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Soccer and basketball are two of the most popular sports in the world. In the United States, American football, baseball, and basketball have long been considered the top three sports, with soccer lagging behind. However, soccer has emerged as the fifth most popular sport in the US in the 21st century, and it is gaining traction, especially among younger generations. Basketball, on the other hand, is ranked second in favourite sports among Americans, with over 26 million people playing the game. This article will explore the popularity of soccer and basketball in the US and discuss whether soccer is catching up to basketball in the hearts of Americans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most popular sport in the US | American football |
| Second most popular sport in the US | Baseball |
| Third most popular sport in the US | Basketball |
| Fifth most popular sport in the US | Soccer |
| Number of Americans who say football is their favorite sport | 37% |
| Number of Americans who say basketball is their favorite sport | 11% |
| Number of Americans who say soccer is their favorite sport | 7% |
| Number of Americans who play basketball | 26 million |
| Number of Americans who play soccer | N/A |
| Number of NBA teams | 30 |
| Number of MLS teams | 26 |
| Average NBA player height | 6'7" |
| Average height of an American male | N/A |
| Number of Americans who follow the NFL | 62% |
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What You'll Learn
Soccer vs. basketball popularity in the US
Soccer and basketball are two of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans and players. In the US, however, the two sports have differing levels of popularity. While soccer is the most popular sport globally, with 3.5 billion fans worldwide, it ranks fourth in the US, behind American football, baseball, and basketball.
American football is by far the most popular sport in the US, with 37% of Americans saying it is their favorite sport to watch, and 41% saying it is their favorite sport in 2022. The NFL is the most valuable sports league in the world, with a market size of $16 billion, and its games have the highest average attendance of any sports league in the world, at 67,591. The Super Bowl, the final game of the NFL season, has become an unofficial holiday, with almost everyone celebrating, even those who are not interested in sports.
Basketball is the second most popular sport in the US, with 11% of Americans saying it is their favorite sport. Basketball is also the most played team sport in the US, with over 26 million Americans playing the game. The NBA is the world's premier professional basketball league and is one of the major professional sports leagues in North America, with 29 teams in the US and 1 in Canada.
Soccer, on the other hand, is not as popular in the US as it is in other parts of the world. Only 7% of Americans say that soccer is their favorite sport to watch. The MLS, the US soccer league, has been expanding and now has 26 teams, with an average attendance of 20,000 fans, the third highest of any sports league in the US. However, soccer's popularity in the US may be growing, especially among younger generations, with one student predicting that in 10 to 15 years, the US soccer team could be a top-10 team in the world, bringing more attention to the sport.
Some reasons for soccer's lower popularity in the US compared to basketball may be cultural, with basketball being invented in North America and having a strong grassroots following. Additionally, youth soccer programs in the US tend to be "pay to play," which may limit access to those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds.
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Football is America's favourite sport
American football is a cultural phenomenon in the US, with Super Bowl Sunday becoming an unofficial holiday, even for those who are not usually interested in sports. The day has its own traditions, with certain foods being consumed in vast quantities, such as chicken wings and guacamole. The sport has also spawned famous rivalries, such as the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox, and traditions like attending games with children.
While basketball is the second most popular sport in the US, with 11% of Americans saying it is their favourite, it is not as popular as football. More Americans play basketball than any other team sport, with over 26 million participants, but football still reigns supreme in terms of viewership and revenue.
Other popular sports in the US include baseball, ice hockey, and soccer. However, none of these sports come close to the popularity of football, which is deeply ingrained in American culture and society.
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Basketball is the most popular US sport globally
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the US, with over 26 million Americans playing the game. It is also the second most popular sport to watch, with 11% of Americans preferring to watch basketball over other sports.
The sport was invented in 1891 by Canadian-American James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts. Since then, it has become a significant aspect of US culture, with the National Basketball Association (NBA) being the world's premier professional basketball league. The NBA is one of the major professional sports leagues in North America, with 29 teams in the US and 1 in Canada. The NBA's internationalization strategy has also helped to fuel its popularity among young people globally.
Basketball's popularity is soaring globally, with a projected interest of 69% worldwide. The sport has a particularly strong following in Indonesia, the Philippines, China, the UAE, Spain, Germany, and Great Britain. The FIBA Basketball World Cup, held for the first time in 2023 across three countries in Asia, saw a 33% increase in interest over the last four years.
Basketball's accessibility is one of the main reasons for its global popularity. It requires minimal gear and playing space, and it can be played alone or with a small group of people. The impact of brands, sponsorship, and media coverage has also contributed to the sport's growing global appeal.
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Soccer's growth in the US
Soccer is currently the fifth most popular sport in the US, with American football, baseball, basketball, and ice hockey taking the top four spots. However, soccer has been experiencing significant growth in the US since 2020, with a 60% increase in international soccer viewership since 2018.
The sport has seen explosive growth across the board, from billion-dollar investments and new stadiums to record-setting media deals and sold-out games. The NWSL and USL Championship leagues have also seen success, with new stadiums and updates to the NWSL Collective Bargaining Agreement. The MLS has also grown in popularity, with a 41% increase in jersey sales from 2022 to 2024, and a rise in Opta's ranking of the 'Strongest Leagues in the World'.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted in North America, is expected to further boost the sport's popularity in the US. The US and Mexico are also bidding to host the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup. The NWSL Collective Bargaining Agreement, signed in September 2024, will run for seven years and includes updates such as the removal of the draft and guaranteed contracts.
Despite the growth of soccer in the US, some challenges remain. Participation in the sport has been stagnant for the past decade, and youth programs are often "pay to play," which can limit access for those without a comfortable socioeconomic background. However, the sport's growing popularity and investment could help address these issues and further solidify soccer as a major player in the North American sports industry.
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Racial and ethnic preferences for soccer and basketball
While soccer and basketball are both popular sports in America, racial and ethnic backgrounds play a role in shaping preferences and participation rates. According to a survey, White youth have high participation rates in soccer, basketball, and baseball. However, the same survey also revealed that African-American youth are more likely to engage in tackle and flag football. Additionally, Hispanic youth demonstrate strong participation in soccer, basketball, and baseball, with soccer being the sport they spend the most time playing.
When it comes to specific ethnic groups, there are some notable preferences and trends. Black girls are more likely to play basketball, while White girls tend towards softball and volleyball. Similarly, Black males are most likely to play basketball, whereas White males are more inclined to play baseball or run track. In terms of future aspirations, African-American and Hispanic parents often encourage their children to pursue sports with the goal of obtaining college scholarships and professional opportunities.
Socioeconomic factors also come into play when examining racial and ethnic preferences for soccer and basketball. White parents are more likely to drive their children to practices and games, and their children utilize ride-sharing services significantly more than African-American and Hispanic youth. Higher-income girls are more likely to play softball, while lower-income girls are more inclined to play basketball. A similar pattern is observed with boys, as higher-income boys tend towards baseball, and lower-income boys towards basketball.
The racial dynamics within professional sports organizations and their hiring practices also influence perceptions and preferences. The MLS Racial and Gender Report Card revealed that MLS earned an "A" for racial hiring practices but fell short in gender hiring, receiving a "C." The report highlighted the lack of opportunities for women, especially in leadership roles within teams. However, MLS was praised for its diverse pipeline of coaches and its inclusive environment for players. The NBA, NFL, and MLB have also been called out for their lagging gender hiring practices, despite having higher percentages of African-American players.
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Frequently asked questions
No, soccer is not more popular than basketball in America. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, soccer ranks fourth in popularity, behind football (NFL), baseball (MLB), and basketball (NBA).
There are several reasons why soccer is less popular than basketball in the United States. One reason may be that youth soccer programs are often "pay to play," which can limit access to those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, basketball is more accessible to people of varying heights, whereas height can be a significant advantage in basketball, making it more inclusive for casual players.
Yes, soccer is gaining popularity in America. It is now considered the fifth most popular sport in the country, and the MLS has been expanding to include more teams and engage more fans. The sport is particularly popular among younger generations, and the hosting of the World Cup in the U.S. is expected to further boost its popularity.
