Sports are an integral part of social culture in the United States of America, especially among the youth. American football is by far the most watched spectator sport in the entire United States, followed closely by basketball, baseball, ice hockey and football, making up the “5 main sports”. The popularity of the professional sport league sports in the US was critical to the economic well-being of the country as a whole, as ticket sales and television audiences contribute directly to almost 80% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in America.
Professional sports competitions are conducted for profit, with the athletes getting paid based on the performance and success that they achieve. There are many different types of professional sports competition in America, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, rugby and tennis. Each sport has its own unique history and characteristics, as well as the way in which it is played. There are several different types of leagues in the United States. The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL) are the two most prominent sports organizations in America.
A variety of other professional sports exist in America, as well. Soccer, basketball and wrestling, in particular, have developed into very popular sports competition, drawing enormous numbers of fans. Professional sport competitions are generally governed by a professional governing body. Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association (NBAA) and the National Football League (NFL) are the three major professional sports organizations in America. There are minor leagues in some regions of the United States.
American sports have been successful due to a number of factors, including the passion that people have for the sport, the development of skills and the competition of the teams and individual athletes, as well as the business behind the sports. Sports, as a form of competition, has developed not only as a way of entertainment for the people but also as a way of making money. Professional sports competition is now second only to the Olympic Games in terms of financial funding.
In recent years, professional sports in America have developed further, with the NFL putting a franchise in Atlanta and the NBA putting a team in Miami. The National Basketball Association has four different conferences, with each conference having six teams. Each team plays the other in a round robin format once each season.
In recent times there has been an unprecedented level of success achieved by some sportspeople who are well known. Some have reached a multi-millionaire status. There are numerous sports competitions in America today, and the level of skill that can be achieved is enormous.