For sports enthusiasts, a sport is more than just a game, it’s a passion and a lifestyle. To the extent that many sports lovers would pay a pretty penny to participate in their favourite sport or travel across the world to support their favourite sports teams. With numerous sports to choose from, some opt for the more elite and expensive adrenalin-filled games but just how much are people willing to pay to participate in their favourite sport?

Have a look at some of the world’s most expensive sports.

Formula 1

Formula 1 is one of the world’s most popular and expensive sports. This high-risk motorsport not only requires you to have passion for competitive high-speed motor racing but you would also need to have a fortune in the bank to make a career out of Formula 1. Drivers are required to have their own car, professional training, sponsorships, enough money to maintain an F1 car and not to mention great medical insurance as this high-speed sport is one of the most dangerous in the world. In addition, drivers need to pay an entry fee for each race which could cost up to an estimated $190 000 (R3,1 million).

Pentathlon

Unlike any sports in the world, a pentathlon consists of five unique sporting disciplines such as swimming, fencing, show jumping, pistol shooting and running. All five of these sports require specialised tools and training to master, making it one of the most expensive sporting fields in the world. Show jumping and fencing are amongst the most expensive out all five disciplines.

Hot air balloon racing

Hot air balloon racing is probably one of the most bizarre sports out there and is certainly not for those who live on a budget. This fun adventurous sport comes at a hefty cost – purchasing a hot air balloon could cost up to $20 000 (R335,281). In addition, one would need to cover the costs of inflating the hot air balloon, safety inspections, acquiring a pilot’s licence and many other gadgets and devices needed to race a hot air balloon.

Whitianga festival of sports

Whitianga festival of sports takes place every year in New Zealand and is deemed as the most expensive sports festival in the world. The festival consists of parachute swooping, car, helicopter, powerboat and jet ski races. This is considered the most expensive sport in the world as anyone competing in the Whitianga festival has to have their own helicopter, powerboat, race car, jet ski, parachute as well as professional training to master each of these sporting disciplines. This sport is certainly not for any average Joe but designated for the millionaires and billionaires of this world.

Ski jumping

When most people think of ski jumping, they think a beautiful holiday in the snowy Alpes of France or Switzerland. However, ski jumping is not only a fun activity you try whilst on a ski holiday, but it is also a professional sport. This highly competitive and expensive sport demands skill dedication and a whole lot of money. Therefore, If you have aspirations of becoming a professional ski jumper, you would need enough money in the bank for ski equipment, professional lessons, entry fees into races, travel and accommodation fees to ski destinations around the world and not to mention, high insurance costs as ski jumping is one of the most dangerous sports in the world.

Bobsledding

Most people are not very familiar with bobsledding as it is quite a unique sport and mainly features at the Winter Olympics. However, bobsledding is a highly competitive, high endurance and high cost sport. So, if you have ever thought about starting your own bobsledding team, you would need to cover the costs of purchasing a Bobsled, gear and equipment for you and your teammate and professional training which is one of the most expensive costs as the sport is niche, therefore, licensed and qualified trainers are hard to come by.

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