The Most Popular Sports In America

The Most Popular Sports In America

Ranker Community
Updated March 16, 2025 367.9K views 62 items
Ranked By
333.7K votes
39.7K voters
27 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up any sport you think is a favorite in the US

For the past century, sports have become an important part of American culture. Many of the most popular sports in the world have been American games. A fair number of Americans either participate or follow sports. Children play sports to meet other kids their own age and they teach important tactics, like teamwork, which helps people later on in life. Football, not to be confused with European football or soccer, is one of the most popular American sports. The Super Bowl is always the most watched sporting event in the United States, drawing nearly 100 million people to their TVs to watch an event that's distinctly American.

Basketball is another popular American sport that has a worldwide reach. Becoming almost as globally relevant as soccer, basketball and the NBA in particular have turned the game from a semi-popular American sport into a game people across the globe love to play.

Vote for the game you think is the most popular American sport on this ultimate list. If you see a sport that isn't on the list and should be added, feel free to.

Most divisive: Ice Hockey
Over 39.7K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Most Popular Sports In America
Ranked by
  • American Football
    1
    25,366 votes

    American Football

  • Basketball
    2
    24,230 votes

    Basketball

  • Baseball
    3
    21,912 votes

    Baseball

  • Soccer
    4
    19,415 votes

    Soccer

  • Ice Hockey
    5
    18,882 votes
  • Beach Volleyball
    6
    1,306 votes