GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Popular Sports In America

🔥 Brand New

Our Free Guide: Master the Art of AI-Assisted Research

In our guide, we’ll show you how small tweaks and additions to your research process with AI can significantly improve your academic work.

Highlights: Most Popular Sports In America Statistics

  • American Football is the most popular sport in America with approximately 37% of Americans selecting it as their favorite sport to watch,
  • In 2020, 68% of Americans identified as NFL fans,
  • Major League Baseball was the second most-watched sport in 2020, with approximately 35% of Americans tuning in,
  • About 13.64 million play baseball in the U.S., making it one of the most played sports,
  • Basketball is the third most popular sport in America; NBA finals in 2020 were watched by about 7.45 million viewers,
  • Approximately 42.12 million Americans participated in fishing activities in 2019, making it one of the most participated outdoor sports,
  • Soccer is listed as the fourth most popular sport in the U.S., with the MLS having an average attendance of 21,692 as of 2019,
  • About 25.59 million people participated in jogging and running, one of the most popular physical activities in the U.S.,
  • Ice hockey, primarily the NHL, is the fifth most popular spectator sport in the U.S., with an average attendance of 17,562 per game in 2018-2019,
  • Volleyball had roughly 6.74 million participants in the U.S. making it one of the most popular sports to play,
  • Roughly one in five adults in the United States golf,
  • NASCAR is the second most watched motorsport in the United States, with about 2.92 million average viewers in 2020,
  • Wrestling has a considerable following in the U.S., with WWE boasting around 36 million fans as of 2020,
  • Tennis had 17.68 million participants in the U.S. in 2019, making it one of the most popular sports to play,
  • Swimming, not as a spectator sport, but as an activity, is extremely popular in the United States, with approximately 27.58 million participants in 2019,
  • Approximately 1 in 6 Americans go camping annually, making camping a popular outdoor sport,
  • Lacrosse, while not as widely followed as other sports, has seen a continuous rise in popularity with roughly 825,000 participants in the U.S. as of 2017,

Discover our favorite AI Writing Tool

Speed up your source research process with AI

Jenni's AI-powered text editor helps you write, edit, and cite with confidence. Save hours on your next paper

Table of Contents

Sports in America have always been a significant part of the country’s culture and entertainment landscape. Whether it’s cheering for your favorite team from the comfort of your living room or attending a packed stadium to witness the thrill of competition firsthand, sports have the power to unite and captivate people across the nation. But have you ever wondered which sports are the most popular in America? In this blog post, we will dive into the fascinating world of sports statistics to uncover the answer. From football to basketball, baseball to soccer, we will explore the data and trends that shed light on the most beloved and widely followed sports in America. So join us as we delve into the realm of sports statistics and discover just what makes certain sports rise above the rest.

The Latest Most Popular Sports In America Statistics Explained

American Football is the most popular sport in America with approximately 37% of Americans selecting it as their favorite sport to watch,

The statistic states that American Football is the most popular sport in America, with around 37% of Americans choosing it as their favorite sport to watch. This means that a significant portion of the American population prefers American Football over any other sport when it comes to entertainment. This level of popularity signifies the widespread appeal and influence of American Football in the country, with a large number of people actively engaging with and supporting the sport. The statistic serves as an objective measure of the sport’s dominant position in American sports culture, further highlighting its significance in the lives of a considerable segment of the population.

In 2020, 68% of Americans identified as NFL fans,

The statistic “In 2020, 68% of Americans identified as NFL fans” means that for the year 2020, 68% of the population of the United States considered themselves to be fans of the National Football League (NFL). This indicates that a significant majority of Americans were actively interested in, or supportive of, the NFL during that time period. This statistic serves as a measure of the popularity and influence of the NFL within American society, highlighting the widespread appeal of professional football in the country.

Major League Baseball was the second most-watched sport in 2020, with approximately 35% of Americans tuning in,

The statistic indicates that Major League Baseball (MLB) was the second most popular sport to watch in 2020 among Americans. Approximately 35% of the population tuned in to watch games, demonstrating a significant level of interest and viewership. This implies that MLB had a substantial fan base and garnered a considerable audience, making it one of the most-watched sports in the country during that year.

About 13.64 million play baseball in the U.S., making it one of the most played sports,

The given statistic states that approximately 13.64 million individuals engage in playing baseball in the United States, positioning it as one of the most widely participated sports in the country. This figure highlights the significant popularity and widespread interest that baseball holds among Americans. The large number of players indicates that baseball has established a substantial following and cultural significance, making it a prominent and influential sport in the United States.

Basketball is the third most popular sport in America; NBA finals in 2020 were watched by about 7.45 million viewers,

The statistic states that basketball is the third most popular sport in America, implying that it holds a significant position in the nation’s sporting landscape. The NBA finals in 2020, which is the pinnacle event in professional basketball, garnered considerable attention as it was watched by approximately 7.45 million viewers. This viewer count highlights the high level of interest and engagement among Americans towards basketball, demonstrating its widespread appeal and suggesting its enduring popularity as a major sport in the country.

Approximately 42.12 million Americans participated in fishing activities in 2019, making it one of the most participated outdoor sports,

In 2019, a staggering number of approximately 42.12 million Americans took part in fishing activities, solidifying its place as one of the most popular outdoor sports in the country. This statistic reflects the significant and widespread interest in fishing across various demographics. Whether it is for recreational purposes, bonding with family and friends, or simply enjoying the serenity of being out on the water, millions of Americans find fishing to be an engaging and enjoyable pastime. This participation level demonstrates the enduring appeal and cultural significance of fishing as a favored outdoor activity in the United States.

Soccer is listed as the fourth most popular sport in the U.S., with the MLS having an average attendance of 21,692 as of 2019,

The statistic states that soccer is the fourth most popular sport in the United States. This ranking is based on various factors, such as viewer interest, participation rates, and public support. In terms of spectator turnout, the MLS (Major League Soccer) has an average attendance of 21,692 people in 2019. This figure indicates the number of fans who attended MLS matches on average throughout the season. The attendance is a measure of the sport’s popularity and suggests that a significant number of people in the United States are interested in watching professional soccer live.

About 25.59 million people participated in jogging and running, one of the most popular physical activities in the U.S.,

The presented statistic indicates that approximately 25.59 million individuals engaged in the physical activities of jogging and running in the United States. These activities are highly popular among Americans and are widely pursued for various reasons, including fitness, stress relief, and overall well-being. Jogging and running are considered effective forms of exercise that can be easily incorporated into one’s daily routine, with many people opting for these activities to maintain an active lifestyle. The high number of participants highlights the widespread adoption of jogging and running as a favored physical activity within the U.S. population.

Ice hockey, primarily the NHL, is the fifth most popular spectator sport in the U.S., with an average attendance of 17,562 per game in 2018-2019,

The given statistic states that ice hockey, particularly the National Hockey League (NHL), ranks as the fifth most popular sport to spectate in the United States. The average attendance per game during the 2018-2019 season was reported to be 17,562. This suggests that ice hockey attracts a significant number of spectators, demonstrating a considerable level of interest and support for the sport at the professional level.

Volleyball had roughly 6.74 million participants in the U.S. making it one of the most popular sports to play,

The statistic that volleyball had approximately 6.74 million participants in the United States indicates that it is one of the most widely played sports in the country. This suggests that a large number of individuals actively engage in volleyball, either in organized teams or recreational settings. With such a substantial participation rate, it highlights the popularity and appeal of the sport among Americans. The stat also implies that volleyball is highly accessible and enjoyed by people of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. The substantial player base demonstrates the widespread interest in this sport and its significance within the American sports landscape.

Roughly one in five adults in the United States golf,

This statistic means that approximately 20% of adults in the United States participate in the sport of golf. It suggests that out of every five adults, one of them is likely to be a golfer. This information highlights the popularity of golf among American adults and can be used to understand the level of interest and engagement in the sport within the country.

NASCAR is the second most watched motorsport in the United States, with about 2.92 million average viewers in 2020,

The given statistic states that NASCAR, a popular motorsport in the United States, holds the position of being the second most watched motorsport in the country. According to data from 2020, NASCAR recorded an average viewership of approximately 2.92 million people. This implies that a significant number of individuals in the United States are interested in and actively tune in to watch NASCAR races, demonstrating the sport’s widespread popularity and audience engagement.

Wrestling has a considerable following in the U.S., with WWE boasting around 36 million fans as of 2020,

This statistic indicates that professional wrestling, particularly the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) brand, has amassed a significant number of fans in the United States. As of 2020, the WWE can proudly claim approximately 36 million followers. This figure suggests that wrestling has a substantial and enthusiastic audience, reflecting its popularity and cultural impact in the country. The statistic emphasizes the immense reach and influence of WWE, positioning it as a major entertainment phenomenon with a vast following across the United States.

Tennis had 17.68 million participants in the U.S. in 2019, making it one of the most popular sports to play,

In 2019, tennis emerged as one of the most favored sports to play in the United States, with a remarkable 17.68 million individuals actively participating in the sport. This statistic showcases the widespread appeal of tennis and the significant number of people who engage in the sport as a recreational activity. The substantial participation numbers underscore the sport’s popularity and highlight the considerable interest and enjoyment that people in the U.S. derive from playing tennis.

Swimming, not as a spectator sport, but as an activity, is extremely popular in the United States, with approximately 27.58 million participants in 2019,

The statistic highlights the immense popularity of swimming in the United States. In 2019, there were approximately 27.58 million individuals actively participating in swimming as an activity, indicating a widespread interest and engagement in the sport. This statistic specifically focuses on swimming as an activity rather than a spectator sport, emphasizing the significant number of people who actively engage in swimming for recreational purposes, exercise, or leisure. The high number of participants suggests that swimming holds significant appeal and is a favored activity among Americans, likely due to its various physical, psychological, and social benefits.

Approximately 1 in 6 Americans go camping annually, making camping a popular outdoor sport,

The statistic “Approximately 1 in 6 Americans go camping annually, making camping a popular outdoor sport” indicates that a significant portion of the American population engages in camping activities on a yearly basis. Specifically, out of every six individuals in the country, one of them participates in camping. This suggests that camping holds considerable popularity as an outdoor recreational activity among Americans.

Lacrosse, while not as widely followed as other sports, has seen a continuous rise in popularity with roughly 825,000 participants in the U.S. as of 2017,

The statistic indicates that although lacrosse may not have as large a following as some other sports, it has experienced a consistent increase in popularity. This is reflected in the fact that there were an estimated 825,000 individuals participating in the sport in the United States in 2017. This rise in popularity suggests that lacrosse is capturing the interest and engagement of a growing number of people, potentially due to various factors such as increased exposure through media coverage, growing awareness and accessibility, and the sport’s unique characteristics and appeal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the statistics reveal a clear picture of the most popular sports in America. It is evident that football reigns supreme, as the NFL continues to draw massive audiences and dominate television ratings. Baseball, although experiencing a decline in recent years, still holds its ground as a beloved American pastime. Basketball’s popularity has skyrocketed, thanks in part to the success of the NBA and the rise of superstar players. Other sports such as soccer and ice hockey are growing in popularity and attracting more attention across the nation. Ultimately, these statistics demonstrate the diverse sporting landscape of America, where different sports hold a special place in the hearts of millions of fans.

References

0. – https://www.www.thengfq.com

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.news.gallup.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!