Sports in the United States have always been a pivotal part of the nation’s culture, shaping society and heritage. Baseball, historically, has been the defining sport of America, but in more recent decades, American Football has surpassed baseball in popularity with impressive rates of broadcast viewership. In addition, basketball, hockey and soccer have become integrated into USA sports culture since the late 20th and early 21st century.
What Are The Most Famous Sports in USA?
The major professional sports leagues in North America remain the most lucrative in terms of revenue, with sports below maintaining large, passionate fanbases with dedication to watching the games.
- National Football League (NFL)
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- National Basketball Association (NBA)
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- Major League Soccer (MLS)
With $16 billion in revenue, the NFL is, by revenue, not only the largest sports league in America, but in the entire world! Furthermore, the NFL also has the highest average attendance of any professional sports league globally.
Sporting culture in the USA has many similarities with European comparatives, but North American sports have their own unique elements which make them synonymous with their nation. For example, professional teams within the major sports operate and function as franchises within the league, allowing the opportunity to move the team to a different city if the team’s owners see a financial benefit in doing so.
A recent instance of this are the NHL’s former Arizona Coyotes who now will head to Salt Lake City in Utah next season. Despite a loyal fanbase in the desert, the Coyotes were not thriving financially and the monetary opportunities in Utah were far greater, hence the decision to sell the team and move the franchise. However, this is only one unique element of America’s sporting culture, as the correlation between education and sport is intrinsically linked in the USA.
College Football and Basketball
U.S college sports competitions have a crucial role in the culture, with college basketball and college football being so popular in their own rights that they can rival some professional sports leagues. Most high schools and universities have organised sports and a real focus on the development of athletes while also furthering their education.
Another contrasting factor in sporting culture which is found in not only the USA but also in Canada and Australia too, is the omission of promotion and relegation. Unlike most European sports, the USA do not practice the promotion or relegation of teams within a league.
Olympic Games and World Championships
In regards to the Olympics and World Championships and other international sports, America is generally the most successful globally in baseball, basketball, athletics, swimming, lacrosse, beach volleyball, figure skating, tennis, golf, boxing, diving, shooting, rowing, and snowboarding, as well as being one of the top five most successful nations in ice hockey, wrestling gymnastics, volleyball, alpine skiing, gymnastics and many others!
Overall, American sporting culture is one of the most integral parts of the nation. Beloved by the majority of the population, sports always have been, and will continue to be, interwoven into USA culture, society, and history.
Popular Sports by Participation
A (sometimes) separate area of sports popularity within the USA is that of individual participation. Watching or following sports is one thing, but taking part in them yourself demonstrates a different type of popularity, one that often differs from the most popular by viewership or revenue rates.
Basketball
Basketball is an extremely popular sporting choice for Americans to take part in, as well as watch on broadcasts. It continues to be the most-popular sport in the USA from the point of view of participation, with 28.1 Americans aged 6 and above taking part in the sport. The growth in basketball participation has been consistently increasing since 2016. A unique element of these high participation rates is that basketball stands out as the only team sport played by 6-12 year olds where the participation rate for both genders is in double digits.
Cycling
Research also suggests that a sport popular by participation by Americans in bicycling, in particular on a road or paved surface. With around tens of millions of people in the USA taking part in this activity each year, it’s a great way to keep fit while getting around. While not as high-endurance as other sports, cycling is a beneficial choice of physical activity, helping to protect you from serious diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, depression, diabetes and arthritis.
Golf
With more than a third of the American population over the age of 5 participating in the activity, following it on TV or consuming media about the game – golf is a popular choice of sport for participants and viewers alike. In terms of individuals taking part in golf, around 45 million Americans participate in golf. The rise in golf participation has also seen the number of previously under-represented groups taking part more frequently in the sport increase.
The number of women and girls playing golf on a course has risen by 23% since 2018, while the number of Asian, Black, and Hispanic golfers has gone up by 43%. There has also been a 40% increase in the number of juniors going out on the golf course. It’s a great time in American golf right now, with social media and more traditional forms of media promoting the sport, encouraging people to pick up the clubs and get out on the course.
Emerging Sports in America
Pickleball
According to the Sport and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States and has been for the last 3 years. The surge in popularity can be largely attributed to its easiness to learn, enjoyability to play and accessibility to people of all ages. Additionally, pickleball has great opportunities for socialising, meeting new people and connecting with a community. In 2023, over 1000 new locations were created to keep up with the increasing demand for places to play pickleball, with a 15% increase throughout the year in memberships across the nation at recreational and competitive levels. Between 2018 to 2022, participation in pickleball increased by 171.1%.
Winter Sports
Winter Sports have seen an uptake in participation in America recently too, with Alpine Touring and Winter Fat Biking seeing a 115.0% and 69.4% increase respectively. This shows an alteration to popular sports choices for Americans, especially when baseball – a stereotypically summer sport – was previously the nation’s favourite past time. Snowboarding has also gained traction, with participation increasing by 59.1% in the past four years.
Factors Influencing Sports Popularity
The popularity of sports will likely never dwindle. The enjoyment, passion and community that can be achieved through watching or participating in sports can transcend culture, boundaries and society. However these are various internal and external factors which can increase or hinder the popularity of sports.
Socioeconomic factors can significantly impact sport fandom and participation. Finances can lift or create barriers depending on wealth and economic circumstance. Those living in the most deprived areas are far less likely to take part in clubs or high performance sport, while 70% of children from families incomes above $105,000 – four times above the poverty line – took part in sports in 2020. This divide between wealth and financial situation is likely to have a significant influence in the USA – a nation which has 37.9 million people in the population living in poverty. The cost of equipment, training facilities and travel can create a barrier for people wishing to take part in sports.
Cultural and social influences are also impactful when it comes to sport popularity. The activities which are most integral to a nation’s heritage and society are more likely to be encouraged for young people to participate in. It’s unlikely that most American children will have never thrown a baseball or American football! Positive role models, especially for those in minority groups, can inspire and motivate individuals to embrace sporting activities, making them an important aspect of sporting culture too.
The future of sports in the USA remains generally very bright and prosperous. While sport participation and viewership rates may vary as trends fluctuate, at its heart America is a nation which will always keep sport in its core values and culture.
