The Most Popular American Sports in 2023

By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer Updated: 05 June 2023

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer

Amelia Walker is a Senior Content Writer at Betting.US. She has a law degree and deep knowledge of the gambling laws in the United States. Her mission is to keep players informed about responsible gambling, while her passion for sports helps her create useful guides. Amelia has over a decade of experience in betting, which has positioned her as a trusted voice among our readers.

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The Most Popular American Sports

• Traditional American Sports
• Most Popular US Sports
• Football Tops the List
• Basketball Mania
• The Baseball Legacy
• Ice Hockey Thrills
• Soccer’s US Rise
• Frequently Asked Questions

As Americans, we sure love our sports – and in this most popular American sports blog, we’ll be looking at five of the most distinct US sports. This is your go-to guide for learning more about games that have helped to shape our great nation, although you may be surprised by the fifth choice we’ve picked! The sports culture in the US has always been fascinating, and we’re about to show you why.

Traditional American Sports

It’s no secret that traditional American sports have been woven into the core of the US’ culture. From baseball’s nostalgic charm to football’s electrifying energy, these sports have shaped and unified communities for generations. Join us as we unravel the appeal of these classic pastimes and look at a bit of the history behind them.

What Makes the Most Popular US Sports?

When it comes to the most popular US sports, there are a few ways of looking at things. However, the universal consensus is that football is the most popular sport. But from coast to coast, fans unite each week to share their love of other sports, like basketball, baseball, ice hockey, and soccer.

But what makes these sports so irresistible? In our opinion, it’s thanks to a mix of nail-biting action, incredible athletic displays, and the feeling one gets when they’re part of a group of fans.

Football, for instance, brings people together with its never-ending TV coverage and incredible displays of strength in the field. On the other hand, basketball keeps fans on the edge of their seats with fast-paced action and nail-biting slam dunks.

Baseball, known as America’s pastime, has a nostalgic, laid-back vibe, while ice hockey’s adrenaline-pumping clashes attract those wanting even more physicalness than football!

Finally, there’s soccer; a strange inclusion on this list, many may feel. True, it’s not one of the typical American sports you’d expect to see on such a list. However, the popularity of the game is growing rapidly in the US, and it’s helping to shape the future of American sports culture.

Football Tops the List

Football has completely won over the US with its nail-biting games and intense nature. The history of football dates back to the late 1800s, inspired by the well-known physical English game, rugby. Since then, football in the US has come a long way. The first professional game was held in 1895 and the formation of the National Football League (NFL) in 1920 took the sport to new levels.

Fast forward to today, and the NFL contains 32 teams, including iconic global franchises like the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers. The game’s fan base also spans the nation. Throughout its history, legendary players such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Tom Brady have further popularized the sport, in turn inspiring countless young athletes.

The Super Bowl, the annual championship game, has evolved into something of a cultural phenomenon, with tens of millions tuning into the event each year. College football is also incredibly popular, receiving almost as much attention as the main NFL league.

From high school games on a relaxing Friday night to professional NFL showdowns in packed stadiums, football has become synonymous with the country’s sporting culture. Many feel that the sport does a huge amount of good in local communities, and there’s no denying it’s played a significant role in shaping the American world of sports.

Basketball Mania

Another of the most popular US sports is basketball. It was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891, and it was quick to gain traction. Today the National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global powerhouse, much like the NFL. In fact, basketball has become a cultural icon, thanks to its roots in urban playgrounds and its influence on fashion, music, and entertainment.

Legendary players like Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and LeBron James have become household names, not just in the US, but around the world. These stars, along with many others, have entertained hundreds of millions of spectators over the decades, and they’re among the best in the world, often setting astonishing records and providing fans with unforgettable moments.

One of the major reasons why basketball has been so successful is that it’s played a crucial role in American culture, especially in the disenfranchised and poorer black communities. Basketball can be enjoyed in schools, community centers, and street courts, and it’s been used successfully in thousands of initiatives to deter kids from a life of crime and develop a passion for sports, instead.

However, it’s not just US soil that enjoys the fast-paced action of basketball. The game’s international appeal continues to grow, with players from all around the world joining the NBA and showcasing their talents.

The Baseball Legacy

Next in our list of the most popular American sports, let’s turn our attention to baseball, a sport rich in tradition with origins dating back to the 18th century. Since then, the sport has evolved significantly, with the most notable milestone being in 1901, when the Major League Baseball (MLB) was formed. Today, it acts like the NFL and the NBA.

Baseball’s rich history is filled with iconic moments, some of which have even shaped America as a country. These include Babe Ruth’s legendary home runs and Jackie Robinson heroically breaking the color barrier and being the first black player to participate on a professional level.

Every year the World Series, the annual championship, produces several dramatic, action-packed games, and while it’s not as popular as the Super Bowl, it’s worth noting that it’s multiple games, rather than just one.

From Little League games to the major leagues, baseball has a special place in American culture. Its impact is felt far beyond the field, as it has inspired countless movies, books, and songs.

It’s also possible to bet on baseball. If you’d like to do so, make sure to choose one of our recommended sportsbooks, which have all been approved by expert gamblers.

Ice Hockey Thrills

Ice hockey has long been one of the typical American sports you’d expect to see played, and this fast-paced, hard-hitting sport has gained a loyal fan base in the US. Naturally, it’s more popular in colder regions, where playing outdoors is easier thanks to natural ice formation.

That being said, there are indoor rinks all around the country, and it’s definitely one of the US’ most popular spots. The National Hockey League (NHL) is the game’s equivalent to the NFL, and the NHL is where the best players in the world can be found playing.

The consensus is that ice hockey has been around since the late 19th century; the NHL was established in 1917. Since then, the league has expanded to 32 teams, with some well-known and iconic teams like the Detroit Red Wings, the Montreal Canadiens, and the New York Rangers. The NHL has produced some remarkable players, and some of the GOATs include Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr.

One thing that makes ice hockey so fun to watch is the speed at which it’s played. The players are constantly in motion, and the game can change in an instant with a simple goal or a thunderous body slam. The Stanley Cup – a kind of equivalent to the Super Bowl – is the ultimate prize for teams, and it’s where you’ll find the best ice hockey players in the world!

While the NHL tends to dominate the sport, college hockey is also popular, with the likes of Boston College, the University of North Dakota, and the University of Minnesota boasting impressive teams with great skills.

Soccer’s US Rise

You may be somewhat surprised to see us talking about soccer in a blog that’s focused on traditional American sports. However, while soccer may not be as popular in the US as it is in other countries, it’s started to see impressive growth in the last few years.

A big part of this growth is thanks to Major League Soccer, also known as MLS. It was first established back in 1993, and today, it boasts some 27 teams, with high-profile clubs like LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders, and Atlanta United becoming well-known names in the country. MLS has also attracted some big-name stars, including David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Carli Lloyd.

The US Women’s National Team has been a fantastic role model for the sport, too, as they’ve now won multiple FIFA Women’s World Cup titles and Olympic gold medals. These wins have directly inspired young female players to try the game out for themselves.

Below, we will look at some notable MLS teams, and one of their star players, either now, or in the past.