NFL (American football)
MLB (baseball)
NBA (basketball)
NHL (ice hockey)
These four have historically dominated revenue, TV ratings, attendance, and cultural impact. However, with soccer’s rapid growth (especially ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the US), many sources now expand this to the “Big 5” by including Major League Soccer (MLS) as the fifth.
This “Big 5” grouping reflects the top professional team sports leagues in terms of popularity, viewership, and economic power in the US (and sometimes North America).
The Big 5 Sports/Leagues
American Football (NFL)
Still the undisputed #1 by far. Around 36–41% of Americans name it their favorite sport to watch (Gallup and recent polls).
Super Bowl draws 100–130 million+ viewers annually. Highest revenue league globally.
Basketball (NBA)
Strong #2, with 11–17% favorite ranking.
Massive global appeal, high-scoring games, and stars drive huge TV/streaming numbers.
Soccer (MLS and international)
Now widely considered #3 in recent 2026 reports (e.g., from The Economist and others).
About 10% of Americans call it their favorite (surpassing baseball in some surveys). Growing fast due to youth participation, MLS expansion, and the upcoming World Cup.
Baseball (MLB)
Traditional “America’s pastime,” but down to ~9–12% favorite ranking.
Still huge regionally; World Series gets solid viewership, but losing ground to faster-paced sports.
Ice Hockey (NHL)
Rounds out the Big 5, especially strong in northern states and Canada.
Around 4% favorite; Stanley Cup Finals draw good audiences, though more regional than national.
Quick Comparison (Approximate % Naming as Favorite Sport, Recent 2025–2026 Data)
RankSport% Favorite (approx.)Major LeagueKey Notes1American Football36–41%NFLDominant; Super Bowl is massive2Basketball11–17%NBAHigh global/international reach3Soccer10%MLSRising fast; passed baseball in polls4Baseball9–12%MLBTraditional but declining slightly5Ice Hockey4%NHLStrong in North/Canada
This shift (soccer overtaking baseball for #3/#4) is a big recent change, highlighted in 2026 reports. Some older sources still stick to “Big Four” and list soccer separately, but the “Big 5” framing is increasingly common as MLS grows.
In contrast to global lists (where soccer, cricket, etc., top everything), the US remains heavily focused on these homegrown or long-established leagues. If you’re asking because of betting, fantasy sports, or comparing to Pakistan (where cricket rules), let me know for more details!
