The Most Popular Sports in America

An In-Depth Breakdown

Ah, sports in the good ol' USA.

Sports are one of the defining staples of American culture. Whether playing or watching, they represent the American spirit of perseverance, camaraderie, and the desire to be the best. Just look at these facts:

• More people watch the Super Bowl than vote in U.S. presidential elections.
• The combined revenue of the top three sports leagues in the United States (NFL, MLB, NBA) surpasses the GDP of many countries.
• The average American child spends more time watching sports than reading.

Sports are engrained in the American identity.

It's no wonder it's such a common question: what is the most popular sport in the U.S.?

This article breaks down the most popular sports in the USA by viewership and participation.

The Most Watched American Sports

Spectator sports represent an opportunity for fans to get together, bond over their love of the same team, and dislike for rivalled teams. This section breaks down the most popular sports in the U.S. by viewership.

1.) Football

Football is by far the king of American sports. A 2023 Gallop poll found that 41% of Americans considered Football as their favorite sport to watch. And since 1972, that's been the case when Football surpassed Baseball as America's favorite.

The high scoring, exciting gameplay, strong sense of community, and intense media coverage and marketing all contribute to its popularity. Just look at these numbers:

• Super Bowl LVIII in 2024 was the most-watched program ever, with an average of 123.4 million viewers across all platforms. This surpassed the previous record of 7%, set by 2023's Super Bowl.
• NFL viewership made up 93 of the top 100 broadcast programs in 2023, 82 in 2022, and 72 in 2020
• The T.V. viewing record since 2010 stands at 114.4 million, with 2nd place being held by the NHL at 43.6 million

2.) Baseball

In the shadow of the dominance of American Football, it's hard to believe that baseball was at one point the most popular sport to watch. The same Gallop poll found that 10% of Americans consider Baseball their favorite sport to watch.

Up until 1922, Baseball was the favorite sport to watch, accounting for 32% in 1937, 39% in 1948, and 34% in 1960. Between 1972 and 1990, it held second place strongly until Basketball picked up steam. Since then, the two have constantly traded places.

The MLB has consistently struggled to reign in a growing audience in recent years, but recent changes to its pace of play, including pitch clock additions, have shown promising results.

Consider these statistics:

• Average T.V. viewership for the 2023 World Series totaled 9.11 million.
• Through July 2024, MLB games saw an average of 28,805 tickets sold per game.

3.) Basketball

Basketball is a close third, with 9% of Americans' favorite sport to watch. The combination of fast-paced action, athleticism, and strategic depth has garnered a massive following. That, combined with its global appeal, has seen the sport grow greatly in recent years.

Consider these findings:

• An average of 1.56 million viewers watched NBA regular-season games on ABC, ESPN, and TNT during the 2023/2024 season.
• The NBA Finals consistently rank among the top-rated television events in the U.S.

4.) Soccer

Despite being the world's most popular sport, Soccer is 4th in the list of Americans' favorite sports, with 5% saying it's their favorite. Compared to the rest of the world, professional Soccer is relatively young. Major League Soccer (MLS) was only founded in 1996, making it a mere 28 years old. And the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) was founded in 2012, making it just 12 years old.

However, its young and diverse fanbase has made it one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. And when you look at both the MLS and NWSL, both professional leagues continue to grow year over year.

Consider this data:

• In 2023, MLS games saw an average of 22,170 attendees per game.
• MLS expansion teams continue to sprout with the addition of eight expansion teams since 2015, with another addition planned for 2025
• In 2023, MLS regular season matches averaged 343,000 TV viewers.

5.) Ice Hockey

Rounding out the top five lies hockey, which 5% of Americans consider their favorite sport to watch. Considered a cornerstone of winter sports, it offers fast-paced action and physicality that lures in a loyal fanbase.

Consider this data:

• The NHL averaged 504,000 viewers per game in the 2023/2024 regular season.
• The 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs averaged 1.8 million viewers per game.

6.) Others

Other sports that were mentioned as favorites to watch include the following:

• Auto Racing - 3%
• Ice/Figure Skating - 2%
• Mixed Martial Arts, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Boxing, Wrestling, Track and Field - 1%

The Most Played Sports in the U.S.

It's one thing to watch a sport, but it's another actually to play it. These two indicators most definitely differ, as sports vary in accessibility, difficulty, and even enjoyment. Below, we highlight the most popular sports by the number of people playing them.

1.) Basketball - 30.3 Million

Sitting at number one, Basketball is the sport most played, with 30.3 million participants. Considering the ease of accessibility (all you need is a ball and a basketball hoop), it's unsurprising that so many basketball players play. Not only that but look at how many American gyms have a basketball court.

2.) Soccer - 19.6 Million

Soccer's popularity as a participatory sport stems from its accessibility and global appeal. Requiring minimal equipment, it can be played almost anywhere, fostering community and inclusivity. The game's emphasis on teamwork, creativity, and constant movement makes it engaging for players of all ages and skill levels. The thrill of scoring a goal and the satisfaction of contributing to a team's victory are driving factors for many participants.

3.) Baseball - 19.1 Million

Baseball's enduring popularity as a participatory sport lies in its blend of skill, strategy, and tradition. The game offers opportunities for players to develop hand-eye coordination, patience, and mental toughness. The sense of accomplishment derived from mastering various pitching, hitting, and fielding techniques keeps players engaged. Additionally, baseball fosters a strong camaraderie and sportsmanship, making it a popular choice for individuals and teams.

4.) Football - 8.9 Million

While participation in American Football might be lower than in other sports, its popularity as a recreational activity is growing. The game's physicality, strategic depth, and emphasis on teamwork appeal to many. Flag football, a safer alternative, has increased accessibility, allowing a wider range of individuals to experience the excitement of the sport. The opportunity to develop strength, speed, and agility, combined with the camaraderie fostered within teams, contributes to Football's appeal.

5.) Ice Hockey - 3.1 Million

Ice hockey's popularity as a participatory sport is concentrated in colder regions but is steadily growing in other areas. The game's fast-paced action, physicality, and emphasis on teamwork make it an exciting and challenging sport. Developing skating skills, puck handling, and shot accuracy provides a sense of accomplishment. The camaraderie among teammates and the game's competitive nature contribute to its appeal.

The Future of Sports in America

The sports landscape is ever-evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and evolving economic dynamics. Several key trends are shaping the future of sports in America:

The Rise of Esports and Virtual Sports

• Esports viewership surpasses traditional sports in specific demographics: A growing number of young people are more interested in watching professional gamers than conventional sports. For instance, the viewership of the League of Legends World Championship often rivals that of major sporting events.
• Virtual sports gaining traction: As technology improves, virtual sports are becoming increasingly realistic and engaging. This opens up new betting opportunities, fantasy sports, and fan engagement.

Technology's Impact on Fan Experience

• Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR): These technologies revolutionize fan experiences, offering immersive viewing, interactive games, and personalized content.
• Data analytics: Teams leverage data analytics to optimize player performance, develop effective strategies, and enhance fan engagement through personalized content and offers.
• Wearable technology: Athletes use wearable devices to track performance metrics, prevent injuries, and optimize training regimens.

The Growing Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

• Increased representation: There's a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in sports, with more women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ athletes taking center stage.
• Social justice movements: Sports are becoming platforms for social change, with athletes using their influence to address issues such as racial inequality and climate change.

Economic Shifts and New Revenue Streams

• Globalization: Sports leagues are expanding their reach globally to tap into new markets and increase revenue.
• Diversification of revenue streams: Teams and leagues are exploring new revenue sources beyond traditional media rights, such as merchandise, gaming, and hospitality.
• Economic challenges: The sports industry is not immune to economic downturns, and teams and leagues must adapt to changing economic conditions.

The Future of Fan Engagement

• Personalized experiences: Fans are demanding more customized experiences, and teams are responding by offering tailored content, merchandise, and events.
• Social media: Social media platforms will continue to play a crucial role in connecting fans with athletes and teams.
• Streaming services: The shift to streaming transforms how fans consume sports content, with new opportunities for direct-to-consumer offerings.

While these trends offer exciting possibilities, the sports industry also faces challenges such as maintaining fan interest in an increasingly crowded media landscape, addressing athlete burnout, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of traditional sports.

Conclusion

The sports scene in the United States is a rich tapestry influenced by tradition, culture, and changing consumer preferences. From the enduring popularity of baseball and the rapid growth of basketball to the global appeal of soccer and the niche following of ice hockey, the nation's sporting landscape offers a diverse range of options.

While traditional sports remain popular, the rise of esports and virtual sports indicates a shift in how fans engage with athletic competition. As technology advances and societal values evolve, the future of sports in America promises to be dynamic and exciting. Understanding the sports by popularity in the US is crucial for athletes, teams, and businesses aiming to benefit from the nation's passion for competition.