Over the last five years it's been successful in luring many of the global elite to the FedEx Cup Playoffs.

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Despite the NBA's growth, it has some way to go before it can rival football's worldwide appeal given the last soccer World Cup final saw global television audience figures peak at 530.9 million.

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"This strong response is unprecedented, and truly reflects the global attraction of the Rugby World Cup, " said IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset.

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