UK survey finds growing interest in attending American sports events

A significant majority of sports fans in the United Kingdom are now interested in attending American sporting events in person, according to a new survey. The research indicates a marked increase in enthusiasm for US sports among British fans over the past five years.

The survey of 2,000 sports enthusiasts found that more than half have placed watching a game in the United States on their bucket list. The Super Bowl, NBA Finals, and US Open are among the events fans would most like to attend. For many, this heightened interest stems from increased television exposure and the appeal of star athletes. For more than a quarter of respondents, a visit to the US itself sparked their passion for American sports.

Chris Gratton, managing director at Ticketmaster Sport, which commissioned the research, said American sports have grown from a niche interest into a true bucket-list experience for UK fans. He noted that many now aspire to attend major events rather than just watching from afar. Gratton linked this shift to broader trends in global sport, including the NFL's growing UK fanbase and major events like the FIFA World Cup heading to the US.

The study also revealed a strong desire...