What Is The Most Popular American Sport?

The US sporting infrastructure is undeniably the best in the world. Our professional sports leagues are by far the wealthiest, and our attitude to college sports ensures that there’s never a lack of new superstars ready to burst onto the scene. We also play unique games that other countries simply don’t have. But what is the most popular American sport? Keep reading for an exploration.

#1: Football

Football is arguably the most popular American sport, with millions of viewers and fans tuning in every season. The Super Bowl is up there with the biggest sporting events worldwide, while the NFL is by far the wealthiest professional sports league across the globe. Football is so popular that even college football scorecards are heavily scrutinized. As far as US sports go, you cannot really beat football. It’s the perfect mix of tactics, athleticism, and raw excitement!

#2: Baseball

Baseball is often widely regarded as the second-most-popular US sport behind football. The MLB is the world’s oldest professional sports league, which just goes to show how deep baseball runs in the American cultural psyche. Nowadays, baseball is also a favorite among sports bettors, with numerous bet types and matches available to place wagers on. Read the Punters Page Betting Guide for an in-depth look at the best ways to take advantage. It can teach you about the best MLB betting sites, how to make the most accurate predictions, and more.

#3: Basketball

Basketball is another of the all-time great American sports. Nothing can beat the image of superstars such as Michael Jordan or LeBron James slam dunking their way to record points totals in the NBA. It’s not just professional basketball that captures our imaginations. College basketball is also full of extraordinary talents, which is why so many of us continue to check out the latest NCAA scores. Not only does this guarantee exciting sporting entertainment across the board, but it also facilitates the next generation of superstar ballers.

#4: Soccer

Soccer hasn’t always had the easiest time in America. It was almost always a runner-up to the most established US sports during the 20th century, even during the 1994 World Cup. However, things are changing now. The USMNT was followed closely during Qatar 2022, and with Mexico, Canada, and the US set to host the 2026 edition, this sport is rapidly becoming one of the most popular. Meanwhile, American players are lighting up some of the biggest soccer leagues in Europe and beyond. Just look at the likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie at Chelsea and Juventus, respectively.

#5: Hockey

While hockey originated in Canada, there are now far more US teams in the NHL. Advanced ice rink technology has brought the sport to far more states with warmer climates, causing a dramatic increase in hockey popularity across the board. In fact, the NHL is the fifth-wealthiest worldwide sports league, which proves its immense popularity. Few sports can match its high-octane thrill and aggression. It narrowly misses out on the fourth sport to soccer in our rankings, but diehard fans would certainly disagree.