The Most Popular Professional Sport in the United States, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the professional sport you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 19, 2024 07:27
In the United States, sports are a major part of daily life and culture, stirring fervent loyalty and passionate debates among friends and families. Yet, amidst such wide-ranging opinions, a common question arises: which professional sport captures the hearts of most Americans? By ranking these sports based on popularity, we not only satisfy curiosity but also spark engaging discussions on what makes each sport resonate with its fans.
This dynamic ranking offers everyone a chance to voice their preferences, turning personal opinions into a collective reflection of popular sentiment. As votes pour in from coast to coast, the list adjusts in real time, reflecting shifting trends and emerging favorites. It's a lively resource that keeps you connected with the broader sports community and your own shifting tastes.
What Is the Most Popular Professional Sport in the United States?
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163votesWith an estimated 180 million fans, the NFL is the most popular professional sport in the United States. The league has a huge following, with fans tuning in to watch games on TV and attending games in person. The Super Bowl, the championship game of the NFL, is one of the most-watched sporting events in the world.The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league composed of 32 teams, divided equally between the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). It is one of the major professional sports leagues in North America and the most popular professional sport in the United States.
- Founded: August 20, 1920
- Number of Teams: 32
- Conference Divisions: NFC (16 teams), AFC (16 teams)
- Regular Season Length: 17 weeks
- Playoff Structure: 12 teams, 6 from each conference
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241votesMLB is America's oldest professional sport and has been around for over 150 years. It has a loyal fanbase, with fans attending games in person and following their favorite teams throughout the season. The World Series, the championship series of MLB, is also a highly watched event.Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional baseball organization in North America and the highest level of play in the sport. It consists of 30 teams, 29 in the United States and 1 in Canada, and is divided into the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The MLB regular season typically runs from late March/early April to late September/early October, with playoffs and the World Series taking place in October. It is widely regarded as the most popular form of baseball worldwide.
- Teams: 30
- Countries: 2 (United States and Canada)
- Divisions: 2 (American League and National League)
- Regular Season Duration: Late March/early April to late September/early October
- Playoff Format: Single-elimination Wild Card games, Division Series, Championship Series, and World Series
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324votes
Victor Araiza · CC BY-SA 4.0The NBA has grown in popularity in recent years, with stars like LeBron James and Steph Curry bringing new fans to the sport. It has a global following, with fans tuning in from around the world to watch games. The NBA Finals, the championship series of the NBA, is a highly watched event.The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America. It is widely considered to be the premier men's professional basketball league in the world.- Teams: The NBA currently consists of 30 teams, including 29 teams from the United States and 1 team from Canada (Toronto Raptors).
- Structure: The league is divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conference is further divided into three divisions.
- Regular Season: The NBA regular season is an 82-game schedule, with each team playing 41 games at home and 41 on the road.
- Playoffs: At the end of the regular season, the top eight teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs, where they compete for the NBA Championship.
- Format: The playoffs are conducted in a best-of-seven elimination tournament format.
National Basketball Association (NBA) in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular basketball league
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418votesThe NHL has a dedicated fanbase, with fans attending games in person and watching games on TV. It has a strong following in Canada, where hockey is the national sport. The Stanley Cup, the championship series of the NHL, is a highly watched event.The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league that is widely considered as the premier hockey league in the world. It consists of 31 teams from the United States and Canada and is known for its high level of competition and skilled players.
- Number of teams: 31
- Season length: 82 games per team
- Player nationality: International players from various countries
- Stanley Cup: Awarded to the NHL playoff champion
- Famous teams: Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings
National Hockey League (NHL) in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular hockey league
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512votes
Professional Golf Association (PGA)
Rodman WanamakerGolf has a dedicated following, with fans attending tournaments in person and tuning in to watch on TV. The PGA Tour is the main professional golf tour in the US, featuring some of the best golfers in the world.The Professional Golf Association (PGA) is a professional sports organization that is responsible for organizing and promoting golf events and tournaments in the United States. It is known for its flagship tournament, the PGA Championship, which is one of the four major championships in professional golf.- Founded: 1916
- Headquarters: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
- Membership: More than 29,000 professional golfers
- PGA Championship: The tournament was first held in 1916 and is considered one of the most prestigious events in golf.
- Annual revenue: Approximately $1.1 billion
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610votesCollege football has a huge following, with fans tuning in to watch games on TV and attending games in person. The annual college football playoffs, known as the College Football Playoff, is a highly watched event.The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Football is one of the most popular professional sports in the United States. It is a college football competition that includes teams from various universities and colleges across the country. The NCAA Football is known for its intense competition, passionate fan base, and storied rivalries.
- Teams: Includes teams from multiple universities and colleges
- Competition: Intense and highly competitive
- Fan Base: Passionate and dedicated fans
- Rivalries: Known for historic and intense rivalries between teams
- Season: Regular season followed by playoffs
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711votes
Ron Hall · CC BY 2.0Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)
Art Davie and Rorion GracieMixed martial arts has grown in popularity in recent years, with the UFC leading the way. It has a dedicated fanbase, with fans tuning in to watch fights on TV and attending events in person.The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a mixed martial arts (MMA) company that is widely recognized as the premier organization in the sport. It was founded in 1993 and has since become a global powerhouse in combat sports.- Annual Events: More than 40 events per year
- Fighters: Over 500 fighters under contract
- Weight Divisions: 8 male divisions and 4 female divisions
- Pay-Per-View Events: Regularly holds high-profile pay-per-view events
- Fighter Safety: Strict regulations and medical testing procedures
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular MMA company
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810votesWomen's soccer has grown in popularity in recent years, with the NWSL leading the way. It has a growing fanbase, with fans attending games in person and tuning in to watch on TV.The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is a professional soccer league in the United States. It was created to provide a platform for women's soccer players to compete at the highest level and showcase their skills.
- Founded: 2012
- Number of teams: 10
- Current champions: North Carolina Courage
- Most championships: North Carolina Courage (3)
- Player salary cap: $650,000 per team
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91votesProfessional soccer has grown in popularity in the US, with the MLS leading the way. It has a dedicated fanbase, with fans attending games in person and watching games on TV.Major League Soccer (MLS) is a professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is considered one of the most difficult leagues in soccer, attracting top international talent and featuring competitive matches.
- Number of teams: 26 teams (as of 2021)
- Season format: Regular season followed by playoffs
- Designated Players: Teams can sign up to three designated players outside salary cap restrictions
- Salary cap: Teams have a salary cap which ensures competitive balance
- All-Star Game: An annual game featuring the league's top players
Major League Soccer (MLS) in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most difficult league in soccer
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104votes
Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
David SternWomen's basketball has a dedicated following, with fans attending games in person and tuning in to watch on TV. The WNBA has become more popular in recent years, with stars like Maya Moore and Candace Parker bringing new fans to the sport.The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a professional basketball league in the United States specifically for women. It was created to provide female basketball players with an opportunity to compete at the highest level and showcase their skills.- Established: 1996
- Number of Teams: 12
- Regular Season Length: 36 games
- Playoff Format: Single-elimination and best-of-five series
- Championship Trophy: WNBA Championship Trophy
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Ranking factors for popular professional sport
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Television viewership and ratingsThe number of people watching the sport on TV is an important indicator of its popularity. Higher ratings mean more people are watching, which can translate to higher ad revenues and overall interest in the sport.
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Attendance at live eventsThe number of people attending live games, matches, or races is another significant factor. Higher attendance shows a greater level of interest and fan engagement in the sport.
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RevenueA sport's overall revenue, which includes ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and media rights, is a strong indicator of its popularity. Higher revenue typically means more people are investing their time and money into the sport.
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Social media presence and engagementThe number of followers, likes, and overall engagement on social media platforms can indicate how popular a sport is among the general public. This includes not just official team and league accounts but also fans, athletes, and influencers who create content related to the sport.
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Number of participantsThe number of people playing the sport at an amateur or recreational level can give a good indication of the sport's overall popularity. A sport with a broad grassroots system can indicate a high level of interest and future growth potential.
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Media coverageThe amount of news coverage, both in print and online, reflects the visibility of a sport. This includes general news articles, feature stories, opinion pieces, and highlights on sports broadcasts.
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International recognition and successA sport's popularity can be affected by how well-known it is beyond the United States and how successful American athletes are in international competitions and leagues.
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Cultural impactAnalyzing the cultural impact of a sport, such as its influence on movies, television shows, music, and fashion, can give an idea of its overall popularity and significance within society.
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Scholarship opportunitiesThe number of college scholarships available for each sport is often correlated with its popularity among student-athletes. More scholarships mean more interest and opportunities for young athletes to play the sport at a higher level.
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Historical legacy and traditionA sport with a long-standing tradition and/or historical significance may be more popular due to its valuable position within American culture and sports history.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular professional sport in the United States. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or sport is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2086 views
- 197 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each sport once every 24 hours. The rank of each sport is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular professional sport in the united states
When it comes to professional sports in the United States, there are a plethora of options to choose from. From football to basketball, baseball to hockey, and even soccer, Americans are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing their favorite sport. However, when it comes to determining the most popular professional sport in the country, there is no doubt that football takes the top spot. With its massive following and widespread appeal, football has become a cultural phenomenon in the United States, with millions of fans tuning in to watch their favorite teams battle it out on the field every week. While other sports may have their own devoted fan bases, none can compare to the sheer popularity and influence of football in American culture.
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