Soccer is on the rise in the USA

There are many popular sports in the USA, but for years, soccer was not really one of them. While popular in the vast majority of the rest of the world, soccer was largely an overlooked sport in the US. However, since the 1960s, this has begun to change, with the process speeding up in recent years. Now, there is a growing interest in the sport across more states, too.

To put it into numbers, a new report on American soccer shows that the number of people who are fans of soccer for more than five years is up 57% in 2024, compared to the previous year. The report has shown that there is now a diverse mix of soccer fans, with the fandom spread across different ages, genders, and ethnicities. All this has been helped by a wider range of broadcast deals throughout the country, making soccer more accessible for everyone.

Part of this new-found interest definitely stems from the increase in online gambling. Previously, fans would typically get into a sport via friends or family. Now, with more gambling options accessible, soccer-based games, and so on, more people are coming into contact with soccer in various other forms as well. Importantly, MLS franchises have also become more followed, also impacting what their fans do. And some states in particular are notable for this rise.

Soccer in Maryland

One of the big states with an increase in soccer activity is Maryland. As reported by mdbetting.com, this state has had a long history of soccer anyway. In fact, there have been clubs and leagues in place as far back as the 1940s. However, while the University of Maryland has always had a team, they’ve only started becoming more successful in recent years. Other leagues and clubs have also grown within the state, making the sport far more accessible for those both playing and watching. Let’s also not forget that success also fosters interest. So, with more recent wins in major leagues from Maryland teams, so comes renewed interest in the sport.

Arizona’s soccer scene

Just like Maryland, Arizona has also seen an increase in soccer interest. However, Arizona has put a lot of effort into this, starting right at the grassroots level. According to bettingaz.com, this has all started right down with the youth groups. But, this has everything to do with both the Arizona Soccer Association, and the top team, Phoenix Rising FC, in getting this done.

Founded in 1974, the Arizona Soccer Association has expanded the youth soccer scene in the state. Impressively, by 2016, the association had more than 40,000 youth soccer players. Established in the same year, Phoenix Rising FC, swiftly became the highest-level professional soccer team in the state. It plays in high-profile leagues, including the USL Championship, which it won in 2023, putting it on the map within Arizona. Opening a new stadium in the same year, and having a youth academy for U13 and U19 has also served to increase soccer popularity throughout the state.