Top 10 Most Popular Sports in the United States

Sports have always played a huge role in American culture. From professional leagues that dominate television ratings to college competitions that draw millions of fans, sports in the United States reflect the country’s passion, diversity, and competitive spirit. According to Statista, over 160 million Americans identify as sports fans, and the U.S. sports industry is worth more than $80 billion annually. Let’s explore the top 10 most popular sports in the US, ranked by their fan base, TV ratings, participation levels, and cultural impact.

1. American Football (NFL & College Football)

• Fans: Over 150 million in the U.S.
• Major League: National Football League (NFL)
• Biggest Event: Super Bowl (average 115 million viewers in 2024)

American football is by far the most popular sport in the United States. The NFL dominates television ratings—regular-season games average 17 million viewers per game, and the Super Bowl is the most-watched annual sporting event in the country. College football is also massive, with stadiums like Michigan Stadium regularly hosting over 100,000 fans. The combination of tradition, tailgating, fantasy football, and betting makes football the king of U.S. sports.

2. Basketball (NBA & NCAA)

• Fans: Around 110 million in the U.S.
• Major League: National Basketball Association (NBA)
• Biggest Event: NBA Finals (average 13 million viewers in 2024)

Basketball is a global phenomenon, and in the U.S., it’s second only to football. The NBA features superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose names are recognized worldwide. The league generates over $10 billion in annual revenue. College basketball is also hugely popular, with March Madness drawing over 100 million TV viewers every year. Basketball’s accessibility, requiring only a ball and a hoop, makes it one of the most played sports in American neighborhoods and schools.

3. Baseball (MLB)

• Fans: Around 100 million in the U.S.
• Major League: Major League Baseball (MLB)
• Biggest Event: World Series (9 million viewers in 2023)

Known as “America’s pastime,” baseball has a rich history. While its TV ratings have declined compared to football and basketball, baseball still commands a massive following. MLB games drew over 70 million fans in stadiums in 2023, making it one of the highest-attended sports leagues in the world. The sport is also deeply rooted in American culture, with traditions like hot dogs, the seventh-inning stretch, and historic teams such as the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

4. Soccer (MLS & International)

• Fans: About 90 million in the U.S.
• Major League: Major League Soccer (MLS)
• Biggest Event: FIFA World Cup, MLS Cup

Soccer has grown tremendously in the U.S. over the past two decades. The arrival of global stars like Lionel Messi to Inter Miami in 2023 boosted Major League Soccer’s popularity. According to Nielsen, more than 26 million Americans watched the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final, showing soccer’s rising appeal. Youth participation in soccer is among the highest in the U.S., with over 3 million kids playing organized soccer annually.

5. Ice Hockey (NHL)

• Fans: Around 60 million in the U.S.
• Major League: National Hockey League (NHL)
• Biggest Event: Stanley Cup Finals

Ice hockey is most popular in northern U.S. states, especially Minnesota, Michigan, New York, and Massachusetts, as well as regions near the Canadian border. The NHL has 32 teams and continues to grow in popularity, particularly after expanding into non-traditional markets like Las Vegas and Seattle. The Vegas Golden Knights’ Stanley Cup victory in 2023 drew record viewership for hockey.

6. Tennis

• Fans: About 40 million in the U.S.
• Major Tournaments: US Open, Wimbledon, French Open, Australian Open

Tennis has a long legacy in the United States, thanks to legends like Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi. The US Open in New York attracts over 700,000 fans annually, making it one of the most attended tennis tournaments in the world. Tennis participation in the U.S. grew significantly after the pandemic, with over 23 million Americans playing in 2022.

7. Golf

• Fans: Around 35 million in the U.S.
• Major Tournaments: The Masters, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup

Golf remains a popular sport, especially among older generations and high-income households. Tiger Woods revolutionized golf’s popularity in the 2000s, and stars like Rory McIlroy continue to inspire fans. According to the National Golf Foundation, over 25 million people in the U.S. played golf in 2023, including traditional courses, driving ranges, and indoor golf facilities like Topgolf.

8. Wrestling (Professional & Amateur)

• Fans: Over 30 million in the U.S.
• Organizations: WWE, AEW (entertainment); NCAA Wrestling (college sport)

Professional wrestling (WWE, AEW) is unique because it combines athleticism with entertainment. While scripted, it has a massive fan base—WWE’s WrestleMania attracts over 150,000 live attendees across two nights and millions watching worldwide. Amateur and Olympic wrestling also thrive at the college level, with powerhouse schools like Iowa and Penn State producing top wrestlers.

9. Lacrosse

• Fans: Around 15 million in the U.S.
• Major League: Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), National Lacrosse League (NLL)

Lacrosse, often considered “America’s first sport” with Native American origins, has seen impressive growth. The PLL, founded in 2019, has expanded TV deals and fan attendance. Participation in youth and college lacrosse has surged, especially on the East Coast and in states like Maryland, New York, and Virginia.

10. Track and Field / Athletics

• Fans: Around 12 million in the U.S.
• Biggest Event: Summer Olympics

While track and field doesn’t dominate year-round, it shines during the Olympic Games, where U.S. athletes consistently excel. Legends like Carl Lewis, Florence Griffith-Joyner, and Usain Bolt (though Jamaican) have brought huge attention to the sport. The U.S. regularly leads the medal count in Olympic athletics, fueling national pride.

Final Thoughts

The United States is home to one of the most diverse sports cultures in the world. While American football remains the undisputed leader, basketball and baseball maintain huge followings, and global sports like soccer continue to grow rapidly. With expanding youth participation, rising media coverage, and international talent, the U.S. sports landscape will likely keep evolving—cementing America’s identity as a sports-loving nation.