This article presents five facts about Americans' experiences with and interest in sports, based on Pew Research Center surveys. About half (48%) of Americans participated in organized, competitive sports in high - school or college, with men and younger women more likely to have done so. Most former athletes say sports positively impacted their physical health, confidence, and to a lesser extent, job opportunities. Nearly four - in - ten (38%) Americans follow professional or college sports at least somewhat closely, mainly to cheer for a team or be entertained. Over half (53%) of U.S. adults consider football “America’s sport,” though there are racial and ethnic differences in this view. In 2022, 19% of Americans had bet on sports in the past year, and most adults think sports - betting legalization is neither good nor bad for society, and betting rarely motivates people to follow sports. 