Star power: Which athletes have the greatest appeal in the US in 2025?
Star power Homegrown basketball and football stars lead the way among US sports fans, dominating the top 10 list
America-born basketball players LeBron James and Stephen Curry top the list of favorite male athletes among US sports fans, followed by NFL star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Lionel Messi is the top international athlete in the rankings, coming in at fourth place with 7%.
Favorite current male athletes in the US:
Question: Who are your favorite current male athletes across any sport? Please name up to 3 athletes in the text boxes. YouGov Surveys, March 14 - April 9, 2025. US sports fans n> 400 (Among those who have at least 1 favorite male athlete). "Other" responses not shown. Indicates homegrown athlete.
Star power Homegrown stars play a greater role in female sports fandom
The entire top 10 list of favorite female athletes in the US is comprised of American athletes, showing a clear allegiance to homegrown talent. Basketball's Caitlin Clark and gymnastics' Simone Biles are significant favorites, dominating the list with 35% and 18% respectively.
Favorite current female athletes in the US:
Question: Who are your favorite current female athletes across any sport? Please name up to 3 athletes in the text boxes. YouGov Surveys, March 14 - April 9, 2025. US sports fans n> 150 (Among those who have at least 1 favorite female athlete). "Other" responses not shown. Indicates homegrown athlete.
Star power Industry-defining talents: Caitlin Clark and LeBron James
Basketball stars Caitlin Clark and LeBron James are clear call outs as athletes that have significantly boosted the popularity of their sport, with 26% and 11% of US sports fans citing them respectively. Messi's move to MLS, Kelce's "Swifities" sway, and Ohtani's MLB move are other instances where the sport's popularity was boosted by athlete's popularity.
Question: Can you name a current athlete whose popularity, in your opinion, has significantly boosted the popularity of their entire sport? YouGov Surveys, March 14 - April 9, 2025.
US sports fans n> 500 (Among those who have at least 1 favorite male/female athlete). "Other" responses not shown. Indicates homegrown athlete.
Star power What's driving athlete appeal in 2025?
Skill reigns supreme in sports fandom. Over three-quarters of sports fans have a favorite athlete due to their skill level (76%).
Beyond skill and style of play, 35% of sports fans value an athlete's off-field personality.
16% like athletes because they speak about issues – highlighting the impact of aligning with social causes on positive sentiment.
Skill level
Style of play
Off-field personality
Play for my team
Physical appearance
Speak out about issues
Interaction with fans
From my local area
Stylish/cool
Social media presence
Question: What are the main reasons that you like your favorite athletes? Please select up to 3 reasons. YouGov Surveys, March 14 - April 9, 2025.
US sports fans n> 150 (Among those who have at least 1 favorite male/female athlete). "Don't know" and "Other" responses not shown.
