be the price of being cool.^{[5]
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Recreational bobsledding may only cost a couple hundred dollars per person, but renting or buying a bobsled can cost up to $100,000. It doesn’t end there—you also need runners, which are the blades beneath the bobsled that keep it gliding smoothly. These equipments costs are $5K-50K. The cost of equipment, training, travel, and fees make this a sport for those who are truly willing to splurge.^{[6]
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A pentathlon is a competition consisting of five events, typically including fencing, pistol shooting, swimming, show jumping, and a cross-country run. Modeled after the pentathlons of Ancient Greece, these events cost thousands upon thousands of dollars. Equipment is $10-14K, while training, facility, and tournament fees cost at least $1000 a month. If you want to master 5 different skills and happen to have more than $20K at your disposal, you’re an ideal candidate to participate in a pentathlon.^{[7]
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Similar to other equestrian sports, polo costs vary depending on experience and whether or not you own a horse. If you don’t yet have a majestic equine creature to call your own, you can buy one for the low, low price of $40k— that’s the starting price. From there, you have training, maintenance, team fees, and tournament fees, all amassing to about $200K-1 million per year. It makes sense, polo is often referred to as the sport of kings!^{[8]
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For casual players, tennis might be an affordable hobby, although it will still cost you a few hundred bucks to get the right training, equipment, and regular court access. However, competitive players spend $10K-300K annually, which might be worth it for the true lovers of the game. If not, watching Wimbledon from home, as it turns out, is totally free.^{[9]
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Costs vary wildly when it comes to gymnastics, but the prices still aren’t exactly low. There are recreational classes and competitive classes to choose from, ranging from about $25-$300 per class. Then, you must take summer camps, coaching, and gym access into consideration, potentially adding up to $200 weekly. So, while learning an impressive and elaborate high beam routine sounds pretty awesome, it won’t come cheap.^{[10]
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Section 2 of 2:

Most Expensive Youth Sports

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Enrolling your child in a youth sport can also be quite an expense. Participating in group sports and competitions can be beneficial for a child’s development. Not only do they get to hone a new set of skills, but they also learn about discipline, dedication, and how to work well with others. However, some youth sports can cost just as much as their advanced adult counterparts, which is important for parents seeking budget-friendly activities for their kids. If money is not an object, here are the top 15 most expensive youth sports and a range of what they typically cost:^{[11]
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- Equestrian Sports: $2,500 to $100,000+
- Ice Hockey: $2,700 to $17,000+
- Fencing: $5,000 – $45,000
- Skiing and Snowboarding: $1,200 to $5,000+
- Lacrosse: $1,510 – $17,500
- Gymnastics: $1,200 – 8,000+
- Competitive Cheerleading: $2,000 – $10,000
- Competitive Dance: $1,000 to $5,000+
- Golf: $800 to $6,000+
- Figure Skating: $800 to $10,000+
- Tennis: $600 to $10,000
- Tackle Football: $800 – $9,000
- Soccer: $600 – $5,500
- Basketball: $500 – $5,000
- Swimming: $800 to $1,000+