United States (English)Sports fans in America are a passionate and diverse bunch, and a recent Ipsos poll gives us a fresh look at what makes them tick. From the most popular sports in the US to the latest trends in sports participation, Ipsos iSay has all the action-packed details.
Let's dive into the world of American sports fandom and see who's winning!
Over two-thirds of Americans (68%) are fans of at least one sport.
The Popularity of Sports in America
Let's kick things off with a look at just how popular sports are in the United States. From stadiums to the living rooms, Americans are all about their sports.
Here's what the numbers reveal about their favorite pastimes.
Americans as Sports Fans
Did you know that over two-thirds of Americans (68%) are fans of at least one sport?
That's right—sports are a huge deal in the U.S., and this number has held steady since last year. Professional football takes the trophy for America’s favorite sport, with nearly half of all Americans (45%) considering themselves to be fans. Baseball (31%), college football (30%), professional basketball (24%), and college basketball (23%) have dedicated followings as well.
Whether it's the thrill of a touchdown or the excitement of a buzzer-beater, sports fans in America are always ready for game time.
Put Me In, Coach!
Watching sports is one thing, but playing them is a whole different ballgame. Let's explore the sports Americans are most likely to get involved in and how many people hit the fields, courts, and pools in recent years.
Sports Participation Rates
It's not just about watching sports—playing them is a big part of American life, too. About half of Americans (48%) reported playing a sport last year in 2023, matching the numbers from 2022.
The top three sports people are getting into? Swimming (20%), cornhole (20%), and bowling (18%). From hitting the pool to tossing bean bags, Americans are finding fun and unique ways to stay active.
When it comes to pros, we covered pay and social issues for athletes in a separate article.
Armchair Quarterbacks and Viewing Preferences
When it comes to watching sports, everyone's got their go-to game
Whether it's the adrenaline of football or the intensity of basketball, here's a breakdown of what Americans are tuning into and what they want more of on their screens.
NFL Viewership Dominance
When it comes to watching sports, the NFL takes the top spot. More than half (56%) of Americans have watched an entire NFL game in the past year. Among sports fans, this number jumps to a whopping 76%. Other popular leagues to watch include college football, MLB, NBA, and college basketball, with each sport having its loyal viewers.
More than half (56%) of Americans have watched an entire NFL game in the past year.
Desire for Women's Sports Coverage
There's a growing demand for more women's sports coverage, too. About half of Americans (49%) and sports fans (54%) want to see more of it. Believe it or not, 55% of women and 43% of men agree on this, showing a significant rise in interest compared to last year.
Cost and Accessibility Issues
Loving sports is easy, but sometimes, catching a game in person or even on TV can be a hassle. Let's dive into what Americans think about the costs of attending games and the ever-growing number of streaming platforms.
Cost of Attending Sporting Events
Sports are awesome, but they can also be pricey. A big chunk of Americans (80%) and sports fans (88%) think that attending games is too expensive for the average person. This sentiment is shared across all demographics, highlighting a major barrier for many fans.
A majority of Americans (80%) think that attending games is too expensive for the average person.
Platform Overload for Watching Sports
Then there's the issue of how we watch sports. A majority of Americans (57%) and sports fans (67%) feel like there are just too many platforms to keep track of.
However, there's support for a bundled sports streaming package, with 44% of Americans and 53% of fans backing the idea.
Broadcast Preferences and Celebrity Presence
Sports broadcasts aren't just about the game. They're also about the experience. But not everyone is thrilled with all the extra fluff, especially celebrity cameos.
Here's what fans have to say about how sports are presented on TV.
Tired of Celebrity Presence
Celebrities on the screen during games? Not everyone is a fan. About half of all Americans (47%) and sports fans (52%) are tired of seeing celebrities during broadcasts. And it's not just about any celebrities—Taylor Swift, in particular, seems to be overexposed, with 45% of Americans and 47% of sports fans saying they've had enough.
Season Length and Interest in Sports
Do long seasons wear down interest, or do fans stay engaged from start to finish? We'll look at what Americans think about the duration of sports seasons and how it affects their enthusiasm for the games they love.
Perceptions on Season Length
Surprisingly, the length of sports seasons isn't a major issue for most people. Only one-fifth (20%) think that long seasons make it harder to stay interested in sports. It may be that fans are more concerned with how they watch and the cost of attending games than the duration of the seasons.
What Are Your Views on the Current State of Sports in America?
So, there you have it—a snapshot of sports fandom in America. While the love for sports remains strong, there are clear challenges, from the cost of attending events to the complexity of streaming options.
The rising interest in women's sports and the call for more coverage show that perhaps fans are ready for some changes. As we look to the future, it will be fascinating to see how the sports industry adapts to meet the needs and desires of its passionate fans.
What are your thoughts on the current state of sports in America? Participate in more research with Ipsos iSay to share your opinions and keep the conversation going. Check your dashboard for available surveys now!
The Ipsos research shared in this article has been sourced from:
https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/four-five-americans-believe-sporting-events-are-too-expensive
