Amanda Knapp
Football and basketball are two of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of devoted fans. Football, or soccer, is the most popular sport globally, with an estimated 3.5 billion fans worldwide as of 2025. Basketball is also one of the most widely played sports, with 24% of global consumers saying they watch or play the sport. In the United States, American football is the most popular sport, with 79% of US adults who follow sports saying they are fans. Basketball is the second or third most viewed sport in the country, with 61% of US adults who follow sports saying they are fans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular sport in the USA | Football |
| Second most popular sport in the USA | Basketball |
| Most popular sport worldwide | Soccer |
| Second most popular sport worldwide | Basketball |
| Most popular sport in the USA among people of colour | Basketball |
| Most popular sport in the USA among Democrats | Basketball |
| Number of Americans who say basketball is their favourite sport | 11% |
| Number of Americans who play basketball | 26 million |
| Number of Americans who generally follow sports and follow football | 79% |
| Number of Americans who generally follow sports and follow basketball | 61% |
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What You'll Learn
Football's popularity in the US
Football, or American football as it is known outside of the US, is the most popular sport in the country. It has held this position for over five decades, with 37% of Americans saying it is their favourite sport to watch. American football is also the most popular sport in terms of broadcast viewership audience, with the Super Bowl being the most-watched television event each year. The NFL, the National Football League, has one of the highest average attendances of any professional sports league in the world.
The sport is played by 1.04 million high-school athletes in the US, with 81,000 college athletes in the NCAA and NAIA. It is the most popular sport played by boys in US high schools, with over 1.1 million boys participating between 2007 and 2008. The NFL has an annual revenue of around $18.6 billion, making it the most valuable sports league in the world.
However, football's popularity is waning among younger generations, with basketball becoming more popular among 18- to 24-year-olds. Basketball is the second or third most popular sport in the US, with 11% of Americans saying it is their favourite sport. It is the most popular team sport in terms of participation, with more than 26 million Americans playing the game. Basketball is growing in popularity, particularly as the NBA has been quicker to embrace changes in sports consumption, such as highlight clips on social media.
Despite basketball's growing popularity, football remains the most popular sport in the US, with a secure position at the top for the foreseeable future.
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Basketball's popularity in the US
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the US, with millions of people closely following the sport. Its popularity can be attributed to several factors, including its origin, its high-energy action, team spirit, accessibility, and the influence of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Firstly, the sport's popularity is closely tied to its origin. Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr James Naismith, a physical education teacher at the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. He created an indoor game that could be played during the cold winter months, and the sport's popularity spread across the country. The fact that basketball was born in the US is a source of national pride and has contributed to its enduring popularity.
Secondly, basketball is characterised by its high-energy action and team spirit. The fast-paced gameplay, athleticism, and star power of iconic players like Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic have all contributed to the sport's electrifying appeal. Basketball's dynamic nature and the sense of camaraderie it fosters have helped it gain a dedicated following.
Additionally, basketball is widely accessible in the US. The accessibility of basketball courts in schools and communities, along with the sport's relatively low equipment requirements, have made it a popular choice for athletes of all ages. However, there are growing concerns about the availability and quality of basketball courts, particularly in urban areas with limited space. The demand for court time often exceeds availability, leading to scheduling conflicts and limited opportunities for organised play.
Moreover, the NBA has played a pivotal role in boosting basketball's popularity, not just in the US but worldwide. The NBA is the premier professional basketball league in North America and is considered one of the most successful sports leagues globally. Through its global reach, innovative marketing campaigns, and initiatives like "The Dream Team" and "NBA Cares," the NBA has increased the sport's awareness and appreciation internationally.
Lastly, the rise of social media and streaming services has also contributed to basketball's popularity in the US. Social media has allowed fans to connect with players and teams more personally, making it easier to follow their favourite teams and stay updated on news and events. Streaming services like ESPN+ and NBA League Pass have made it convenient for fans to watch games from anywhere in the world, further expanding the sport's reach.
In conclusion, basketball's popularity in the US is a result of a combination of factors, including its origin, high-energy gameplay, team spirit, accessibility, and the influence of the NBA and modern technologies. These elements have come together to solidify basketball's position as one of the most beloved sports in the nation.
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Football's popularity outside the US
Football, or American football as it is often called outside the US, is the most popular sport in the US in terms of broadcast viewership. However, it is not as popular in the rest of the world, where football refers to soccer. Basketball, which is the second or third most popular sport in the US, is more popular internationally.
Outside the US, football is often referred to as American football to distinguish it from soccer, which is simply called football. American football is a variant of gridiron football, which also includes Canadian football. The sport evolved from soccer and rugby, with rule changes from 1880 onward by Walter Camp establishing the snap, the line of scrimmage, eleven-player teams, and the concept of downs. Later rule changes further distinguished the sport from soccer and rugby by legalising the forward pass, creating the neutral zone, and specifying the size and shape of the football.
While American football is popular in North America, Europe, Brazil, and Japan, it does not have the same international appeal as other American sports like baseball or basketball. There are a few reasons why American football may not have caught on internationally. One reason could be the perception that American football is riddled with ads compared to soccer. Another reason could be the lack of international tournaments for American football, as the sport is dominated by the NFL, which is based in the US. Additionally, American football is more physically demanding than soccer, which may make it less accessible to people in other countries.
Despite the lower international popularity of American football, there are still dedicated fans and players worldwide. For example, the NFL has a growing following in Europe, Brazil, and Japan. Additionally, American football leagues exist worldwide, and the sport is played by high school and college athletes outside the US.
In summary, while American football is the most popular sport in the US, its popularity outside the country is not as high. Basketball, which is the second or third most popular sport in the US, takes the crown for international popularity. American football's lack of international appeal could be due to various factors, including the perception of excessive advertisements, the lack of international tournaments, and the physical demands of the sport. However, American football still has a dedicated following worldwide, and its popularity continues to grow in some regions.
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Basketball's popularity outside the US
While American football is the most popular sport in the US, basketball is the most popular globally, with 450 million players worldwide. Basketball is especially popular in China, where an estimated 300 million people play the sport. In the US, basketball is the second or third most popular sport, with 11% of Americans saying it is their favourite sport, and 26 million playing the game (more than any other team sport).
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has been instrumental in boosting the popularity of basketball in the US and around the world. The NBA is the premier professional basketball league in North America and is considered one of the most successful sports leagues globally. It has helped spread awareness and appreciation for the sport by broadcasting games in over 200 countries and territories, and in more than 40 languages. The NBA has also been innovative in its marketing and promotional campaigns, such as "The Dream Team" and "NBA Cares".
The growing popularity of basketball in the US can also be attributed to the rise of social media, which has allowed fans to connect with players and teams more personally. Additionally, the increasing availability of streaming services has made it easier for fans to watch games from anywhere in the world. The sport's popularity is also influenced by its inclusive nature, with people of all ages playing and following the sport, from elementary school playgrounds to professional leagues.
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Football vs. Basketball: TV viewing records
While football and basketball are both extremely popular sports worldwide, there are some differences in their popularity across different regions. In the United States, American football is generally more popular than basketball, while in other parts of the world, such as Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa, basketball is often favoured over American football.
When it comes to TV viewing records, both sports have their impressive numbers. Let's take a closer look at some of the records set by these two sporting giants:
Football Viewing Records:
- The National Football League (NFL) is a massive draw for television audiences in the United States. The Super Bowl, in particular, stands out as the most popular and expensive sporting event of the year.
- The 2024 Super Bowl LVIII, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, was watched by over 123 million viewers, making it the most-watched single telecast in TV history.
- Another notable NFL game that broke viewing records was the Texans-Chiefs Divisional game in 2025, which attracted 33.8 million viewers, becoming ESPN's most-watched NFL game ever.
- Monday Night Football, aired on ESPN, averaged 15 million viewers per game during the 2024-25 season, showcasing the consistent popularity of the sport.
Basketball Viewing Records:
- While basketball may not have the same number of viewers as football in the US, it still holds its own. The NBA Finals series have consistently drawn large audiences over the years.
- The 1998 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz was the highest-rated and most-watched series, averaging 29.04 million viewers.
- Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals was a standout moment, attracting 31.02 million viewers and becoming the first basketball game in 18 years to surpass the 30 million viewer mark.
- The 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks averaged 11.3 million viewers, showcasing the ongoing popularity of the sport.
In summary, while American football may take the top spots in terms of absolute viewing numbers, basketball remains a strong contender with its own impressive viewing records. The popularity of both sports contributes to the diverse landscape of athletics and provides exciting entertainment for fans around the globe.
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Frequently asked questions
Soccer, also known as football, is the most popular sport worldwide. 49% of people say they watch, follow, or are interested in soccer. Basketball is also a widely popular sport, with 24-28% of global consumers saying they watch it.
Football is the most popular sport in the US. 37% of Americans say it's their favorite sport to watch. Basketball is the second or third most popular sport in the US. 11% of Americans say it's their favorite sport, and more than 26 million play the game.
Football has been America's favorite sport for over five decades and has a more rabid fan base due to its longer history and shorter season. Each game is also more important than in basketball, with 17 games in a season compared to 82 in basketball. Football also has a different culture that makes it more of an active community sport.
