Professional athleticism has been a traditional object of criticism by proponents of the amateur philosophy of sport, according to which the central ethos of sport is competition performed for its own sake and pure enjoyment rather than as a means of earning a living.
The professional sports industry encompasses mainstream and niche sports from across the world. While some of the big players in the industry include football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, there is also a huge appeal for sports such as cricket and hockey.
The interest in professional sports leagues varies from region to region. While the Big Four leagues are king in North America, cricket is one of the main passions in other areas of the world, including in parts of Asia and in the UK.