Andrew Pace
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the USA, with a fanbase of around 800 million people worldwide. It is celebrated at all levels, from high school to the NBA, which has inspired iconic movies like Hoosiers and Space Jam. However, American football is considered the most popular sport in the USA, with the Super Bowl being one of the most-watched television events each year. Baseball, basketball, and American football have generally vied for the top spots since 1995.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is basketball the most popular sport in the USA? | No, American football is the most popular sport in the USA. |
| Number of fans | Basketball has a fanbase of around 800 million people worldwide, including 155.9 million fans in the USA. |
| Percentage of fans in the USA | 11% of Americans say that basketball is their favourite sport. 37% say the same about American football. |
| Number of players | More than 26 million Americans play basketball, more than any other team sport. |
| TV viewership | The NBA Finals attract an average viewership of 15-20 million annually. |
| Global popularity | Basketball is the most popular US sport outside of the USA. |
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What You'll Learn
Basketball's global popularity
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the USA. It is celebrated at all levels, from high school to the NBA, which has inspired iconic movies like Hoosiers and Space Jam, showcasing its global influence. In the USA, basketball is the third most popular sport, with 11% of Americans saying it's their favourite. More than 26 million people play the game, more than any other team sport.
Basketball is also extremely popular worldwide. Globally, basketball interest is projected at 69%, with over 3.3 billion fans aged 16-69. This figure rises to four out of five people under 30. The NBA broadcasts games in over 200 countries and territories and is available in more than 40 languages, helping to foster a worldwide basketball community. The NBA Finals attract an average of 12.4 million viewers per game. Social media platforms show extensive engagement, with the NBA accumulating over 150 million followers. According to FIBA, over 450 million people play basketball worldwide. The sport is especially popular in China, where an estimated 300 million people play.
The popularity of basketball has significant economic implications. The NBA generates billions of dollars in revenue annually, significantly impacting economies, especially in the United States. Global sales of basketball merchandise continue to grow, with jerseys, sneakers, and other basketball-related products topping sales charts. Iconic players such as LeBron James and Steph Curry contribute significantly to merchandise sales, both domestically and internationally.
The NBA has been working internationally for over 50 years to ensure that basketball is as accessible as possible. The league has hosted games in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Canada, and Latin America, and has partnered with FIBA on the Basketball Africa League, which is growing rapidly in popularity. The NBA prioritises accessibility, both digitally and on television, and utilises brand and sponsorship deals with influencers to keep its finger on the pulse of what's popular in each region.
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American football's popularity
American football, or just football to Americans, is the most popular sport in the USA. According to Statista Consumer Insights, 79% of US adults who follow sports said they follow American football, with 61% saying they follow basketball. American football has been the country's favourite sport for decades, and the NFL is the most valuable sports league in the world, generating over $18 billion annually in revenue. This figure is projected to reach $25 billion by 2027.
However, American football's reign in the US may be under threat, as the sport is struggling to resonate with younger fans in the same way that the NBA does. Basketball is the third most popular sport in the US and is the most widely followed by sports fans outside of the country. It is celebrated at all levels, from high school to the NBA, and has inspired iconic movies like Hoosiers and Space Jam. With approximately 155.9 million fans, basketball is one of America's most popular sports, and it may only be a matter of time before it overtakes American football as the country's favourite.
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Baseball's popularity
Baseball has long been considered America's favourite pastime and is deeply rooted in the country's culture. The Major League Baseball (MLB) is the oldest of the major sports leagues in the US, dating back to 1903. Baseball's traditions, such as ballpark hotdogs and the seventh-inning stretch, are cherished aspects of American culture. The sport has a rich history and has been a part of America's defining moments, such as Jackie Robinson breaking the colour barrier in 1947.
While American football has surpassed baseball as the most popular spectator sport in recent decades, many Americans argue that baseball captures the essence of their country. The experience of witnessing a grand slam home run and the tradition of attending games with family are integral parts of baseball's appeal. The rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox is another iconic aspect of the sport.
Baseball also has a strong following at the youth and amateur levels, with little league games and local teams contributing to its popularity across the nation. The sport's cultural significance, historical traditions, and exciting gameplay have ensured its enduring popularity in the US.
In terms of attendance, Major League Baseball (MLB) ranks second only to the National Football League (NFL) in average attendance numbers. The MLB had an average attendance of over 21,000 per game before the COVID-19 pandemic. Baseball's popularity extends beyond the US, with its rules and culture influencing sports such as British baseball and rounders in other parts of the world.
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Ice hockey's popularity
Ice hockey, referred to as "hockey" in the US, is one of the four major sports watched in the country. It is traditionally popular in regions with cold winter climates, such as the Northeast and Upper Midwest, including Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Minnesota. The sport's popularity in these regions can be traced back to the construction of the first artificial ice rink in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1894.
However, ice hockey has expanded beyond these regions and is increasingly popular in the Sun Belt states. This growth is attributed to the expansion of the National Hockey League (NHL) into the southeast and southwest US and the relocation of residents from northern hockey-loving cities to these Sun Belt locations. The NHL has also established teams in states not traditionally associated with hockey, such as North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, and California. These teams have contributed to the sport's growing popularity in their respective states, with several of them winning the Stanley Cup at least once since 1999.
The NHL has recognized the need to diversify its fanbase and expand its traditional demographic. For example, the Chicago Blackhawks have experienced increased attention from ethnic minorities following their Stanley Cup successes in the 2010s, leading to outreach programs targeting urban youth and low-income neighborhoods. Additionally, summer senior ice hockey leagues, such as Da Beauty League in Minnesota and the Fattey Hockey League in New York, have attracted NHL players and corporate sponsorships, further boosting the sport's popularity.
Ice hockey's unique blend of speed, skill, and excitement has captured the hearts of American sports enthusiasts. The sport is known for its fast-paced, continuous action, with players showcasing their athleticism and strategic play on the ice. The physicality of ice hockey, comparable to American football, adds to its allure, although some may perceive it as violent due to occasional on-ice fights. Nonetheless, it is the strategic play, skillful maneuvers, and scoring opportunities that truly captivate audiences.
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Soccer's popularity
Soccer, or association football, is one of the top five most popular sports in the USA. It is particularly popular among younger audiences, with nearly 70% of Gen Z and Millennials following the sport. Approximately 52% of US sports fans identify as soccer fans, and there are over 24.4 million people playing soccer in the country.
The popularity of soccer in the US has been growing since the late 1960s and received a significant boost when the country hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. The success of the US Women's National Team, including their victories in the FIFA Women's World Cup, has also contributed to the sport's growing popularity. The most widely accessed televised soccer league in the US is Mexico's Liga MX, and the English Premier League is the most-watched international soccer competition in the country.
The highest level of men's professional soccer in the US is Major League Soccer (MLS), which currently has 29 teams (26 in the US and 3 in Canada) and has the third-highest average attendance of any sports league in the country. The MLS has the most teams of any first-division professional soccer league in the world, and its predecessor, the North American Soccer League (NASL), was considered the second most popular sports league in the US at its peak.
While soccer is extremely popular worldwide, it is not as widely followed in the US as other sports such as American football, basketball, and baseball. The NFL and college football dominate sports coverage in the US, and soccer is often overshadowed by these sports in terms of media attention and viewership. However, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted in the US, there may be a significant shift in how Americans engage with the sport, potentially increasing its popularity in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
No, basketball is the third most popular sport in the USA. American football is the most popular, with 37% of Americans declaring it as their favourite sport to watch.
More than 26 million people play basketball in the USA, which is more than any other team sport.
The NBA Finals attract an average viewership of 15-20 million annually. As of February 2025, NBA games were averaging nearly 1.5 million viewers.
It depends on the source. One source states that basketball is more popular than baseball, with 11% of Americans saying it's their favourite sport compared to 10%. However, another source states that baseball is more popular, with 16% of Americans choosing it as their favourite sport, compared to 9% for basketball.
