What Percentage of Americans Like Football Most?

By Sarah Miller · March 1, 2036

Approximately 37% of Americans list football as their favorite sport to watch, making it the most popular sport in the United States according to recent surveys conducted in 2024 and 2025.

Why Football Dominates American Sports Preferences

Americans' love for football—specifically American football—has deep cultural, historical, and media-driven roots. The National Football League (NFL) plays a central role in shaping this preference through high-profile events like the Super Bowl, consistent media coverage, and widespread youth engagement.

Key Factors Behind Football's Popularity

The NFL's massive television contracts ensure near-ubiquitous exposure.
The Super Bowl is more than a game—it's a national cultural event with major advertising and entertainment components.
High school and college football generate strong local and regional loyalty.
Football’s physical intensity and strategic complexity appeal to a broad audience.
Year-round engagement through fantasy football and sports betting increases fan investment.

Historical Trends in Favorite Sport Preferences

Football has consistently ranked as America’s favorite sport since the early 2000s, surpassing baseball, which held the top spot for much of the 20th century. Recent Gallup and Pew Research studies show that while overall interest in sports has slightly declined, football maintains a stable lead.

Shifts Over the Decades

In the 1980s, baseball was favored by around 27% of Americans, compared to just 22% for football. By 2005, football surged to 36%, and by 2024, it reached 37%. This shift reflects changes in media consumption, urbanization, and evolving athletic culture.

Year	Football (%)	Baseball (%)	Basketball (%)	Soccer (%)	Tennis (%)
2004	34	12	11	3	2
2010	36	15	12	4	2
2015	35	14	11	5	2
2020	36	10	10	7	1
2024	37	9	11	8	1

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a steady increase in football’s dominance as the preferred sport, rising from 34% in 2004 to 37% in 2024. Meanwhile, baseball has seen a gradual decline, dropping from 15% to 9% over the same period. Soccer has nearly doubled its popularity, reflecting growing youth participation and international influence.

Demographic Breakdown of Football Fans

Football’s appeal varies significantly across age, gender, and region. Understanding these differences helps explain its sustained popularity despite competition from other sports.

Age and Gender Trends

Men are more likely than women to name football as their favorite sport (51% vs. 23%).
Adults aged 35–54 show the highest preference (42%).
Younger adults (18–34) favor basketball and soccer at higher rates than older groups.

Regional Differences

The South and Midwest report the highest football fandom, driven by college traditions (e.g., SEC, Big Ten).
The Northeast shows relatively stronger support for baseball and basketball.
Western states exhibit growing interest in soccer and basketball, especially among younger demographics.

Comparison With Other Major Sports

While football leads in overall preference, other sports maintain strong followings in specific niches:

Basketball: Popular among urban populations and younger audiences; NBA’s global outreach boosts domestic interest.
Baseball: Retains nostalgic appeal but struggles with pace and generational relevance.
Soccer: Fastest-growing sport, especially among under-30s and immigrant communities.
College Sports: Football and basketball draw massive local and national viewership, particularly during bowl and tournament seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About Americans' Favorite Sport

What percentage of Americans list football as their favorite sport?

About 37% of U.S. adults identify football as their favorite sport to watch, according to surveys conducted in 2024 by Gallup and Pew Research.

Has football always been the most popular sport in the U.S.?

No. Baseball was the leading sport through much of the 20th century. Football surpassed it in popularity in the early 2000s and has maintained the top position since then.

Which demographic groups prefer football the most?

Men, adults aged 35–54, and residents of the Southern and Midwestern United States are most likely to list football as their favorite sport.

Is football losing popularity among younger Americans?

While younger adults (18–34) show less relative interest in football compared to older groups, overall preference remains stable. Concerns about player safety and game length may contribute to slower growth among youth.

What sport is growing the fastest in U.S. popularity?

Soccer is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with preference increasing from 3% in 2004 to 8% in 2024, fueled by youth participation, MLS expansion, and U.S. involvement in global tournaments.