There are 3 major sports in the US. The National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL), and the National Basketball Association (NBA). And some Top African players play these Leagues.
Over the years, the NFL has been a popular US sport in Africa, making many African players join the League and even become famous players. Betting companies like Betway Zambia have also played a role in making these sports popular in African countries.
Here are 3 US Popular Sports In Africa
Football (NFL)
Did you know that over 100 million people in Africa have a keen interest in Football? The FIFA world cup is viewed on TV in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, and this means that the event gets viewership outside the US.
In 2010, South Africa hosted the games for the first time. The entire continent was ecstatic about having this honor, and host cities put on an amazing show for guests globally.
NFL is a prevalent sport in the US based on various reasons. However, we are not discussing the popularity of the NFL in the United States. We are here to talk about its popularity in Africa.
Here are the reasons why NFL is popular in Africa
- It helps to improve the economic status of the people
- It helps identify talents from different parts of Africa to participate in the world cup.
- Africans also love the sport because of the packages it offers to its audience who participate.
The World Wide Scouting for Combined Sports Foundation and Camps (WWSFC) is scouting for young African sporting talent to receive college scholarships and play in the National Football League (NFL) in the United States.
Mr. Riley told Joy Sports that many talents could be drafted into the NFL in Africa when given a chance.
Hockey (NHL)
The African Hockey Federation (AHF) is hockey’s governing body in Africa. It has headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is affiliated with the International Hockey Federation (IHF).
Historically, the game was played by European colonists who settled in South Africa and Morocco during the 18th and 19th centuries. However, Africans have come to play a more significant role in developing both field and ice hockey on the continent. The popularity is attributed to increased global mobility, exposure to countries where ice hockey is played, and growing interest from national sports regulators and governments.
Ice hockey is played in 5 countries in Africa, i.e., South Africa, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia. Among these, only South Africa and Morocco have participated in IIHF.
Basketball (NBL)
The national basketball league was founded in Africa in 1961 and is played in 55 countries.
The game is governed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), and the governing body of all 55 African countries is the FIBA, the national leagues, and their respective federations. The basketball game was invented in 1891 by Canadian James Naismith at Springfield College in Massachusetts, USA, but the sport has gained popularity worldwide, especially in Africa.
Basketball was viewed as an exercise, but it’s now a competitive sport played both indoors and outdoors.
Other Major US sports prevalent in Africa are Rugby, cycling, wrestling, etc. Betway has been instrumental in promoting sports sponsorship in Africa, thus increasing the popularity of these sports.