A recent survey indicates that Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest figure in American sports history. Fans from around the globe ranked him first in a poll involving 10,000 American sports enthusiasts, with Kobe Bryant, Shohei Ohtani, and LeBron James following closely behind.
Others making the list include Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce from the Kansas City Chiefs, along with NBA’s Shaquille O’Neal.
Interestingly, the survey highlighted that 88% of respondents stated an individual player initially captured their interest in U.S. sports, while 47% mentioned they might change their team allegiance if their favorite player left.
Fan dedication is evident, as 36% have traveled to the U.S. or elsewhere to attend NFL or NBA games, and 34% expressed intentions to do so in the future.
Alexander Dreyfuss, founder and CEO of Chili’s, who commissioned the study for an annual audit on U.S. sports, remarked, “This has created a global community of fans in every corner of the world.”
He added, “As digital fan engagement evolves, so does the manner in which we connect with fans.”
The findings also revealed that 12% view themselves as avid followers of their preferred league, while 22% keep track of the league on a regular basis.
Top 20 America’s biggest sports icons:
1. Michael Jordan
2. Kobe Bryant
3. Shohei Ohtani
4. LeBron James
5. Lionel Messi
6. David Beckham
7. Tom Brady
8. Babe Ruth
9. Stephen Curry
10. Aaron Rodgers
11. Magic Johnson
12. Alex Rodriguez
13. Shaquille O’Neal
14. Alex Ovechkin
15. Auston Matthews
16. Aaron Judge
17. Christian Pulisic
18. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
19. Victor Wembanyama
20. Connor McDavid
Furthermore, almost half (48%) engage with U.S. sports multiple times each week, and 16% follow regularly. Regarding fan engagement, 55% reported watching live games completely on TV or through streaming, while 49% enjoy highlights or shorter clips.
Notably, 29% claimed their fondness for a specific sports team developed while watching games on TV or streaming services.
Social media’s impact is significant too, with 37% following their teams online, and 15% actively engaging in fan communities. YouTube stands as the preferred platform at 63%, with Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok trailing behind.
However, challenges such as time zone differences (51%) and subscription fees (34%) pose barriers for fans.
Dreyfuss commented, “Jordan’s lasting legacy and the popularity of teams like the Lakers and Giants emphasize the need for brands to build deep connections with fans globally.” He concluded by saying, “Fans create value in sports, and as our industry approaches a $1 trillion valuation, it’s essential to find innovative ways to keep them engaged for the growth of U.S. teams and leagues.”
