New SFIA research finds 92.3 million Americans played a team sport in 2025, while the number of current youth coaches fell for a third consecutive year
(September 24, 2026) – Team sports participation reached a record 92.3 million Americans ages 6 and older in 2025, increasing 7.6% and marking a fifth consecutive year of growth, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) 2026 U.S. Trends in Team Sports Report – Participation Foundational Data.
Growth extended across the category. Seventeen of the 24 team sports tracked by SFIA increased year over year, while 20 posted positive three-year average annual growth. Outdoor soccer was the fastest-growing team sport in 2025, and basketball, already the country’s largest team sport, increased 13.5%.
For the first time, SFIA asked participants why they play team sports. Fun led at 58.4%, followed by staying active at 51%, spending time with friends at 39.1%, and being part of a team at 36%. Competition ranked below each of those motivations at 26.1%, underscoring the importance of welcoming, enjoyable, and socially connected experiences.
The report also identifies a growing challenge for youth sports. The number of current youth team sport coaches declined for the third consecutive year, falling from 8.4 million in 2022 to 6.9 million in 2025. Over the same period, participation among youth ages 6-14 increased from 21.1 million to 22.1 million. That raised the ratio from 2.5 participants per coach in 2022 to 3.2 in 2025.
“More Americans are staying active through team sports, but sustaining that momentum requires the people and programs that make participation possible,” said Alex Kerman, Senior Director and Head of Research at SFIA. “People tell us they play for fun, activity, friendship, and belonging. Coaches help turn those motivations into positive experiences that keep participants engaged, making coach retention increasingly important as participation grows.”
The findings come as the United States enters a historic decade of hosting global sporting events. Through its 2034WARD Campaign, SFIA is working with the industry to translate that attention and engagement into lasting participation by expanding access, supporting facilities and programs, and promoting the benefits of active lifestyles.
The 2026 U.S. Trends in Team Sports Report: Participation Foundational Data is complimentary for SFIA members and available to non-members for $400. Members of the media may request a complimentary copy or an interview by contacting Jenny Karn at [email protected].
For a one-page overview of key trends from the report, click here.
About the Research: The participation data is based on 18,000 online interviews conducted during the 2025 calendar year with a nationwide sample representative of the U.S. population ages 6 and older. The research was conducted as part of the Physical Activity Council participation study.
The sample was balanced using demographic quotas and weighted to reflect the U.S. population based on gender, age, income, ethnicity, and region.
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ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is the leading trade association for the sports and fitness industry, representing over 700 brands, manufacturers, retailers, and governing bodies who collectively employ more than 375,000 people and generate $150 billion in domestic sales. With a mission of increasing sports and fitness participation and promoting industry vitality, SFIA provides thought leadership, advocacy, research, and membership services that empower its members and drive industry growth. SFIA’s leading research and comprehensive insights help members make informed decisions, while its advocacy efforts champion physical health and economic impact. To learn more about joining SFIA’s network dedicated to advancing the sports and fitness industry, please visit sfia.org.