Students planning to move to the USA must know the most popular sports in the USA as sports will help them to stay physically active and fit. The USA is well-known for its high-quality education and top-grade universities, promoting unbiased admiration of sports in American culture. The country is a preferable choice for the study abroad aspirants.
Sports have always held a special place in American culture. The United States is home to a wide range of athletic activities that capture the hearts of millions, from professional leagues to college championships. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd at a football game or the thrill of a buzzer-beater in basketball, sports are an essential part of life for many Americans. Let’s dive into the most popular sports in the USA and see what makes each of them so captivating.
This Blog Includes:
Most Popular Sports in the USA
Though sports culture might be a shock for international students attending US universities, it truly offers you great ways to explore the university world outside of academia, step into the world of fun events, and build a network as a student in the USA.
The table shown below carries the list of most popular sports in the USA:
| Rank | Sport | Major League | TV Viewing Record | Favorite Sport Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Football | NFL | 111.9 million | 37% |
| 2 | Baseball/Softball | MLB | 40.0 million | 9% |
| 3 | Basketball | NBA | 24.4 million | 11% |
| 4 | Ice Hockey | NHL | 27.6 million | 4% |
| 5 | Soccer | MLS | 27.3 million | 7% |
Overview of Sports in the USA
The sports in the USA have diverse histories. Sports carry popularity in different segments of life such as college sports, professional leagues, global sports, etc. The following table carries a small description of how each type of sport in the USA is growing:
| Overview of Sports in the United States | |
| Historical National Sport | Baseball was historically considered the national sport in the USA. |
| Most Popular Sport | American football has become the most popular sport in terms of broadcast viewership. |
| College Sports | College basketball and football are nearly as popular as professional sports, with the NCAA being the major sanctioning body. |
| Major Professional Sports Leagues | The NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS are considered the major professional sports leagues, with the NFL being the largest in revenue globally. |
| Global Success | The United States is the most successful nation in multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, and athletics. |
Here’s the list of super popular sports in the US that enjoy amazing broadcast viewership and are also loved by the athletes on the field.
American Football
Governing Body: NFA, NFCL
Famous Athletes: Jim Brown, Jerry Rice, Tom Brady
When it comes to the most popular sport in the USA, American football takes the crown. The National Football League (NFL) is the biggest professional sports league in the country, drawing millions of viewers every week during the season.
- Super Bowl Sunday is an unofficial national holiday, with over 100 million people tuning in each year.
- College football is also massive, with passionate fans supporting their alma maters and filling stadiums across the country.
- The excitement of the NFL playoffs, fantasy football leagues, and tailgating culture all contribute to football’s dominance.
American football’s physicality, strategy, and larger-than-life personalities make it a sport that defines the American sports landscape.
Also Read: If you are still planning to pursue education in the USA, check out our blog on the Best Places to Study Abroad in the USA.
Basketball
Governing Body: NBA
Famous Athletes: Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant
Basketball holds a firm grip on the hearts of American sports fans, thanks to the NBA (National Basketball Association) and NCAA March Madness.
- The NBA Finals and All-Star Weekend are major television events.
- College basketball’s annual tournament, March Madness, captivates the nation with its high-stakes games and bracket challenges.
- Basketball’s global appeal has helped the sport grow even further in the USA, with stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry becoming cultural icons.
Basketball’s accessibility—all you need is a hoop and a ball—makes it a favorite among kids and adults alike. This is played on various professional, college, and high-school levels in the country. High school students are extremely passionate about playing basketball and aiming to shoot the ball in the opposing team’s hoop while defending their hoop. This is also one of the types of intramural sports that is widely organised by the universities and offers an athletic environment to international students.
Baseball
Governing Body: MLB
Famous Athletes: Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Bo Jackson, Ted Williams
Baseball, another most popular sport in the USA, requires a lot of energy, strategy, and patience to play. This bat and ball game in America is categorised into two groups based on their levels: Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball. This popular sport holds a special place in the hearts of Americans as being one of the national pastime sporting activities. Though its popularity has slightly waned over the years, baseball remains a cherished sport in the United States.
- Major League Baseball (MLB) boasts a long and rich history, with iconic teams like the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
- The World Series is a time-honored tradition, bringing families together to watch the best teams battle for the championship.
- Youth baseball leagues and the nostalgic appeal of a day at the ballpark keep the sport alive and well.
Baseball’s slower pace and deep-rooted traditions make it a unique and enduring part of American culture.
Boxing
Governing Body: National Boxing Association
Famous Athletes: Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Rocky Marciano
Boxing at number 4 might be surprising. However, it is one of the most loved and popular sports in America. Originating in the 19th century, this sport drew a lot of attention and the largest of crowds cheering the participants. The NCBA (National Collegiate Boxing Association) organises boxing fights for university students in the US, garnering active participation from students and advancing to national championships and tournaments.
Ice Hockey
Governing Body: NHL
Famous Athletes: Patrick Kane, Mike Mandano, Chris Chelios, Brian Leetch
Ice Hockey is the fifth most popular sport in the US among Americans. It is a team sport played on ice. The teams control the puck by pushing, passing and shooting it using the hockey sticks to secure a point on a successful goal. It is a popular recreational sport which is subsequently gaining more popularity over the years.
Ice hockey may be most popular in northern states, but its passionate fan base gives it a solid place among the top sports in the USA.
- The National Hockey League (NHL) features thrilling games, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs considered some of the most intense competition in sports.
- College and minor league hockey also draw large, dedicated crowds.
- The fast-paced nature of the game and the excitement of goals, hits, and fights make hockhey a unique spectacle.
Also Read: Still unsure about the best time to book accommodation in the US? Read our blog to know the same and ensure the booking of the most in-demand and best student residences in the country.
Tennis
Governing Body: USTA
Famous Athletes: Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Serena and Venus Williams
Tennis holds a strong niche following in the United States, thanks to Grand Slam tournaments and legendary American players.
- The US Open, held annually in New York, is a major event in the tennis world.
- Players like Serena Williams and Venus Williams have made a lasting impact on the sport.
- Recreational tennis is popular across the country, with public courts readily available.
Tennis’ combination of skill, endurance, and mental toughness makes it a beloved sport. This sport is equally popular among men and women which will be quite evident with your mates in accommodation for students in the USA as well. The powerful serves and unpredictable tie-breakers keep the audiences on the edge of their seats and enjoy this distinctive sport in the USA.
Golf
Governing Body: USGA
Famous Athletes: Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Tom Watson
One of the most prestigious and most popular sports in the US, golf is played by nearly 30 million population in the country. This is a famous pastime and recreational sport in which the ball meets the club after a thud with a golf stick to achieve a perfect shot. It is a sport requiring precision and skill. Golf remains a popular pastime in the USA, with millions hitting the links each year.
- The Masters, U.S. Open, and PGA Championship are iconic tournaments that draw large TV audiences.
- Golf courses range from luxurious resorts to local public courses, making the game accessible to all.
- The rise of young stars like Tiger Woods helped fuel a golfing boom in recent decades.
Golf’s blend of relaxation and competition makes it a favorite for many Americans.
Auto Racing
Governing Body: NASCAR
Famous Athletes: A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Richard Petty
Automobile racing is another popular sport in America. This is one of the most-watched sports in America where millions of people gather to watch this sport and experience fun. The roaring engines to get on high-speed racing tracks trigger an adrenaline rush causing more excitement and energy. Indianapolis 500, NASCAR, Formula 1, and Formula Drift are some of the widely followed auto racing events.
Mixed Martial Arts
Governing Body: UFC
Famous Athletes: Anderson Silva, Randy Couture, Anthony Pettis, Mark Coleman
MMA has grown rapidly in the United States, with the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) leading the charge.
- UFC pay-per-view events regularly draw millions of viewers.
- The sport combines elements of boxing, wrestling, and martial arts, creating a dynamic and exciting spectacle.
- MMA gyms and training programs have popped up across the country, helping to build a strong grassroots following.
The intensity and unpredictability of MMA make it one of the fastest-growing sports in the USA.
Wrestling
Governing Body: WWE
Notable Alumni: Lee Kemp, Hulk Hogan, John Cena
Apart from the most popular sports in the USA discussed above, wrestling also ranks on the list. It’s a super entertaining sport to watch where WWE superstars like John Cena and Undertaker completely changed the idea of how wrestling is viewed as a sport. The energy inside and outside of the ring is always high, making it an enthusiastic choice among broadcast viewers. Professional wrestling, while different from traditional sports, commands a huge following in the USA.
- WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) combines athleticism with storytelling, creating a unique form of sports entertainment.
- Events like WrestleMania draw massive crowds and global viewership.
- Amateur wrestling is also popular at the high school and collegiate levels.
The drama and physicality of wrestling keep fans engaged year-round.
Track and Field – The Foundation of Athletics
Track and field may not get the same constant spotlight as team sports, but it remains a core part of American athletic culture.
- The Summer Olympics highlight the best in track and field, with the USA often dominating the medal count.
- High school and college track meets draw enthusiastic crowds.
- The simplicity of running, jumping, and throwing competitions makes track and field universally appealing.
Do your friends also describe you as a shopaholic? If yes, then check out our blog – Shopping Districts in the USA!
Sports Gaining Popularity in the USA
Cricket, Rugby, Mixed Martial Arts, Lacrosse, and Pickleball are some of the sports gaining widespread popularity in the USA. These sports are gaining traction due to factors such as increased media coverage, the success of national teams, the establishment of professional leagues, and the appeal of new and innovative sports.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse, especially the women’s game, has experienced significant growth in participation at the high school and college levels. It is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Rugby
Rugby union and rugby league are gaining traction in the US, with the establishment of professional leagues like Major League Rugby (MLR) and the growth of youth and college programs.
Cricket
With the launch of Major League Cricket in 2023, cricket is poised to gain more mainstream popularity in the US. The sport has seen an increase in participation, especially among immigrant communities.
Esports
Competitive video gaming, or esports, has exploded in popularity, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch tournaments and leagues. Many colleges now offer esports scholarships and have varsity teams.
Pickleball
Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has seen a surge in popularity among all age groups. It is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US.
Popular Women’s Sports in the USA
Popular women’s sports in the USA include:
- Soccer – The U.S. Women’s National Team is highly successful and influential.
- Basketball – The WNBA has gained significant popularity and viewership.
- Tennis – Women’s tennis features prominent tournaments and stars.
- Softball – Popular at youth and collegiate levels, especially in the summer.
- Volleyball – Grows in popularity, particularly in schools and colleges.
- Gymnastics – Attracts large audiences during the Olympics.
- Ice Hockey – Increasing visibility with the growth of professional leagues.
FAQs on Most Popular Sports in the USA
American Football is the number one sport in America, which is one of the most-watched sports, enjoyed by the audiences as well as the players.
Some of the most popular sports in the US are- football, basketball, baseball, boxing, ice hockey, tennis, golf, tennis, and much more.
America’s national sport is baseball. Besides baseball, other sports like football, basketball, tennis, golf, boxing and others equally enjoy tremendous popularity among participants as well as spectators. These popular sports are unbiasedly promoted by US colleges and universities and hold a high position in American culture.
American Football is America’s favourite sport as it builds a sense of anticipation and unpredictability of the outcomes, making it super fun to watch. For players, scoring a goal enables a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Cricket, Rugby, Mixed Martial Arts, Lacrosse, and Pickleball are some of the sports gaining widespread popularity in the USA.
Approximately 150 million viewers watch NFL games annually.
Major League Baseball (MLB) often records the highest attendance figures.
Factors include media coverage, cultural significance, regional interests, and youth participation.
Soccer and basketball are among the most played sports by American youth
Women’s sports, particularly soccer and basketball, are gaining traction and visibility.
Thank you for reading our blog on the most popular sports in the USA that will want you to be in the front and immerse yourself in getting the first-row experience as the audience or wanting to play it. Hope you liked it. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
| Related Blogs |
| Room Decor Tips: Adding a Cultural Touch |
| Best Student Cities for Foodies |
| Outdoor Activities in London |
| Nature Home Decor Ideas for Your Dorm Room |
Follow Us on Social Media
Great article! It’s cool how sports are such a big part of student life in the USA. It keeps them fit and helps make new friends. Whether it’s American football or fun sports like pickleball and cricket, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Thank you for the comment. You’re absolutely right—sports play such a huge role in shaping student life in the USA, both on and off the field.
Glad you liked the article.