The line graph illustrates the proportion of US citizens who considered five different sports to be their favourite between 1985 and 2015.
Overall, American Football consistently held the top position, while Basketball and Other Sports increased in popularity over the period. In contrast, Baseball and Hockey experienced a decline, with Basketball surpassing Baseball to become the second most favoured sport by 2015.
In 1985, American Football was the clear leader, attracting around 37% of respondents. Its share remained relatively stable until 2000, fluctuating between 36% and 38%, before rising to just above 40% in 2005 and maintaining that level for the next decade. Basketball began at 15%, showed a slight dip in the early years, and then grew sharply to exceed 20% by 2000. Following a minor setback in 2005, its popularity increased steadily, overtaking Baseball by the end of the period. Other Sports followed a generally upward trajectory, apart from a small drop in 2000.
Baseball, the second most popular sport in 1985 at just under 35%, saw a gradual but continuous decline, losing its position to Basketball by 2015. Hockey displayed a less pronounced downward trend, remaining at around 10% until the mid-1990s before falling steadily to reach 5% in the final year.