“The truth is the Super Bowl long ago became more than just a football game. It’s part of our culture, like turkey at Thanksgiving and lights at Christmas, and like those holidays – beyond their meaning – a factor in our economy.” – Bob Schieffer.

Sports goes beyond entertaining people uniting families, cultures, races, states, and even governments. The business side of American sports, for instance, has seen billions of US dollars go into and out of the sports industry as local businesses thrive and job roles multiply during major sporting events. 

However, the powerful effect of sports in the US is more observable in the most followed sporting events. So, whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or just curious about the most popular sport in the United States, this review has got you covered. This handy list can help you rank American sports by the most popular events in the country. 

6 Most Popular Sports in the United States of America (USA)

The USA has a vibrant and diverse sporting culture spans various activities and caters to fans and participants of all ages. From traditional sports like baseball to the fast-growing fame of soccer, each activity has its unique following and fervent fan base across the country. Discover the top 6 most popular sports in the US today.

American Football

American football enjoys immense popularity in the USA. Renowned for its fast-paced action, terrific following, and strategic gameplay, the sport essentially shuts down the weekends with football action. Friday nights are memorable for high school football action, while states where college football enjoys widespread popularity rarely get a break from the latest football news. 

The NFL (National Football League) dominates the professional sports scene, captivating millions of viewers annually. With a 67,591 average attendance at the stadium, the NFL has the highest average attendance of any sports league in the world.

Of course, there’s no forgetting the Super Bowl – where it all peaks. The Super Bowl is part of American culture and has grown over the decades beyond just a championship game to a national celebration with widespread viewership and festivities.

Baseball

Baseball is often referred to as “America’s pastime” – and for the right reason. Its rich history and deep-rooted cultural significance have kept it on the ranks of one of the most followed and practiced sporting events in the country. However, there’s no denying that it’s facing growing competition from faster-paced sporting events in the country. 

The Major League Baseball (MLB) oversees professional baseball and sports teams that boast intriguing histories and legends. The MLB is the oldest of the major local leagues in the US, dating back to 1903 (after the National League began in 1876). Meanwhile, the World Series, where baseball competition peaks in the country, draws millions of fans from around the country as they gather to celebrate the most popular sport in the USA.

Basketball

Basketball’s popularity has remained on the rise for decades, solidifying its place as one of the most popular sports in the country. Known for its fast-paced action, thrilling dunks, and iconic moments, basketball is one of the best US sports that brings people of all ages together at stadiums and TV screens nationwide. Moreover, the sport’s professional league, the NBA (National Basketball Association) has produced some of the most talented athletes in the game globally, peaking in the globally acclaimed major events like the NBA Finals.

But basketball fans in the US go beyond just following the game to extending their support for their favorite teams via the sportsbooks. According to tipster and American NBA betting expert, Evelyn Balyton, basketball betting is rewarding and there is a huge market stateside. You can bet on college basketball or the NBA. However, remember your experience may be determined by the bookie you use. Should you want to enjoy the sport beyond watching at stadiums and on TV, you can check out top review platforms to discover the NBA on top betting sites that offer its odds and betting markets. 

Hockey 

Ice hockey is especially popular across the northern US states where winter sports are ingrained in the tradition. The NHL (National Hockey League) flaunts fierce competition and a passionate fan base all year round, delighting viewers and encouraging young players to pick up a stick and hit the ice from wherever.

Whether it’s ice hockey or traditional field hockey, what’s certain is that Americans love the fundamental idea of this game genre, alongside over 2 billion fans from the rest of the world.

Soccer 

“I think it has every opportunity to do so,” Messi told ESPN’s Luis Miguel Echegaray on whether the MLS can become as popular as the top European leagues like the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A.

Soccer isn’t just the most popular sport in the world, it’s also gaining traction as millions of fans in the United States of America troop to the game. The nation’s professional soccer league, the Major League Soccer (MLS) has kept growing in leaps and bounds, thanks to the influx of top soccer stars like Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Meanwhile, the consistent success of the US Women’s National Team in the 2024 Winter Olympics and earlier world championships or events has kept boosting the sport’s visibility and popularity among Americans. 

Major tournaments are coming to the nation like:

• FIFA World Cup 
• FIFA Club World Cup and other national championship 

With news of the next major sporting activities held in North America growing, this has further sparked enthusiasm and boosted national participation from fans and players in one of the world’s most popular sports, with over 3.5 billion fans in Latin America, North America, and other European countries.

Whether you’re considering the high school, college, professional, or even yard-games level, it’s easy to see that soccer is quickly becoming a major part of American sports culture. 

Tennis

Tennis receives another significant following in the United States from all age groups. Whether we’re talking about the immensely popular major tournaments like the masters or local club matches, the sport has found a passionate fan base that cuts across varying ages and states in the United States. Perhaps one of the most attractive features of table tennis (and other tennis events) is that it can be played year-round.  

Moreover, America’s strong tennis tradition has seen its top stars regularly compete at top levels of international play. Although events like the US Open attract top talents from across the world, US stars are a force to reckon with – home or abroad, thanks to the massive success of tennis in the country. 

Conclusion

Sports in the United States reflects the interests and passions of the Americans over the last century (or thereabouts). While the country’s main interests in sports could change shortly, there’s no doubt that Americans crave football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, soccer, and tennis the most.