The Big 5 of professional team sports in the US are the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS. The popularity of these 5 sports has grown each year and the advent of cable TV, the Pay Per View model means that these 5 sports are the most watched sports in the US. These are the richest professional team sports in the US with both men’s and women’s leagues. Financially, these leagues and their players enjoy massive success through sponsorships, advertisements, and ticket sales.
Popularity of Major League Baseball / MLB
Major League Baseball began in 1903. The MLB All-Star Games attract the most viewers in the US, where players are selected by fan voting. Babe Ruth, Yogi Berra, Hank Aaron, Alex Rodriguez, Joe Dimaggio are the most popular players. The New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees are popular MLB teams.
National Basketball Association/NBA Popularity
The National Basketball Association was established in 1946. The All-Star Games are the biggest attraction each year, where players are selected by fan voting. Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird are the most popular league players. Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks are popular NBA teams.
Popularity of National Football League / NFL
The National Football League was founded in 1920 as a version of rugby union in which players participate in protective gear to avoid injury. The NFL Super Bowl is the most watched annual event on television. Tom Brady, Reggie White, Don Hutson, Joe Montana, Aaron Rogers, Tony Romo, Calvin Johnson are the most popular league players. Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, are popular NFL teams.
Popularity of National Hockey League / NHL
The National Hockey League is ice hockey; one of the fastest sports in the world. The NHL all-star game is the easternmost watch in the US Bobby Hull, Rick Martin, Bill Cowley, Michel Goulet, Alexander Ovechkin are the most popular league players. New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings are popular NHL teams.
Popularity of Major League Soccer / MLS
Major League Soccer (MLS) started in 1994 is nothing more than soccer. MLS All stars is the most watched match by people. David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Didier Drogba, Kaka, David Villa are the most popular league players. New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, Sporting Kansas City are popular MLS teams.
City wise rivalry is what defines these professional team sports in the US. These leagues have no relegation/promotion policy and teams play each other year-round.
