Fastest Growing Sports in the USA
By
Blake Roberts
Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 06 January 2023
Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief
Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.
Fastest Growing Sports
Are you looking to try out the fastest growing sport in America? You may be surprised to find that there are several sports that are rapidly increasing in popularity, whether it comes to participation or spectator rates. In this guide, we’ve discussed seven of these sports and why they’re becoming so popular.
- ⭐ What Makes Them the Fastest Growing Sports?
- 🥍 Lacrosse
- 🏸 Pickleball
- 🏃 Triathlons
- 🎮 eSports
- 🚴 Adventure Racing
- ⚽ Soccer
- 🥋 MMA
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Them the Fastest Growing Sports?
In the USA, the sporting world is dominated by the “Big 4” sports. These include football, baseball, basketball, and hockey, all of which attract millions of participants and viewers during their regular seasons. However, there are several other fastest-growing sports in the USA that are well worth your attention.
These include lacrosse, pickleball, triathlons, eSports, adventure racing, soccer, and MMA. There are many reasons why these sports are growing in popularity, though much of it comes down to greater awareness and access to these sports. The internet has exposed people to the virtues of each, which inspired people to begin their own leagues or sporting groups.
Another element that can’t be ignored is the growth of the sports betting market in the USA. Since 2019, almost half of all states have legalized betting on a myriad of sports. This has exposed Americans to sports that may be more popular in international markets that have not yet gained major traction with people in the US.
For example, the plethora of great online sportsbooks with soccer had a noticeable impact on how engaged US bettors were with the 2022 Qatar soccer World Cup. As you read the list of fastest-growing sports in America, keep in mind that each will likely offer great pre-match and live betting opportunities.
Lacrosse
One of the fastest-growing sports among youths is lacrosse, according to US Lacrosse. The NCAA has also reported that lacrosse is the fastest-growing sport with collegiate players. Data shows that Division 1 participation grew by 61% with men and 97% with women between 2003 and 2018.
The popularity of the sport is reflected in the number of major professional sponsorship opportunities in recent years, with Gatorade and Under Armour recently coming on board to back the sport and its players. Although the sport has some way to go before it’s a staple, its connection to youth indicates a big future.
Pickleball
According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is the fasting growing sport in the USA. There are now nearly 5 million players across the nation, with 2021 seeing a huge 40% uptick in participation. The reported demographics indicate that 60 percent of participants are men, with the average age for the sport being 38.
The sport has been described as a hybrid of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Teams consist of two people, and games are won when the first side scores 11 points. Teams can only score when they have service, and there is a no-volley zone to prevent spiking. The game is celebrated as being extremely social.
Triathlon
Triathlon has been highlighted as the fastest-growing sport in the US Olympic Movement. This is thanks to an explosion in popularity with young women in particular. In 2022, the sport was voted by the NCAA Division 1 Legislative Council to be considered an Emerging Sport for Women, with US Triathlon investing more money to fund these programs.
There are now more than 40 varsity college teams for the sport across the USA, with more college programs and scholarships available to players. For those who are unaware of the sport, a triathlon is an endurance race that includes a round of swimming, running, and cycling over varying distances.
eSports
This fastest-growing sport in America is interesting in that it can technically contain a number of different games. ESports refer to competitive video gaming, with popular games including League of Legends, Counter-Strike: GO, and Call of Duty. In recent years, audience figures have grown to over 300 million viewers worldwide.
While anyone who plays these games online against other players can technically be called an eSports enthusiast, there are now thousands of players who play professionally in the USA. The sports currently generate over $1 billion each year, with the market expected to grow to around $6 billion by 2030.
Adventure Racing
For the past seven years, adventure racing has been described as the fastest-growing sport in North America by several recreational research centers. Its popularity can be attributed to the fact that it can be done anywhere. There are now millions of participants in the USA, with the number steadily increasing each year.
If you’re new to the sport, adventure racing sees a number of endurance activities combined into one race. These races can include mountain biking, climbing, trekking, orienteering, and paddling among other activities. Races can be anywhere between two hours and several days long. Popular races include the Red Bull Defiance and Wilderness Traverse.
Soccer
While soccer has long been popular in the USA, it has never quite gained mainstream appeal like it has in Europe and South America. However, recent data points to the fact that the sport is growing in popularity faster than the Big 4 Sports, with 50% of more adults considered to be fans of the sport than in 2012.
It should come as no surprise why soccer continues to attract new fans. It’s estimated that half of the world’s population watched the 2022 World Cup, and there are always international leagues to watch and bet on. The United States Hispanic population is also a major driver of the uptick in soccer interest.
MMA
Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is a combat sport that has taken the world by storm over the last decade. MMA is a combat sport that includes elements of boxing, wrestling, and other fighting styles. It’s huge growth in attention is thanks to the UFC organization, with events regularly watched by millions each week.
A recent study has also proved that the sport is the fastest growing financially in the USA, and the industry has grown to be worth over $7 billion. Fighters’ salaries are also growing at a rate of around 15% per year, which is the fastest growing of all major sports. Fights last around 9 minutes on average, making it more attractive for bettors too.
