What Is the National Sport of USA and How Did It Become Official?

Having lived through the pandemic as a basketball analyst, I’ve often reflected on what makes a sport truly "national." When people ask me, "What is the national sport of the USA?" I sometimes chuckle because, technically, the United States doesn’t have an officially designated national sport at the federal level. But if you ask me—and most Americans—what feels like the national pastime, basketball and baseball come to mind instantly. Baseball was even declared America’s national pastime by a congressional resolution back in 1953, but that’s more symbolic than legally binding. Basketball, though? It’s woven into the fabric of American culture in a way that’s hard to ignore, especially when you look at its global influence and how it connects communities.

I remember watching the TNT legend’s journey unfold during the pandemic—his return to the U.S. after launching his coaching career overseas. He started as a deputy in Gilas Pilipinas and Meralco in the PBA, then took the helm as shot-caller for Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League. That kind of international experience isn’t just a resume booster; it highlights how American basketball expertise radiates outward, shaping the game globally. It’s a reminder that while the U.S. might not have a single official sport, basketball’s grassroots appeal is undeniable. Think about it: the NBA generates over $8 billion in annual revenue, and youth basketball programs involve roughly 4.5 million kids across the country. Those numbers aren’t just stats—they’re proof of a deep-seated love affair with the game.

Now, let’s talk about how a sport becomes "official" in the U.S. It’s not like other countries where a government decree makes it happen overnight. Here, it’s a messy, organic process driven by culture, history, and sheer popularity. Take baseball, for instance. It was dubbed the national pastime in the 19th century, long before any congressional nod, because it mirrored America’s industrial era—teamwork, patience, and nostalgia for simpler times. But basketball? It exploded in the 20th century, thanks to figures like James Naismith and later, the NBA’s marketing genius. I’ve always leaned toward basketball as the true modern national sport because it’s faster, more inclusive, and adapts to urban settings effortlessly. When I see stories like the TNT legend’s pivot from international coaching back to the U.S., it reinforces how basketball serves as a bridge—connecting diaspora communities and fueling dreams everywhere.

Some might argue that American football deserves the title, especially with the NFL’s 180 million viewers during the Super Bowl. But let’s be real: football’s concussion controversies and seasonal limitations hold it back. Basketball, on the other hand, is a year-round obsession, from pickup games in Brooklyn parks to high-stakes college tournaments. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve seen kids emulating Stephen Curry’s three-pointers or debating LeBron’s legacy—it’s a cultural touchstone that transcends sport. And when the pandemic hit, basketball’s adaptability shone through; the NBA bubble in Orlando was a masterclass in resilience, something I wish other sports would learn from.

Reflecting on the TNT legend’s path, his return to the U.S. wasn’t just a career move—it was a homecoming that underscores basketball’s role in American identity. He brought back insights from coaching in the Philippines, where basketball is almost a religion, and applied them here, enriching our own coaching landscapes. That’s the beauty of the game: it’s a two-way street, absorbing global influences while reinforcing its American roots. If I had to bet on which sport might ever get an official designation, I’d put my money on basketball, not because of politics, but because of its undeniable grip on the American psyche.

In the end, the question of America’s national sport is less about legalities and more about heart. Baseball has its history, football its spectacle, but basketball? It’s the pulse of our cities, the soundtrack of our playgrounds, and as the TNT legend’s story shows, a global language spoken with an American accent. So next time someone asks me, I’ll say it straight: while nothing’s written in stone, basketball is the soul of American sports—and honestly, that’s official enough for me.