It’s no secret that America loves its sports. Sports are ingrained in our culture, from professional leagues to the college level. We love to watch and cheer on our favorite teams, and sportswriters have made a killing covering the games. Thousands (if not millions) of people tune in to watch ESPN or catch up on their favorite sports blog daily. The delight of victory and the agony of defeat keeps us coming back for more.
But which sports have the highest TV ratings? Which ones are the most popular among fans? And which ones generate the most revenue for the leagues? Here, let’s look at America’s favorite sports.
Baseball:
With an average US audience of 68.48 million, baseball is popularly referred to as America’s pastime. The game ranks as the 7th most-watched sport in the world. Major League Baseball is the highest professional-level US baseball. Millions of fans flock to ballparks each year to watch their favorite teams battle it out. The World Series is the most-watched event in baseball.
Orthodox fans often claim that baseball is the most difficult sport to play. They argue that a player needs to have a high skill level and a good-quality baseball bat to beat the best pitchers. If you’re starting your career in this game of inches, get your hands on the best USSSA baseball bats for beginners.
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Basketball:
Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. LeBron James and Steph Curry. These are just a few of the household names in basketball. The sport has a rich history dating back to 1891 and is one of the most watched in the world. It’s because of the fun strategies and the edge-of-your-seat action that keeps fans hooked.
In America, it ranks as the 3rd most popular sport. The National Basketball Association (NBA) arranges the country’s biggest and most popular basketball tournament. During the regular season, every match wins 105 million views per game.
The new generation exhibits the same level of love for the sport. There is a hoop for some driveway shooting fun in every other home. The kids also like playing with over-the-door basketball hoops. Las Vegas has about 15 basketball hoops for every 10,000 Americans.
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Soccer:
This sport has captured America’s attention like no other, from the NFL to high school football. An estimated 99.18 million people tuned in to watch Los Angeles Rams take on the Cincinnati Bengals at the Super Bowl this year. That’s more than the population of some countries!
The game is so popular that it has spawned several fantasy football leagues. These allow fans to draft their teams and compete against others in a virtual league.
America has given some football magicians to the world, including Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. The sport has a rich history dating back to 1869. From attacking from the flanks to using the famous forward pass, the strategies keep evolving, making it eye candy for the spectators.
Ice Hockey:
Falling in the top 5 most popular sports in America is ice hockey. Though the game is not as big as baseball or football, it has its fair share of fans. Minnesota, New York, and Michigan are some states where the sport enjoys a cult following.
The National Hockey League (NHL) is the apex body that governs the sport in the country. It is made up of 30 teams from the United States and Canada. And the Stanley Cup is the most prestigious trophy in the NHL.
If you’re wondering how it’s played, two teams of skaters use sticks to hit a vulcanized rubber puck into their opponent’s net. The game is fast and physical, with players hitting each other with their sticks. What a way to have some fun!
Tennis:
Often referred to as the “transitional game,” tennis is an indoor game enjoyed by 17.84 Americans. It includes the professionals playing in the four Grand Slam tournaments and other ATP and WTA events. What makes tennis stand out is that it is social. People of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy a game or two. Similarly, men and women can play together in doubles matches. Moreover, the hand-eye coordination required to play the game can benefit your health.
The game is believed to have originated in the 12th century in Northern France but gained popularity in the 19th century when the first Wimbledon tournament was held in 1877. Over the years, some unbeatable records have been set in the sport; for instance, Roger Federer has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles.
Golf:
We all remember the time when golf was known as the rich man’s game. But it has come a long way since then and is now enjoyed by people of all classes. In America, it is the sixth most popular sport, with an estimated 10% of the population playing it. Yes, that makes a straight 30 million interested golfers!
Golf is a club-and-ball sport where players need to hit balls into diffirent holes using different clubs. What makes golf unique is the tranquil setting it’s played in. The green grass, the fresh air, and the open lakes make it a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. And who can forget the legendary Tiger Woods, who has inspired a new generation of golfers?
Motor Sports:
The excitement of speed draws people to motorsports. Though it is not as mainstream as the other sports on this list, an estimated 15 million Americans are still in the fandom.
Different types of motor racing include Formula One, NASCAR, and IndyCar. The races are held on both paved and unpaved surfaces. The most popular motorsport in America is NASCAR, with the Daytona 500 being one of the most awaited events on the calendar. The race attracts hordes of fans, who come to see their favorite drivers battle it out on the track.
For the uninitiated, motorsports can be a bit difficult to follow. But once you understand the basics, it can be quite engaging. Whether you watch it live or on TV, motor racing can get your heart pumping!
Final Thoughts:
Sports play an integral role in American society as they bring people together and provide a source of entertainment. Whether you’re a fan of the big three or a niche sport, there’s something for you to enjoy. The health benefits of playing sports are a bonus! So, get out there and start exploring the different options available to you. And who knows, you might just find your new favorite hobby.
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Lewis Gordon
Lewis Gordon is a successful businessman living in Boston, Massachusetts. When he’s not working, he enjoys travelling – especially tasting other cuisines, scuba diving, watching and playing soccer. Lewis also has a love of dogs and is the proud owner of an English Setter.
