Sport is, by far, one of the most significant activities that bring people together. Whether you’re watching from the side lines, playing professional events or supporting a local team, there’s an innate sense of community that bonds each and every person. Sports are a huge part of US culture, and we see from sporting events such as the Superbowl just how many people it draws in each year.

Sports aren’t just about cheering on your favorite team, either. It instils a sense of camaraderie and teamwork in everyone. Team games also bring people together from all walks of life and they can help to disperse segregation in society.

So what are people watching and playing in the US? Below are some of the most popular sports in the country. Find out where your favorites fit in.

Football

In the popularity stakes, American football takes the lead. It’s not just the professional league — the NFL — that is a massive hit in the country. College football is also a major draw on a local level. One of the biggest events on the American calendar has to be the Super Bowl, and the halftime show is one of the most hotly anticipated spectacles of the season.

This year we saw Shakira and J. Lo take to the stage for a jam-packed performance. Other stars such as Beyoncé and Katy Perry have also graced the stage in previous years. Football has showcased some amazing talent over the years with Dan Merino, Joe Montana, and Tom Brady being just some of the most celebrated names in the sport.

Baseball

Another big hit (pun intended) in the US sporting world is baseball. Since it first began in the early 20th century, it is still one of the most popular sports that sit at the heart of American culture. You could argue that this sport is just as (if not more) popular than American football in some communities. The New York Yankees are one of the most celebrated teams in the professional leagues. Plus, it has unearthed tons of homegrown talent such as Clayton Kershaw and Mike Trout, who have given crowds a number of record-breaking performances.

Basketball

This sport is another big favorite in the U.S., and both professional leagues and college basketball are a top choice for sports fans. Many of the college-ranked talents have the opportunity to get drafted into the NBA so it’s a good place to start if you’re looking to get into the big leagues.

One of the most famous names in the history of the game is Michael Jordan. He took the sport to another level with his fantastic shots and went on to star in films while securing a lot of mainstream advertising deals. Basketball isn’t just a sport loved by Americans either. It has also taken off around the world, and several countries have their own leagues and professional players.

Ice Hockey

Everyone knows the Mecca of Sports at Madison Square Gardens in New York. This is where some of the biggest sporting stars have played and is home to the New York Rangers ice hockey team. People travel far and wide to see them play, and even tourists get in on the action while visiting the city. Hockey is another huge crowd drawer across the U.S. and is one of the top watched sports on the TV too.

Soccer

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world — although it didn’t really take off in the US until the World Cup of 2014, where Team USA had a fantastic run. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and continues to be a front-runner for popularity.

Since David Beckham — one of the UK’s most famous footballers — arrived in the country, new generations have been influenced into the sport. Beckham has also started his own team called Inter Miami, and they are now playing in Major League Soccer. It’s not just the men’s leagues that enjoy success either. The women’s national team took home the top prize at the final of the 2019 World Cup against The Netherlands to secure a place in the history books.

Boxing

Boxing always draws the crowds, and the recent heavyweight match between Tyson Fury (UK) and Deontay Wilder (US) was no exception. One of the most famous boxers of all time has to be Muhammad Ali, who was born and raised in the US. Boxing has several titles to compete in, and most of them prove a huge hit. Plus, it is one of the biggest sports in the betting world as people rush to put a wager on the winner at sites such as Freebet.com.

The whole atmosphere of boxing is a sight to behold. That’s what makes it one of the most-watched sports, especially when the big fights are announced. The invention of pay-per-view made this sport a spectacle, and whenever big names are publicized, they break records every time.

Car Racing

Americans love a trip to the speedway. The figures from infamous races such as the Daytona 500 and the Indy 500 just go to prove it. NASCAR is, of course, one of the most popular aspects of car racing in the US, and this sport brings people together from across the country. The thrill of this sport is something that people love, and there is something about the atmosphere and sounds that make people crazy about it.

Some of the most prominent American winners in racing include Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. Plus, in the Formula One world, Mario Andretti and Phil Hill are the only Americans to win a championship.

There are lots of other popular sports in the US, and some of those crowd-pleasers include:

• Golf

• Tennis

• Mixed Martial Arts

International communities also love sport and many countries have their own leagues. Sports such as American football are also making their way to other continents, and cities, including London, where they have hosted sell-out NFL games for over a decade.