Which is the most popular sport in America? This is a hard question to answer directly because of many reasons. We can not guess the popularity of a sport easily, but still, many things can make it easy to distinguish.
Sports and games are played all around the world. Some sports are local, and some are international. Every country has its own traditional and national sports.
Here we list ten of the most popular sports in the USA. These sports are most watched and most followed in America.
Strategies used in the grading of these sports are:
- Number of fans around the country
- People who watched big events in the sport
- Highest paid athletes in that sport
- Number of leagues
- The social media fan following
Here are the most popular sports in the USA.
Top 10 Most Popular Sports in America in 2022
1. American Football (NFL)
- American football is the most popular sport in America.
| Popularity | Most popular American Sport |
| Major League | NFL |
| Major Events | Super Bowl |
| Popular Athletes | Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers |
Football is one of the most popular sports in the world. American football is different from Association football which is known as soccer. American football was first played in the 19th century.
The NFL is the biggest and most-watched sports league in the United States. Super Bowl is the most-watched sports event in America.
2. Basketball
- Basketball is the 2nd most popular sport in America.
| First Played | 1891 |
| Major League | NBA |
| Major Events | NBA All-star Weekend |
| Popular Athletes | LeBron James, Stephen Curry |
With millions of fans worldwide, basketball is one of the world’s most popular and followed sports. In the United States, Basketball is the second most-watched sport after American football.
Basketball was first played in 1891 with its basic rules, which are still there with some modifications. Basketball is one of the highest-paying sports in the world.
A number of the richest athletes in the world belong to Basketball.
3. Ice Hockey
- Ice hockey is the third most popular and most watched sport in America.
| First Played | 19th Century |
| Major League | NHL |
| Major Events | The Big Chill at the Big House |
| Popular Athletes | Alexander Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby |
Ice hockey was also first played during the 19th century and gained fame rapidly due to its thrilling and chilling nature. It is a contact team sport.
Ice hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world, especially in America and Canada. This sport is played according to the basic rules of field hockey, with a stick and ball. Historically, it originated in England, and first, it was called ”hockey.”
4. Baseball
- Baseball is the fourth most popular sport in America.
| First Played | 18th Century |
| Major League | MLB |
| Major Events | All-star game |
| Popular Athletes | Mike Trout, Bryce Harper |
With millions of fans around the country and the region, Baseball is one of the most-watched sports in America. Baseball is also one of the old sports first played during the 18th century.
Baseball is played with a bat and ball like cricket, but it is different from cricket in many ways and rules. Like cricket, it is also played between two teams where one does batting and the other fielding.
In America, Baseball became popular during the 1850s. Currently, it is one of the most-watched sports in America.
5. Tennis
- Tennis is the fifth most-watched sport in America.
| First Played | Around 1860 |
| Major League | NFL |
| Major Events | US Open Tennis |
| Popular Athletes | Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal |
The single-player sport, tennis, is one of the most popular and followed sports worldwide. This is a racket sport in which a single player plays against a single player (or a team against a team).
Tennis was first played around 1860 and became more popular worldwide. Currently, it has some of the most popular athletes in the world.
6. Golf
- Golf is the sixth most popular and most watched sport in America.
| First Played | 15th Century |
| Major League | PGA Tour, LPGA |
| Major Events | PGA Tour |
| Popular Athletes | Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy |
Golf is one of the older sports on the list. It was first played during the 15th century. Golf is a club-and-ball sport. It is one of the most popular and highest-paying sports on the planet.
7. Soccer
- Soccer/football is the 7th most popular sport in America.
| First Played | 19th Century |
| Major League | EPL, UEFA Champions League |
| Major Events | El Classico, UEFA Finals, FIFA World Cup |
| Popular Athletes | Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi |
Football is the most popular and most played sport in the world. It has around 4 billion fans around the world. In America, it also has great fame and fan-following. American soccer team also takes part in mega-events of football. Football is also first played during the 19th century, and the rules are still present with some modifications.
USA women’s football/soccer team is one of the best female teams in the world. Because of American football, soccer is not as popular in the country as in Europe. But still, it finds its place among the most popular sports in America.
8. Boxing
- Boxing is the 8th most-watched and followed sport in America.
| Popularity | BC |
| Major League | MGM Grand Garden Arena |
| Major Events | MGM Grand Garden Arena |
| Popular Athletes | Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson |
Boxing is a combat sport that is usually played between two players. It is different from wrestling in rules but has many similarities also.
Boxing is one of the oldest sports on the planet, first played before Christ (BC). Today, we see it as among the most popular sports in the United States. Boxing has become one of the highest-paying sports in the world. Some of the boxers are the richest athletes in the world.
9. Car Racing
- Car racing is the 9th most popular sport in America.
| First Played | 1867 |
| Major League | Monaco Grand Prix |
| Major Events | Monaco Grand Prix |
| Popular Athletes | Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton |
With the development of technology in the auto industry, car racing is becoming more popular daily worldwide. As its name shows, it is a car race in which drivers try to reach a final spot at a given time or threshold.
Car racing is one of the most thrilling sports in the world. It was first played in 1867. It is present now in its advanced form.
10. Wrestling
- Wrestling is the 10th most popular sport in America.
| First Played | 19th Century |
| Major League (Categories) | WWE, Freestyle Wrestling |
| Major Events | WWE World Championship |
| Popular Athletes | Dwayne Johnson, John Cena |
Wrestling was first played in the 19th century. It is similar to boxing in many ways and basics. Over time, it became one of the most popular entertainments worldwide.
It is also played in ring-like boxing. Usually, individuals participate in it, but it is also played between teams. Wrestling events are some of the biggest events in America. Millions of people around the country watch and follow this popular sport.
If you want feedback about the most popular American sports, please comment in the box below.
