2024: A historic year for sports with records and great global triumphs.

The end of 2024 is shaping up to be a memorable period for sports globally, a year marked by the hosting of major events and the achievement of records in the audiovisual rights industry. The combination of the Paris Olympic Games and the recent European Championship, which concluded with a victory for the Spanish national team, has been fundamental in this context. In fact, it is estimated that sports broadcasting rights have surpassed $60 billion for the first time, reaching a total of $62.61 billion, representing a significant 12% increase compared to the previous year. This surge is not limited solely to television rights. The sports sponsorship market has also seen notable growth, reaching nearly $115 billion, which represents an 8.5% increase from 2023. The convergence of such significant events has heightened the interest of brands and advertisers, who seek to associate themselves with the success of competitions of this magnitude. The victories of prominent figures such as Carlos Alcaraz and Jon Rahm have complemented this narrative, contributing to the consolidation of Spanish sports on the international stage. The Paris Olympic Games not only offered an exceptional sports spectacle but are also expected to generate a significant economic impact for the city and its region, estimated between €6.7 billion and €11.1 billion by 2034. This economic impact has several facets, from investment in infrastructure to the boost in tourism, demonstrating that sports events can be engines of economic development in host cities. Similarly, this year's European Championship has left an indelible mark on football history, achieving revenues close to €2.4 billion, a record that surpasses figures from previous editions. This tournament has been supported by a diversified business model that includes revenues from broadcasting, ticket sales, and hospitality experiences, solidifying its position as one of the largest sporting events on the continent. For Spain, the victory in the European Championship has been a source of national pride, as it has established itself as the first national team to achieve four titles. This victory has not only elevated the sporting spirit of the country but has also strengthened the image of La Roja on the international scene, comparing it to other renowned teams like Germany, which now trails in the historical medal tally. In the world of tennis, Carlos Alcaraz has shone brightly, becoming the youngest player to win titles on all three Grand Slam surfaces. His success in 2024 has captured public attention and generated expectations about his future in the sport. However, the retirement of Rafa Nadal, a tennis icon, also marks the end of an era, opening a new chapter for both the sport and the Manacor-born player's business career. Real Madrid, for its part, has reaffirmed its dominance in European football with its 15th Champions League title, an achievement that extends its historical lead over other clubs. Additionally, the team has set a new record by becoming the first football club to surpass €1 billion in revenue, indicating its weight and relevance in the global sports landscape. The NBA has taken a new direction with a monumental television rights contract worth $76 billion. This agreement, which will begin in 2025, not only reflects the growing popularity of basketball but will also lead to an increase in player salaries, potentially changing the economic dynamics of the league in the coming years. Furthermore, Jon Rahm has established himself as a star figure in golf, excelling in LIV Golf and marking a milestone in his career by winning the championship title in this league. His decision to join LIV Golf has reconfigured the landscape of professional golf, a change that has sparked debates about the future of the sport and the impact of foreign investments. Saudi Arabia, through its sovereign wealth fund, has increased its influence in multiple sports disciplines, indicating a growing trend of financial intervention in global sports. With its sights set on hosting the 2034 World Cup, the country continues to diversify its sports offerings and promote events that attract global attention. In conclusion, 2024 has become a historic year for sports, a year that has not only been highlighted by competition on the field but also by the economic and media impact these events have generated. As we move into 2025, expectations are high regarding how this narrative will unfold and how industry players will continue to innovate to attract fans and sponsors in an increasingly digital world.