There are a variety of sports in the US. From high school sports to collegiate games from the NFL to the NBA, the country has a rather rich sports heritage. Physical games continue to be one of the most favorite activities of an average American. Log on to any sports website using your ISP connections like Cox cable plans, and you’ll find exciting news and information about your favorite games and players.
Due to the Covid-19 situation, there may have been a decrease in public sporting activities, but this does not indicate that the interest in American sports has reduced by any means. People are still interested and anxious to attend and watch games of their favorite sports. Here’s a look at the top most popular sports in the USA.
#1. American Football
Nothing beats the popularity of the NFL in America. According to Gallup, 37% of people in America declare football as their favorite sport. Hence it comes as no surprise that the NFL also enjoys the highest attendance of any sports league both in and outside the US.
NFL comprises 32 teams which are divided between the AFC and NFC. The regular season commences in September each year and spans over 17 weeks before concluding in December. But the fun doesn’t end here. It only gets bigger as the teams make their way into the play-offs which culminate into the biggest sporting event of the year – the Super Bowl.
Watching football on Sunday afternoons has now become part of American culture. And Super Bowl Sunday is a day of celebration every year. In the year 2014, a record of 167 million watched the final game.
#2. Baseball
There is no argument on football being the most-watched sport in America. However many Americans are of the view that it is actually baseball that captures the essence of the country. From the tradition of attending the events with your kids to the age-old rivalry between Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, it is hard to come across an American who would not be interested in one or the other element of this sport.
MLB is among the oldest major sports leagues in the USA. Although it was formed in 1903, its roots can be traced back to 1876. The game has given some defining moments in the history of the US. For example. In April 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African-American to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. By doing so he broke the color barrier in a game that had been segregated for over half a century.
#3. Basketball
Basketball is arguably the third favorite sport of the Americans. It is followed by sports enthusiasts from outside the country as well. The game went through problems from time to time but it was reformed by commissioner David Stern after which it transformed into a multi-billion colossus enjoyed by sports lovers around the world. Players like Patrick Ewing, Michael Jordan, and Charles Barkley also contributed significantly to the popularity of the game during the 1990s.
Today the NBA consists of 30 teams, divided between Western Conference and Eastern Conference. These teams play a regular season of 82 games each year and the best ones make it to the play-offs.
#4. Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is another very popular sport in the US. People in the northern US states and Canada are particularly fond of it. The NHL consists of 31 teams, divided between the Western and Eastern Conferences. The teams play an 82-game regular season. Those who perform well qualify for the playoffs and compete to win the Stanley Cup.
#5. Wrestling
Wrestling continues to be an increasingly popular sport in the US. Several wrestling stars have become so famous that even Hollywood productions approach them to star in their movies. The WWE has played a pivotal role in attracting people to this sport. Also, pro-wrestling events like All Elite Wrestling have further added to its appeal.
