Resumo. ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify whether the size of municipalities in which Brazilian high-performance athletes are born or live influences the federal government subsidy, in addition to pointing out whether factors such as human development index, demographic density and municipal investment in sports also exert influence. The sample consisted of 2,033 Brazilian municipalities that had athletes, born or resident, receiving the Brazilian incentive Bolsa-Atleta program. The size of municipalities influences the amount and level of grant obtained, demonstrating that the smaller the population size, the lower the chance of obtaining a higher grant level. In addition, factors such as human development index, demographic density and investment in sport influence the acquisition of grants by athletes, mainly by resident athletes, which shows an internal sports migration in the country as a result.