American football is the most beloved sport in the United States, with 37% of the population claiming it as their favorite. The NFL is the most popular league, with 55% of Americans supporting it. Ice hockey originated in Canada, particularly in Montreal, in the 1870s, before spreading to its neighboring countries, including the United States. Soccer, known as football in other parts of the world, is not a new sport in the US.
Major League Soccer (MLS) was established in 1996 with only 10 teams and has since experienced its highs and lows. Nowadays, it is profitable with 28 teams from both the US and Canada. Although its origins are disputed, sports historians suggest that it was invented by an army general in the 18th century. The introduction of cable television in the 1980s saw an increase in basketball's popularity and interest through its major league, the NBA.
American football, or simply soccer as it is known in the US, is by far the most popular sport in America and its major league, the NFL, is the most watched sports league on television. It is an evolution and fusion of two existing sports - football and rugby - which began to gain traction in the US during the 1860s and became popular in the 1920s when the NFL was formed. American football has the highest number of participants with more than 9 million active players and 112 million viewers on TV. Basketball and baseball also deserve a mention among America's most popular sports right now.
Basketball has more than 25 million active participants while baseball has more than 23 million players. Martial arts are not as popular as they are in countries like China, Malaysia, Denmark and Indonesia but still rank tenth on America's list of favorite sports. Basketball is one of America's most popular sports after football and baseball with an estimated attendance of 14,000 people per game. It is also ranked tenth among the world's most followed sports. The NBA has produced some of basketball's greatest players such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
American football became so popular because it resonated with American values of competitiveness and created an emotional connection with fans. Motor sports including auto and motorcycle racing are ninth on America's list of most watched sports. Tennis has also gained popularity due to professional American players such as Serena Williams and John Robert Isner as well as some of history's best players like Naomi Osaka, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Contrary to popular belief, soccer is actually quite popular in America where it ranks fourth among populous sports while American football tops the list. The NFL has the highest television ratings among all major sports and it is part of American culture to spend Sunday afternoons watching soccer games.
The MLS games have an average attendance of 20,000 people which makes it third on America's list of highest attendance averages for any sports league. The NHL is one of the world's most anticipated leagues and for obvious reasons ranks third on America's list of favorite sports. Golf is a sport that many famous personalities practice for relaxation including some of basketball's greatest players or Formula One's best drivers. Among all sports that interest people in America, American football (NFL), baseball (MLB) and basketball (NBA) top the list. The US won its first gold medal at Winter Olympics with this sport while soccer, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer are America's five most popular sports. Boxing has had a great impact on American culture due to its association with gambling and casinos. Basketball is third on America's list of favorite sports and is also one of the most followed sports outside America.
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