Sports play a significant role in American culture and are a source of entertainment, passion, and national pride. The United States is home to some of the world’s most-watched sports leagues, and here we will take a closer look at the top ten most-watched sports in America along with their broadcasting networks and revenue information.
- American Football (NFL)
The National Football League (NFL) is the most-watched sport in America and one of the most-watched sports globally. It is broadcasted on CBS, NBC, Fox, and ESPN. In 2020, the NFL generated around $12.2 billion in revenue. The Super Bowl, the championship game of the NFL, is one of the most-watched annual sporting events in the world and generates millions of viewers and revenue.
- Basketball (NBA)
Basketball is the second most-watched sport in America and is broadcasted on ABC, ESPN, and TNT. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the premier basketball league in the world and features some of the world’s most talented basketball players. In 2020, the NBA generated around $8.3 billion in revenue.
- Baseball (MLB)
Baseball is America’s national pastime and is broadcasted on Fox, ESPN, and TBS. Major League Baseball (MLB) is the premier baseball league in the world and features some of the world’s most talented baseball players. In 2020, the MLB generated around $4 billion in revenue.
- Ice Hockey (NHL)
Ice hockey is broadcasted on NBC and NBC Sports Network. The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier ice hockey league in the world and features some of the world’s most talented ice hockey players. In 2020, the NHL generated around $4.4 billion in revenue.
- Soccer (MLS)
Soccer, or football, is growing in popularity in America and is broadcasted on ESPN, Fox Sports, and Univision. Major League Soccer (MLS) is the premier soccer league in the United States and Canada and features some of the world’s most talented soccer players. In 2020, the MLS generated around $800 million in revenue.
- College Football (NCAA)
College football is broadcasted on ABC, ESPN, and Fox. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is the organization that governs college sports in America. College football is a beloved tradition in America and generates millions of viewers and revenue. In 2020, the NCAA generated around $1.1 billion in revenue.
- Golf (PGA Tour)
Golf is broadcasted on CBS, NBC, and Golf Channel. The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour is the premier golf tour in the world and features some of the world’s most talented golfers. In 2020, the PGA Tour generated around $2 billion in revenue.
- Auto Racing (NASCAR)
Auto racing is broadcasted on Fox, NBC, and NBC Sports Network. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the premier auto racing league in America and features some of the world’s most talented race car drivers. In 2020, NASCAR generated around $700 million in revenue.
- Tennis (US Open)
Tennis is broadcasted on ESPN. The United States Open Tennis Championships, or the US Open, is one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments and features some of the world’s most talented tennis players. In 2020, the US Open generated around $350 million in revenue.
- Mixed Martial Arts (UFC)
Mixed martial arts is broadcasted on ESPN and ESPN+. The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is the premier mixed martial arts league in the world and features some
