Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, with a vast global following and a unique culture. It is the second most popular sport globally, with 39% of sports fans outside the US watching, playing, or following it. In recent years, the sport has seen significant growth in participation, especially in countries like Australia, where it is the second-highest team participation sport with approximately 1.3 million players nationwide. In the US, basketball is the most popular team sport, with 28.15 million Americans aged 6 and older having played the sport in 2022. However, according to a recent study, basketball is the 12th fastest-growing sport in the US, with other sports like pickleball and soccer experiencing more rapid growth in participation rates. As international stars continue to dominate the NBA and markets gain more access to games, basketball's reach is expected to expand further.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basketball's rank among the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. | 12th |
| The fastest-growing sport in the U.S. | Pickleball |
| The most popular team sport in the U.S. | Basketball |
| The most popular sport in the world | Football |
| The second most popular sport in the world | Basketball |
| The most followed league in every region | NBA |
| Yearly increase in engagement with the NBA outside the U.S. | 10% |
| The fastest-growing youth sport in the U.S. | 3x3 basketball |
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What You'll Learn
Basketball's global popularity
Basketball is the most popular team sport in the US, with 28.15 million Americans aged six and older playing the sport in 2022. Outside the US, engagement with the NBA has grown 10% year on year, and the NBA is the most-followed league in every region. In China, for example, it is 62% more popular than the Chinese Basketball Association among basketball fans.
Basketball is the second most popular sport globally, with 39% of sports fans outside the US saying they watch, play, or follow it. A 2023 report by Nielsen Sports, conducted in 18 countries, found that almost three out of four people were interested in basketball, with only football attracting more interest. The introduction of 3x3 basketball in the Olympics has also contributed to its popularity, as it requires fewer players and smaller courts, making it more accessible.
The sport's global governing body, FIBA, has also played a role in basketball's growing popularity. The body's strategic objectives, defined in 2019, have helped to make the sport more popular, and the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 and the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 attracted new fans. The next editions of the tournaments will take place in Germany in 2026 and Qatar in 2027.
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The NBA's international stars
While basketball is not the fastest-growing sport, it is the second most popular sport globally, with 39% of sports fans outside the US engaging with it. The NBA is the most followed league in every region. The NBA's international stars have played a significant role in its growing popularity outside the US, with a 10% year-on-year increase in engagement.
The NBA has a record-tying number of international players, with 125 players from 43 countries across six continents on the opening-night rosters for the 2024-25 season. This includes a record number of players from Australia (13), Germany (8), and Cameroon (5). All 30 NBA teams feature at least one international player, with Canada being the most represented country outside the US, with 21 players.
Some of the notable international players in the NBA include:
- Nikola Jokic (Serbia): Three-time NBA MVP, two-time World Champion, three-time European Champion, and two-time Olympic silver medalist.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece): Two-time NBA MVP and NBA Champion.
- Joel Embiid Cameroon: 2022-23 NBA MVP and seven-time NBA All-Star.
- Luka Dončić (Slovenia): Five-time NBA All-Star and All-NBA First Team member.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada): Superstar for the Oklahoma City Thunder, with consecutive years of 30-plus points per game.
- Rudy Gobert (France): Four-time Defensive Player of the Year.
- Pascal Siakam Cameroon: Most Improved Player in 2018-19 and two-time NBA All-Star.
- Kristaps Porziņģis (Latvia): 2015 NBA Draft pick, who had a career-best year in 2022-23 with the Boston Celtics.
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3x3 basketball's Olympic inclusion
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, with a significant global following. Outside the US, engagement with the NBA has grown 10% year-on-year, fuelled by the allure of international stars. Basketball is the most-followed league in every region, with China showing a 62% higher preference for the NBA than the Chinese Basketball Association.
Within the US, basketball is the most popular team sport, with 28.15 million Americans aged 6 and older playing it in 2022. However, it is reportedly only the 12th fastest-growing sport in the country, with other sports like pickleball and soccer experiencing more rapid growth.
The inclusion of 3x3 basketball in the Olympics is a testament to the sport's growing popularity and evolution. 3x3 basketball, also known as three-on-three basketball, is an innovative variation of the traditional five-on-five full-court game. It originated in the urban areas of the United States in the late 1980s and was often played in backyards and parks. The condensed format of the game made it fast-paced, exciting, and ideal for urban settings.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognised the appeal of this dynamic format and announced on June 9, 2017, that 3x3 basketball would become an official Olympic sport starting with the 2020 Tokyo Games (postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). This marked a significant milestone in the sport's history, providing a global platform to showcase the unique skills and intense gameplay of 3x3 basketball.
The rules of 3x3 basketball are designed to emphasise speed and excitement. The game is played on a half-court setup with one hoop and backboard, with each team comprising three players. The three-point line in traditional five-on-five basketball becomes the two-point line in 3x3, with shots made outside the line earning two points and those inside it, one. Additionally, a 12-second shot clock adds a further speed element, making 3x3 one of the quickest team competitions globally.
The inclusion of 3x3 basketball in the Olympics has not only added a new dimension to the sport but has also contributed to its growing popularity worldwide. The fast-paced and intense nature of the game, coupled with the showcase of exceptional individual skills, has attracted a new audience to basketball, further solidifying its position as one of the most popular and exciting sports globally.
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Pickleball's rise in the US
While basketball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US, it is not the fastest. Pickleball has been named the fastest-growing sport in the US for the fourth consecutive year. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong and was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three friends looking for a new backyard game. It was originally played with makeshift equipment but has since evolved into a professionally recognized sport.
Pickleball is exploding in popularity, quickly becoming the go-to sport for all ages, from casual beginners to competitive athletes. The game’s easy-to-learn rules and low-impact movement make it perfect for active lifestyles and senior fitness communities. Pickleball is also quite social, which has contributed to its rise. As more players hit the court, the demand for performance pickleball apparel—like moisture-wicking shirts, stretch shorts, and supportive court shoes—is rapidly rising. Pickleball clothing trends now reflect a blend of function and fashion, with breathable, quick-dry fabrics and sleek, sporty designs.
Pickleball's rise has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2023, there were almost 50 million adult players in the US, according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP)—an astonishing 19% of the adult population. This was an increase of 35% from their 2022 statistic of 36.5 million players. The SFIA Topline Participation Report for 2025, however, puts the number of players in 2024 at 19.8 million, which is still a 45.8% increase from 2023, and a 223.5% increase over three years. The discrepancy in the numbers can be attributed to the different reporting organizations.
Pickleball's popularity has led to a surge in infrastructure development. Dedicated facilities grew 55% year-on-year in 2024, and the USA Pickleball court location database, Pickleheads, added 4,000 new locations in 2024, bringing the total to 15,910 courts nationwide. However, there is still a shortage of facilities nationwide, and an estimated $855 million investment is needed in court construction over the next 5-7 years.
The future looks bright for pickleball, with every region in the US seeing increased participation in 2023. The South Atlantic region led the way with 2.8 million players, a 50% increase compared to 2022. The sport's cross-generational appeal is evident in the age demographics of its players, with the 25-34 age range having the most participants at 2.3 million people. Pickleball's popularity has also led to the development of new performance apparel and gear, with brands rushing to meet the demand for stylish and functional clothing.
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Basketball's domestic popularity in the US
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the US, with 28.15 million Americans aged 6 and older having played the sport in 2022. It is the most popular team sport in the country and is the second most popular major sport, with only tennis boasting higher participation rates.
However, basketball is not the fastest-growing sport in the US. According to a recent study, it is the twelfth fastest-growing sport in the country. Pickleball currently holds the title of the fastest-growing sport in America, experiencing a surge in popularity over the past few years. Cities across the nation have opened a multitude of pickleball clubs and converted existing courts into pickleball courts to accommodate the growing demand.
While traditional basketball remains popular, the 3x3 format is rapidly gaining traction due to its fast-paced and accessible nature. The introduction of 3x3 basketball in the Olympics has contributed to its rising popularity, particularly in urban communities, as it requires fewer players and smaller courts.
The growth of sports in the US is influenced by various factors, including increased accessibility, media coverage, safety concerns, and investments from professional leagues. For example, the rise of volleyball in the US has been attributed to increased media coverage and significant investments, such as League One Volleyball securing $100 million in funding for its professional women's league.
Overall, basketball continues to be a widely played and loved sport in the US, even as other sports experience more rapid growth in participation rates.
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Frequently asked questions
No, basketball is not the fastest-growing sport. In fact, according to some sources, it is the 12th fastest-growing sport in the US. Globally, basketball is the second most popular sport, with 39% of sports fans outside the US saying that they watch, play, or follow it.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the US. Participation among Americans aged 6 and older increased by 171.1% between 2018 and 2022. Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is perfect for active lifestyles and senior fitness communities due to its easy-to-learn rules and low-impact movement.
Basketball is the most popular team sport in America, with 28.15 million Americans aged 6 and older having played the sport in 2022.
Basketball is the fastest-growing team sport in Australia, with 1.3 million players nationwide. The sport's surge can be attributed to its accessibility, schedule flexibility, and the unique culture of Australian basketball.
