What is Australia’s Number One Sport?

Australia is a country known for its love of sports and its diverse range of sports that are available for people to participate in and watch. From rugby league and cricket to netball, basketball and soccer, there are plenty of sports that can be enjoyed in Australia. But which one is the most popular? What is Australia’s number one sport?

The answer to this question can be complex and depends on a variety of factors, such as the popularity of the sport in each state and territory, the amount of money invested in it, the amount of media coverage it receives, and the number of participants in each sport.

Australian Sports Participation

In Australia, the sports with the most participants are generally the most popular. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the top five sports that Australians participate in are:

• Swimming – 4.2 million participants
• Golf – 2.7 million participants
• Aerobic exercise – 2.3 million participants
• Fitness – 2.1 million participants
• Tennis – 1.8 million participants

Swimming has been the most popular sport in Australia for many years, with the highest number of participants.

Sports Popularity in Each State and Territory

The popularity of different sports in each state and territory can vary significantly. For example, in New South Wales, rugby league is the most popular sport, while in Victoria, Australian Rules Football is the most popular.

New South Wales

In New South Wales, rugby league is the most popular sport, with an estimated 1.6 million participants. It is followed by soccer (1.2 million participants), swimming (930,000 participants), Australian Rules Football (840,000 participants) and cricket (800,000 participants).

Victoria

In Victoria, Australian Rules Football is the most popular sport, with an estimated 1.3 million participants. It is followed by swimming (1 million participants), soccer (860,000 participants), tennis (845,000 participants) and cricket (720,000 participants).

Queensland

In Queensland, rugby league is the most popular sport, with an estimated 1.5 million participants. It is followed by swimming (1.1 million participants), soccer (1 million participants), Australian Rules Football (900,000 participants) and cricket (800,000 participants).

South Australia

In South Australia, Australian Rules Football is the most popular sport, with an estimated 890,000 participants. It is followed by swimming (740,000 participants), soccer (600,000 participants), tennis (530,000 participants) and cricket (510,000 participants).

Western Australia

In Western Australia, Australian Rules Football is the most popular sport, with an estimated 980,000 participants. It is followed by swimming (700,000 participants), soccer (650,000 participants), cricket (650,000 participants) and tennis (550,000 participants).

Tasmania

In Tasmania, Australian Rules Football is the most popular sport, with an estimated 390,000 participants. It is followed by swimming (240,000 participants), soccer (200,000 participants), cricket (190,000 participants) and tennis (170,000 participants).

Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory, Australian Rules Football is the most popular sport, with an estimated 360,000 participants. It is followed by swimming (190,000 participants), soccer (170,000 participants), cricket (140,000 participants) and tennis (100,000 participants).

Australian Capital Territory

In the Australian Capital Territory, soccer is the most popular sport, with an estimated 130,000 participants. It is followed by swimming (120,000 participants), Australian Rules Football (110,000 participants), cricket (90,000 participants) and tennis (70,000 participants).

Sports Popularity in Australia

When looking at the overall popularity of sports in Australia, Australian Rules Football is the most popular sport, with an estimated 3.2 million participants. It is followed by swimming (3.1 million participants), soccer (2.6 million participants), cricket (2.1 million participants) and tennis (1.8 million participants).

Revenue Generated from Sports

When looking at the revenue generated from sports in Australia, the National Rugby League (NRL) is the most profitable, generating an estimated $1.4 billion in revenue annually. It is followed by the Australian Football League (AFL) ($1.2 billion), Cricket Australia ($1.1 billion), Swimming Australia ($700 million) and Soccer Australia ($600 million).

Media Coverage of Sports

The amount of media coverage that each sport receives can also be a factor in determining its popularity. The NRL and AFL receive the most media coverage in Australia, with both sports receiving an estimated 800 hours of television coverage each year. They are followed by cricket (600 hours), soccer (400 hours) and swimming (200 hours).

Conclusion

When looking at the overall popularity of sports in Australia, it is clear that Australian Rules Football is the most popular sport, with an estimated 3.2 million participants. It is followed by swimming, soccer, cricket and tennis. It is also the most profitable sport in terms of revenue generated, with the NRL and AFL generating the most revenue. Finally, the NRL and AFL also receive the most media coverage, with both sports receiving an estimated 800 hours of television coverage each year.