Sports in the United States are more than weekend entertainment; they are woven into the nation’s identity. From tailgating outside football stadiums to filling out brackets for March Madness, sports unite Americans in unique ways. Learning about US sports is not only exciting for international students, but also a powerful way to connect with classmates, share in cultural traditions and even find new hobbies.
Whether you want to know what the most-watched sport in America is or which games you should try while studying abroad. This guide breaks down the top 10 sports in the US, their biggest events and why they matter so much.
Top 10 Popular Sports in the United States
1. American Football (NFL)
American football is the most popular sport in United States. The NFL (National Football League) dominates TV ratings, ticket sales and conversations every fall. It is a mix of strength, strategy and spectacle with games that draw millions of fans across the country.
| Category | Details |
| Viewership | 100M+ for the Super Bowl |
| Fan Base | 37% of Americans say it’s their favorite sport |
| Biggest Event | The Super Bowl |
The Super Bowl isn’t just a championship game — it’s a cultural event, complete with halftime shows and commercials that people talk about for weeks. For international students, watching the Super Bowl with classmates is almost a rite of passage in the U.S.
2. Basketball (NBA & NCAA)
Basketball is loved for its fast pace, spectacular dunks, and larger-than-life stars. The NBA (National Basketball Association) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, featuring legends like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and today’s superstars such as LeBron James and Steph Curry.
| Category | Details |
| Biggest Event | NBA Finals |
| Avg. Viewership | 15–20M for Finals games |
| College Version | NCAA March Madness |
But basketball’s reach goes beyond the NBA. College basketball’s March Madness captivates the nation every spring, with 68 teams competing in a dramatic elimination tournament. International students will find basketball courts everywhere, from campus gyms to outdoor parks, making it easy to join a pickup game.
3. Baseball (MLB)
Baseball, referred to as “America’s pastime,” has been part of US history since the 19th century. While it no longer dominates television ratings like it once did. It remains deeply cherished. Families and friends gather in ballparks during summer to enjoy hot dogs, music and the crack of the bat.
| Category | Details |
| Biggest Event | MLB World Series |
| Avg. Viewership | 10M+ for World Series games |
| Why Popular | Historical roots & community atmosphere |
The World Series is baseball’s championship, but even regular-season games provide a relaxed and affordable cultural experience. For students, attending a baseball game is an iconic way to feel part of American traditions.
4. Soccer (MLS)
Globally, soccer is the number one sport, and its popularity in the US has grown rapidly over the last decade. The MLS (Major League Soccer) now features international stars and draws bigger crowds than ever before.
| Year | MLS Avg. Attendance |
| 2019 | 21,310 |
| 2023 | 22,100+ |
The rise of soccer in the US is also fueled by international events like the FIFA World Cup, especially when hosted on American soil. For international students, soccer can feel familiar and comforting, and many universities have competitive soccer clubs where you can play or cheer.
5. Ice Hockey (NHL)
Ice hockey combines speed, skill, and physicality, making it one of the most exciting sports to watch live. The NHL (National Hockey League) has its strongest fan bases in northern U.S. cities like Boston, Chicago, and Detroit, as well as areas close to Canada.
| Category | Details |
| Biggest Event | Stanley Cup Playoffs |
| Popular Cities | Boston, Detroit, Chicago, New York |
| Fun Fact | Winter Classic is an annual outdoor game |
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are considered one of the most intense and unpredictable tournaments in sports. International students living in northern states will find hockey games to be a must-see, with energetic fans and unforgettable atmospheres.
6. Tennis
Tennis holds a strong place in U.S. sports thanks to iconic players such as Serena and Venus Williams, Pete Sampras, and Andre Agassi. The U.S. has a rich tennis history, and the US Open in New York is one of the sport’s four Grand Slam tournaments.
| Category | Details |
| Biggest Event | US Open |
| Why Popular | Global stars & prestigious tournaments |
Tennis is celebrated for its individual rivalries, where personalities shine as much as athletic skill. Most universities have tennis courts on campus, giving students the chance to both watch and play.
7. Golf
Golf may not generate the same crowds as football or basketball, but it has a dedicated following. American legends like Tiger Woods elevated golf’s popularity, inspiring millions of fans.
| Category | Details |
| Biggest Event | The Masters Tournament |
| Why Popular | Tradition, scenic courses, star players |
The Masters, held annually in Augusta, Georgia, is considered the most prestigious tournament. For students, golf can be a relaxing extracurricular activity, and many universities include golf clubs as part of student life.
8. Wrestling (WWE)
Professional wrestling through WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) is more entertainment than competitive sport, but it has a huge fan base in the U.S. With its mix of athleticism, drama, and storytelling, it has captivated millions for decades.
| Category | Details |
| Biggest Event | WrestleMania |
| Why Popular | Storylines, entertainment, global stars |
The annual WrestleMania event is as much about spectacle as it is about wrestling. For international students, WWE represents a different side of American sports culture, blending sports and pop culture together.
9. Track and Field
Track and field shines brightest during the Summer Olympics, when athletes from the U.S. often dominate in events like sprints, long jump, and relays. Famous athletes like Carl Lewis and Allyson Felix have inspired generations.
| Category | Details |
| Biggest Event | Olympic Games |
| Why Popular | Global prestige & U.S. dominance |
While not a year-round spectator sport, track and field is important at universities, where many students compete in local meets. Watching these events can give international students a glimpse into grassroots American athletics.
10. Mixed Martial Arts (UFC)
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), especially through the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. Thanks to charismatic fighters like Conor McGregor, it has gone mainstream.
| Category | Details |
| Biggest Event | UFC Pay-Per-View Fights |
| Why Popular | Intense action & diverse fighting styles |
UFC events combine boxing, wrestling, and martial arts, drawing millions of pay-per-view viewers. Many gyms in U.S. cities also offer MMA classes, giving students a chance to train in this high-energy sport.
Why Sports Matter for International Students
For international students, sports are a universal language. Joining friends to watch a football game, playing soccer on campus, or attending March Madness can help you feel integrated into U.S. culture. Sports also reduce stress and provide balance while studying abroad.
Summary Table: Top 10 Sports in the USA
| Sport | League/Event | Biggest Event | Why Popular |
| American Football | NFL | Super Bowl | Action, tradition, 100M+ viewers |
| Basketball | NBA & NCAA | NBA Finals / March Madness | Fast, global stars, college culture |
| Baseball | MLB | World Series | History, family-friendly tradition |
| Soccer | MLS | FIFA/MLS Cup | Global appeal, rising U.S. interest |
| Ice Hockey | NHL | Stanley Cup Playoffs | Intensity, northern city pride |
| Tennis | ATP/WTA | US Open | Rivalries, legendary players |
| Golf | PGA Tour | The Masters | Tradition, Tiger Woods effect |
| Wrestling | WWE | WrestleMania | Entertainment & spectacle |
| Track & Field | Olympics | Summer Olympics | Prestige, U.S. dominance |
| MMA | UFC | UFC Pay-Per-View | High-intensity global sport |
Conclusion
The sports culture in the US is vast and exciting, ranging from uniquely American traditions like football and baseball to global favorites like soccer and tennis. For international students, sports are more than games — they are opportunities to connect with people, experience traditions and enjoy student life. Whether you cheer at the Super Bowl, attend a campus basketball game or play soccer with friends, sports will enrich your study abroad journey in America.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most popular sport in the USA?
American football is the most popular sport, with the NFL’s Super Bowl attracting over 100 million viewers each year.
2. Which sport is growing fastest in the U.S.?
Soccer is the fastest-growing sport, with MLS attendance and TV viewership increasing steadily.
3. Do international students play sports at US universities?
Yes, most universities have sports clubs, intramural teams, and varsity programs that welcome international students.
4. What is considered the national sport of the US?
Baseball is traditionally considered “America’s pastime,” though football is currently the most watched.
5. Which sports are easiest for students to try in the US?
Soccer, basketball, and track are the most accessible, as universities provide facilities and equipment for free or at low cost.
6. What is the most watched sport in the USA in 2025?
American football remains the most watched sport in the U.S., with the NFL’s Super Bowl drawing over 100 million viewers annually.
7. Is basketball more popular than baseball in America?
Yes. Basketball has overtaken baseball in overall popularity, especially among younger audiences, while baseball remains culturally significant.
8. What is America’s national pastime?
Baseball is considered “America’s pastime” due to its historical significance, even though football is currently the most followed sport.
9. Which sport is most popular among U.S. college students?
Basketball and football dominate campus life, with college football bowl games and March Madness being major student events.
10. Do universities in the U.S. offer sports scholarships?
Yes. Many U.S. universities provide athletic scholarships, especially for sports like football, basketball, track, and soccer.
11. What is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.?
Soccer and mixed martial arts (MMA) are the fastest-growing sports, gaining popularity with younger audiences and international fans.
12. How popular is soccer in the USA compared to Europe?
Soccer is growing in the U.S. but still trails behind football, basketball, and baseball. However, MLS attendance and youth soccer participation are rising quickly.
13. Which U.S. cities are best for international students who love sports?
Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago are great for sports fans, offering major teams in football, basketball, baseball, and hockey.
14. Do international students get to play in U.S. university sports teams?
Yes. Many international students join recreational and intramural teams, and some compete in varsity-level sports if they meet athletic requirements.
15. Which sports are cheapest for international students to play in the U.S.?
Soccer, basketball, and track are affordable since most universities already provide facilities, fields, and equipment access.
16. What is the role of sports in American culture?
Sports are a major part of U.S. identity, influencing holidays, fashion, music, and social gatherings. They are also central to community pride and college life.
17. Are women’s sports popular in the USA?
Yes. Women’s basketball (WNBA), tennis, and soccer enjoy strong fan bases, with athletes like Serena Williams and the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team inspiring millions.
18. How do American sports differ from international sports culture?
Unlike most countries where soccer dominates, the U.S. prioritizes football, basketball, and baseball, making its sports culture unique.