If you've ever wondered which youth sports dominate American neighborhoods, school fields, and weekend schedules, the answer is clear: soccer, basketball, and baseball still rule.
But the landscape is more diverse than you might think. Millions of kids are playing everything from volleyball to lacrosse, and participation numbers tell a story about which sports are thriving, which are holding steady, and which are climbing fast.
Here's a breakdown of the top 10 youth sports in the United States, ranked by total number of participants—and what's driving kids to each one.
1. Soccer: 3+ Million Participants
Soccer sits at the top with more than 3 million registered youth players nationwide, and it's not slowing down. The sport has seen consistent 4% annual growth over the past decade.
Why it's so popular: Soccer is accessible. You don't need expensive equipment or a fancy facility—just a ball and some open space. It works for boys and girls, it's offered in nearly every community, and parents see it as a safe, skill-focused sport with clear pathways to college opportunities.
The bottom line: Soccer dominates because it's easy to start, fun to play, and available everywhere.
2. Basketball: 2.6 Million Participants
Basketball comes in just behind soccer with approximately 2.6 million youth participants. It's popular across all demographics, with both boys and girls playing at high levels.
Why it's so popular: Basketball is everywhere—schools, rec centers, driveways, parks. You can practice alone or with a team, and the sport translates well to college athletics. Plus, kids love the fast pace and the fact that they can see results (literally) every time they shoot.
The bottom line: Basketball thrives because it's accessible, exciting, and deeply embedded in American sports culture.
3. Baseball: 2.5 Million Participants
Baseball remains a cornerstone of youth sports, attracting around 2.5 million young players. Little League Baseball and community-based leagues have kept the sport alive for generations.
Why it's still popular: Baseball has tradition on its side. Parents who grew up playing often want their kids to experience it too. It also teaches patience, strategy, and hand-eye coordination in ways few other sports do.
The reality check: Baseball requires more specialized equipment and longer time commitments than soccer or basketball, which can be a barrier for some families. But for those who love it, it's irreplaceable.
4. Football: 1.5+ Million Participants
Despite ongoing safety concerns, youth football maintains a substantial participation rate with more than 1.5 million players. Organized leagues emphasizing skill development and safety guidelines continue to attract young athletes.
Why it's still popular: Football is deeply rooted in American culture, especially in certain regions. Friday night lights, teamwork, and the physicality of the game appeal to a lot of kids. Plus, structured leagues have made strides in improving safety standards.
The caveat: More parents are steering kids toward flag football as a safer alternative, which is reflected in flag football's rapid growth (see our article on fastest-growing sports).
5. Softball: 1.1 Million Participants
Softball thrives with approximately 1.1 million participants nationwide. Its popularity often mirrors baseball, with many young athletes playing both sports during their development.
Why it's popular: Softball offers girls (and increasingly, co-ed leagues) the same strategic, skill-based play as baseball. It's widely available through schools and rec leagues, and it has strong college scholarship opportunities.
The appeal: Softball is a great option for kids who want a team sport that emphasizes strategy, camaraderie, and skill development.
6. Volleyball: 840,000+ Participants
Volleyball has experienced a surge in popularity, engaging more than 840,000 young players. The sport is thriving in both school and club settings.
Why it's growing: Volleyball is fast-paced, doesn't require as much space or equipment as some sports, and has become a major pipeline to college athletics—especially for girls. Beach volleyball's rise has also added a new dimension to the sport.
The takeaway: If your kid is tall, athletic, and competitive, volleyball might be worth exploring. The scholarship opportunities are real.
7. Ice Hockey: 550,000+ Participants
Ice hockey captures the interest of more than 550,000 youth players, with popularity concentrated in colder climates where ice rinks are more accessible.
Why kids love it: Hockey is fast, physical, and requires serious skill. Kids who play it tend to be all-in—it's not a casual sport.
The reality: Hockey is one of the most expensive youth sports. Between equipment, ice time, and travel, costs add up quickly. But for families who can swing it and kids who love it, it's worth every penny.
8. Tennis: 400,000 Participants
Tennis attracts around 400,000 young players, emphasizing individual skill development, strategy, and sportsmanship.
Why it works: Tennis has a relatively low barrier to entry. Many communities provide accessible courts, and kids can practice alone by hitting against a wall. It's also a sport they can play for life.
The appeal: Tennis is perfect for kids who prefer individual sports over team dynamics, and it offers strong pathways to college athletics.
9. Track and Field: 300,000+ Participants
Track and field events engage more than 300,000 young athletes across sprints, distance running, jumping, and throwing events.
Why it's popular: Track offers something for everyone. You don't have to be fast to throw shot put, and you don't have to be strong to run distance. The variety of events means almost any kid can find their niche.
The bonus: Track emphasizes personal improvement over team standings, which appeals to kids who thrive on setting and beating their own goals.
10. Lacrosse: 300,000+ Participants
Lacrosse rounds out the top 10 with more than 300,000 youth players, and it's one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.
Why it's rising: Lacrosse combines speed, physicality, and strategy in a way that appeals to kids from soccer, basketball, and hockey backgrounds. High school and college programs are expanding rapidly, which means more exposure and scholarship opportunities.
The opportunity: If your kid wants to get into a sport early and stand out, lacrosse offers that chance.
What the Numbers Tell Us
A few themes emerge when you look at youth sports participation:
Accessibility matters. The top sports (soccer, basketball, baseball) are widely available, relatively affordable, and easy to start. Sports that require specialized facilities or expensive equipment (like ice hockey) have smaller participation numbers.
Safety concerns are shifting preferences. Football's numbers are steady but not growing like they used to, while flag football is exploding. Parents are paying attention to injury risks.
Girls' sports are thriving. Volleyball, softball, and soccer all have strong female participation, and sports like wrestling and lacrosse are becoming more inclusive.
Variety is increasing. Kids have more options than ever, which is great news for families. If your child doesn't love the traditional big three, there are plenty of other paths to explore.
What This Means for Your Family
These numbers aren't just statistics—they reflect real trends in what kids are playing, what parents are prioritizing, and where opportunities exist.
If your kid gravitates toward one of the top sports, that's great. There's infrastructure, coaching, and pathways to continue playing at higher levels. But don't feel like they have to pick from this list. Emerging sports like pickleball, flag football, and mountain biking offer just as much value—and often with less pressure.
The best sport for your kid is the one they actually want to play. Whether that's soccer with 3 million other kids or something more niche, what matters is that they're active, engaged, and having fun.
The Bottom Line
Youth sports in America are thriving, with millions of kids playing everything from soccer and basketball to lacrosse and tennis. The diversity of options means there's something for everyone—whether your kid loves team sports, individual competition, or just wants to try something new.
So let them explore. Let them find what they love. And remember: participation numbers don't determine which sport is "best." The best sport is the one that keeps your kid coming back.
Ian Goldberg is the CEO of Signature Media and the Editor of the largest and fastest growing sports parenting newsletter. He’s been recognized as an industry expert by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, the US Olympic Committee’s Truesport, and the Aspen Institute's Project Play. Ian is also a suburban NJ sports dad of two teenage daughters and has over 2,000 hours of volunteer time coaching them (which he calls the most fun form of R&D for his newsletter content). Ian and his team provide players, coaches, parents and program directors with the articles and content they need to have a great sports season. Ian has spent most of his career in digital product development and marketing and got his start at the White House where he worked for the economic advisors to two US Presidents.
