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.
If you are a sports enthusiast and fortunate enough to study in this dream country, you are in luck! Sports is one of the most important parts of our life, irrespective of the country we are living in. It adds to the excitement in student life and builds a sense of community. Experience the rollercoaster emotions of victory and defeat through these most popular sports in the USA.
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 USA
The sports in USA have diverse history. The sports carry popularity in different segment of life such as college sport, professional leagues, global sports, etc. The following table caries a small description of how each type of sport in USA are 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
American Football is the number one sport in America, which is one of the most-watched sports. It is played by two teams in a team of eleven, competing against each other. The attempts made by the team to pass the football to the opposing team’s goal net and their attempt to defend build 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.
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 is considered one of the most popular and most-played sports in the US. 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. While players achieve a sense of satisfaction and well-being after playing this exhausting game, the spectators create a nostalgic connection with their childhood memories.
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.
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
Introduced in the US after being played in Bermuda, Tennis became a popular sport in the US. It is played competitively and recreationally in the country and is also enjoyed by the people watching it. 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.
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
Mixed martial arts is a hybrid sport that is one of the most popular sports in the US. It is also the fastest-growing sport which uses varied techniques to strike, fight, and grapple. The knock-out punches, wrestling and boxing techniques make it a dynamic sport to fight and defend against the opponent. Playing it involves a lot of discipline and a strict routine. For spectators, it truly motivates them to push through their own limits.
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.
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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.
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