Football is the most popular sport in North America by a landslide, with nearly 200 million self-certified fans in the country alone. Because of the popularity, it’s easy for other sports to be overshadowed. So, which is the nation’s second favorite sport?
To reveal this, Betway analyzed Google search volume data for phrases associated with popular sports in North America. The research also highlights the global trajectory of sports in 2025, using search data to reveal rising trends.
You can read the full research here: https://blog.betway.com/other-sports/the-nations-second-favourite-sport/
Basketball is North America’s second-favourite sport of choice, with over 1.5 million monthly Google searches
| North America’s favorite secondary sport | ||
| Rank | Sport | North America monthly SV for [sport] related search terms |
| 1 | Basketball | 1,503,580 |
| 2 | Golf | 1,242,580 |
| 3 | Cricket | 1,041,250 |
| 4 | Baseball | 834,370 |
| 5 | Boxing | 683,780 |
| 6 | Tennis | 617,050 |
| 7 | Volleyball | 368,350 |
| 8 | Badminton | 203,050 |
| 9 | Swimming | 184,310 |
| 10 | Rugby | 137,130 |
Basketball, known for its high-energy games and global appeal, takes the top spot as North America’s second-favorite sport with 1,503,580 monthly searches. This positions it well above other contenders, reflecting its growing prominence beyond its primary fans.
Golf, with its balance of relaxation and skill, comes in second, amassing 1,242,580 monthly searches. Its enduring appeal among diverse demographics has cemented its place in the top tier of secondary sports.
Interestingly, cricket, long associated with nations like India and England, lands at number three in North America. With 1,041,250 monthly searches, its rise suggests a growing interest in international sports and events like the IPL and ICC World Cup.
Cricket is the second favorite sport in Alberta and British Columbia, while basketball takes the lead in Arizona and Colorado
In Alberta, cricket tops searches with 35,620 queries, driven by influences from cricket-playing nations. Arizona sees basketball as the favorite (33,270 searches), supported by the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and a strong basketball culture.
Cricket dominates British Columbia with 52,550 searches. California emerges as a cricket hub with 143,270 searches, reflecting its diverse population and growing cricket infrastructure. In Colorado, basketball leads with 27,170 searches, likely boosted by the Denver Nuggets’ success, highlighting the sport’s widespread appeal.
Badminton is the fastest-growing sport in 2025, with a 115% search volume increase in just one year
Looking ahead, 2025 is set to be a landmark year for emerging sports. Badminton leads the way, with an astonishing 116% projected growth in global search interest, thanks to increased visibility at international tournaments.
Baseball follows with a remarkable 94.83% increase, aided by its rising influence in Europe and Asia. Basketball, with 33.55% growth, solidifies its place as a global powerhouse, appealing to both urban and rural audiences.
| Rank | Sport | Global Monthly SV 2023 | Global Annual SV 2024 | YoY change |
| 1 | Badminton | 2,620,470 | 31,445,640 | 116.00% |
| 2 | Baseball | 1,239,610 | 14,875,320 | 94.83% |
| 3 | Basketball | 3,445,650 | 41,347,800 | 33.55% |
| 4 | Padel | 1500010 | 18,000,120 | 25.00% |
| 5 | Tennis | 4312640 | 51,751,680 | 8.57% |
| 6 | Cycling | 453,270 | 5,439,240 | 8.17% |
| 7 | Volleyball | 1832290 | 21,987,480 | -2.44% |
| 8 | Netball | 247160 | 2,965,920 | -3.89% |
| 9 | Golf | 3392960 | 40,715,520 | -4.08% |
| 10 | Swimming | 852290 | 10,227,480 | -7.00% |
Padel, a racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash, continues to gain traction, particularly in Europe and South America. Its 25% growth demonstrates its rising popularity as a social and dynamic game.
