Residents Have Spoken: Top 5 Most Popular Sports in Arizona

Arizona is a state with a thriving sports culture, offering a mix of professional, college, and recreational sports. From the courts to the fields, its residents are passionate about their favorite teams and athletes. Based on recent data, here are the top five most popular sports in Arizona.

1. Basketball

Basketball reigns supreme in Arizona, with the Phoenix Suns leading the charge as the most popular professional team in the state. The Suns, an NBA franchise since 1968, garnered an impressive 823,000 monthly searches in 2025, reflecting their strong fan base despite recent playoff struggles. College basketball also thrives here, with teams like the Arizona Wildcats and Arizona State Sun Devils enjoying significant support during March Madness.

2. Football

Football is another cornerstone of Arizona’s sports scene. The Arizona Cardinals, an NFL team with a storied history dating back to 1898, consistently draw large crowds at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals are the second-most searched team in Arizona (673,000 monthly searches), underscoring their popularity. Additionally, events like the Fiesta Bowl and high school football programs add to the state’s football fervor.

3. Baseball

Baseball holds a special place in Arizona’s heart, thanks to its rich history and year-round accessibility. The Arizona Diamondbacks, the state’s MLB team, rank third in popularity with 550,000 monthly searches. Fans flock to Chase Field to cheer on the D-backs, who famously won the World Series in 2001. Spring training events like the Cactus League further cement baseball’s appeal in Arizona.

4. Hockey

Hockey has been gaining traction in Arizona over recent years. The NHL’s Arizona Coyotes represent the state on ice and have cultivated a loyal fanbase despite challenges on the ice. Youth hockey programs and NCAA teams like the Arizona State Sun Devils have also contributed to hockey’s rising popularity in this warm-weather state.

5. Women’s Basketball

The Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA round out the top five most popular sports teams in Arizona with 74,000 monthly searches. With three WNBA championships (2007–2014), they have established themselves as one of the league’s premier franchises. However, they still trail behind their male counterparts in terms of statewide recognition.

Conclusion

Arizona’s sports culture is as diverse as its landscape, with basketball and football leading as fan favorites while baseball and hockey maintain strong followings. Whether it’s cheering for the Suns on a winter night or enjoying spring training games under sunny skies, Arizonans take pride in their teams and athletes.

FAQs

1. What is Arizona’s most popular sport?

Basketball is currently Arizona’s most popular sport, led by the Phoenix Suns’ widespread fan base and significant online search volume.

2. Which team has been most successful historically?

The Phoenix Mercury have won three WNBA championships (2007–2014), making them one of Arizona’s most successful teams historically.

3. What makes sports unique in Arizona?

Arizona offers year-round sporting opportunities due to its warm climate and hosts major events like spring training for MLB teams and college bowl games like the Fiesta Bowl.

SOURCES:-

[1] https://www.betarizona.com/list-of-arizona-sports-teams/most-popular

[2] https://bettinggods.com/sports-betting/5-most-popular-sports-in-arizona/

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:2025_in_sports_in_Arizona

[4] https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/highest-paid-athletes-in-phoenix-arizona-18868152

[5] https://fabulousarizona.com/arizona-best/5-most-popular-sports-in-arizona-in-2024/