The Most Popular Sport in Each State, Ranked

Choose the sport you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:50
In a nation where the love for sports echoes from coast to coast, identifying the most beloved sport in each state can spark local pride and friendly competition. With varied climates and cultures, each state cultivates its unique sports preferences, leading to a fascinating mosaic of favorite pastimes. Knowing the top sport in your state or others can foster a deeper connection to your community and spark conversations at social gatherings. By participating in this dynamic tally of sports favorites, you contribute to a broader understanding of regional preferences and trends. Your votes help paint a clearer picture of sports enthusiasm across the country, making each entry a reflection of collective affection. Besides, voting here might even introduce you to new sports phenomena or reaffirm your state's sporting identity.

What Is the Most Popular Sport in Each State?

  1. 1
    78
    votes
    Football (University of Alabama football team has won multiple national championships)
    Alabama is a state located in the southern region of the United States. It is known for its diverse landscapes ranging from sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico to rolling hills and mountains in the north. The state offers a combination of rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.
    • Nickname: The Yellowhammer State
    • Capital: Montgomery
    • Largest City: Birmingham
    • State Bird: Northern flicker
    • State Flower: Camellia
  2. 2
    11
    votes
    Dog mushing (Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual event)
    Alaska is a U.S. state located in the northwest extremity of the North American continent. It is known for its vast wilderness, rugged mountains, glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife like grizzly bears, wolves, and bald eagles.
    • Area: 1,717,854 km²
    • Population: 731,545 (2019)
    • Highest point: Denali (Mount McKinley) - 6,190 m (20,310 ft)
    • Time zone: Alaska Time Zone (UTC−09:00 to UTC−08:00)
    • Capital: Juneau
  3. 3
    21
    votes
    Baseball (Arizona Diamondbacks is a Major League Baseball team)
    Arizona is a stunning state located in the southwestern region of the United States. Known for its diverse landscapes, Arizona offers breathtaking natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon, Sedona's red rocks, and the Monument Valley. With its sunny climate and rich Native American heritage, Arizona attracts millions of visitors each year.
    • Capital: Phoenix
    • Nickname: The Grand Canyon State
    • Area: 113,990 square miles
    • Population: Approximately 7.3 million
    • State Bird: Cactus Wren
  4. 4
    22
    votes
    College Football (Arkansas Razorbacks are a popular college football team)
    Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. It is known for its diverse geography, with mountainous regions, rivers, and expansive forests. The state experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Arkansas is rich in natural resources, including timber, natural gas, and minerals. The state has a mix of rural and urban areas, with Little Rock being its capital and largest city.
    • Location: Southern region of the United States
    • Capital: Little Rock
    • Admission to Union: June 15, 1836
    • Geography: Mountainous regions, rivers, and expansive forests
    • Climate: Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters
  5. 5
    12
    votes
    Basketball (Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are popular NBA teams)
    California, also known as The Golden State, is a diverse and breathtaking state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic beaches along the Pacific Coastline to the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California offers a wide range of breathtaking vistas for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The state is also home to various world-famous landmarks and attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood, Napa Valley, and Disneyland.
    • Nickname: The Golden State
    • Capital: Sacramento
    • Largest City: Los Angeles
    • Area: 163,696 square miles
    • Population: 39.51 million
  6. 6
    7
    votes
    Skiing (Colorado has many ski resorts and is a popular destination for skiing)
    Colorado is a state located in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. It is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the majestic Rocky Mountains, vast canyons, and picturesque valleys. The state offers a diverse range of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, rafting, and fishing, attracting adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. Colorado is also home to vibrant cities like Denver, the state capital, with its thriving arts and culture scene, and Boulder, known for its progressive and vibrant atmosphere. The state is rich in history and is famous for its mining heritage, which played a significant role in its development.
    • Nickname: The Centennial State
    • Capital: Denver
    • Largest City: Denver
    • Area: 104,094 square miles (269,837 square kilometers)
    • Population: Approximately 5.8 million
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Baseball (Connecticut has many minor league baseball teams)
    Connecticut, often referred to as the Constitution State, is one of the most beautiful states in New England. It is located in the northeastern part of the United States and offers a diverse range of landscapes, from charming coastal towns to picturesque countryside. Connecticut is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty.
    • Nickname: The Constitution State
    • Capital: Hartford
    • Largest City: Bridgeport
    • Area: 5,567 square miles
    • Population: Approximately 3.6 million
  8. 8
    6
    votes
    Football (University of Delaware is a popular football team)
    The most popular sport in Delaware is basketball. It is widely played and followed across the state.
    • Number of players: 5 per team
    • Playing surface: Hardwood court
    • Basket height: 10 feet
    • Ball used: Regulation size basketball
    • Game duration: 4 quarters of 12 minutes each
  9. 9
    9
    votes
    Football (Florida Gators and Florida State Seminoles are popular college football teams)
    Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and vibrant culture. Florida is often referred to as the 'Sunshine State' due to its abundant sunshine throughout the year. The state offers a diverse range of attractions, including world-class theme parks, natural springs, and unique wildlife. With its mix of modern cities and picturesque landscapes, Florida attracts millions of tourists every year.
    • Capital: Tallahassee
    • Largest City: Jacksonville
    • Area: 65,757 square miles (170,312 square kilometers)
    • Population: 21.5 million
    • Coastline Length: 1,350 miles (2,170 kilometers)
  10. 10
    1
    votes
    Football (University of Georgia is a popular college football team)
    Georgia is a versatile and elegant serif font that is commonly used for both print and digital mediums. It was designed by Matthew Carter in 1996, inspired by traditional serif typefaces from the British Renaissance period. With its balanced proportions, refined details, and legible letterforms, Georgia offers a pleasing reading experience across various platforms and resolutions.
    • Classification: Serif
    • Usage: Body text, headlines, print, web
    • Styles: Regular, italic, bold, bold italic
    • Characteristics: Elegant, timeless, legible
    • Weight: Medium

Missing your favorite sport?

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Ranking factors for popular sport

  1. Participation rates
    The number of people in the state who participate in a particular sport can be a good indicator of its popularity.
  2. Fan attendance
    The number of people who attend games, matches, or other events for a particular sport in the state can also be a good indicator of its popularity.
  3. Media coverage
    The amount of media coverage a sport receives, including local news coverage, social media buzz, and national television coverage, can also be a good indicator of its popularity.
  4. Historical and cultural significance
    The historical and cultural significance of a sport in a particular state can also play a role in its popularity. For example, football may be more popular in states where there is a strong college football culture.
  5. Youth participation
    The number of young people who participate in a particular sport can be a good indicator of its long-term popularity and relevance.
  6. Professional teams
    The presence of professional sports teams in a state can also increase the popularity of a sport.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular sport in each state. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1774 views
  • 173 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Game once every 24 hours. The rank of each Game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular sport in each state

Sports have always been an integral part of American culture, with each state having its own favorite pastime. From football to basketball, baseball to hockey, the country is home to a diverse range of sports that have captured the hearts of millions. But have you ever wondered what the most popular sport is in each state? Well, wonder no more! At StrawPoll, we've conducted extensive research and analysis to bring you the definitive answer. Our findings reveal some interesting insights into the sporting preferences of Americans across the country. So, whether you're a die-hard fan of a particular sport or just curious to know more about the sports culture of different states, read on to discover the most popular sport in each state.

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