In today’s world, we’re used to thinking of sports as simply entertainment. We want sports to be exciting, competitive, and thrilling. We watch as athletes chase their dreams, and we feel inspired by this when we decide to play sports ourselves. But more important than entertainment, sports allow individuals to channel their frustrations, anger, and joys into release. Sports bring people together, teach us about competition, and teach teamwork.

They also promote physical fitness, coordination, teamwork, and challenge. They are healthy for our bodies and can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age, gender, and ability. Sports offer something for everyone, from the fast-paced action of football to the mental fortitude of marathons.

Here is a look at six of the most popular sports in the US:

Soccer

Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, surpassing even basketball and American football in viewership numbers around the world. This is not surprising, considering all the benefits this sport offers. There are several advantages to playing soccer. For starters, it is one of the few sports that can be played individually or on a team, as everyone must be able to contribute in their own way to help make the team successful. Soccer is also played by people of all ages throughout the entire world, and millions more get behind their teams weekly to cheer them to victory.

Ice Hockey

Hockey and the ice go together like peanut butter and jelly. Though the game of ice hockey originated in Canada, its popularity continues to grow in the United States of America. Because of this, there are many players of all ages who have a passion for the sport. It is played all around the country by people from all different economic and educational backgrounds. What’s more, it can be played in a variety of different settings, such as outdoor rinks, gyms, and offices where there isn’t enough space to fit a full-sized rink.

Golf

Golf is among the most popular sports, with more than 26 million players enjoying a round of 18 each year. And new golfers are joining the ranks all the time, which is why it features on the list of the most popular sports in the United States. Golf is as American as apple pie, and while fewer play it today than in the past (if you can believe it), it continues to thrive. In fact, golf is the country’s third most popular sport, and it’s played across the country. While it remains a favorite of many, those who play the sport tend to gravitate toward certain forms of the game.

Football

Everyone knows football to be the most popular sport in the United States. The National Football League (NFL) is the most well-loved league, so it’s no surprise that football fans make the decision to participate in fantasy football, alongside watching their favorite teams. In fact, fantasy football is made up of roughly 70% of the $2.9 billion generated in revenue for the sports industry in 2017.

Basketball

It is no wonder why basketball is the fifth most popular sport in the US. Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith and was first played at the YMCA in 1891. The sport is all about teamwork and passing the ball. The sport is for people of all ages, genders, and sizes. Basketball isn’t just a sport; it is a lifestyle and a lifestyle that America seems to have adopted and taken a liking to and it’s only going to grow further from here.

Baseball

Baseball is America’s pastime and is one of the oldest sports in the world. With an estimated 320 million people in the United States alone, it’s no surprise that baseball is the sixth most popular sport in the country. With at least 19 professional teams and hundreds of minor leagues, it’s no wonder that baseball is so popular among Americans. It’s played from kindergarten to college, and leagues have grown to include amateur, collegiate, and international versions. Baseball’s reach extends far beyond the game itself; it is also broadcast on television, and there are several books, TV shows, movies, and plays based on this sport.

There are many different types of sports. However, there are only 6 sports that are very popular in the United States, and we have listed them all in this article.