College football and basketball are both hugely popular and have a strong fan base in America. Football has a longer history and tradition than basketball, but both have produced legendary athletes and coaches. College football draws larger crowds, with some games attracting over 100,000 fans. However, college basketball also draws impressive crowds, particularly during the NCAA tournament. While college football generates more revenue and has a higher overall value, college basketball still contributes significantly to universities’ athletic departments. Ultimately, the biggest following comes down to personal preference and the traditions and culture of each university.
College Football vs. College Basketball: Which Has the Biggest Following?
When it comes to college sports, there are two juggernauts that dominate the scene: football and basketball. Both sports have a rich history and a passionate fan base, but which one truly has the biggest following? Let’s take a closer look and compare and contrast the two sports.
History and Tradition
College football has been around for over a century, with the first game between Rutgers and Princeton taking place in 1869. It has since become a beloved tradition at many universities and is deeply ingrained in American culture. The sport has created some of the most iconic moments in American sports history, such as the “Hail Mary” pass and the “4th and 25” conversion. College football has also produced some of the most legendary coaches, including Knute Rockne, Bear Bryant, and Woody Hayes.
College basketball, on the other hand, has a slightly shorter history. The first intercollegiate basketball game was played in 1895, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that the NCAA tournament, or March Madness, was established. Since then, the tournament has become one of the most popular sporting events in the country, drawing in millions of viewers and sparking a frenzy of bracket challenges. College basketball also has produced some all-time greats, from Bill Russell to Michael Jordan.
Fan Base
When it comes to the size of the fan base, it’s hard to say which sport has a bigger following. Both football and basketball fans are incredibly passionate about their respective sports, and the numbers are impressive. According to Forbes, college football games routinely draw more fans than NFL games, with the University of Michigan leading the way with an average attendance of over 110,000 fans per game. However, college basketball can also pack in the crowds, especially during March Madness. In 2019, the tournament drew over 700,000 fans, with the final game alone drawing in over 72,000 fans.
Marketing and Revenue
When it comes to marketing and revenue, college football has a slight edge over college basketball. According to Forbes, the top 25 most valuable college football programs are worth a combined $20.8 billion, with the University of Texas leading the way with a value of $1.1 billion. College football also generates more revenue for universities than any other sport, with some programs bringing in over $100 million per year. In contrast, the top 25 most valuable college basketball programs are worth a combined $5.5 billion, with Duke University leading the way with a value of $1.9 billion. Despite this, college basketball still generates significant revenue for universities and is a major contributor to their athletic departments.
Conclusion
So, which sport has the biggest following? It’s impossible to say definitively, as both college football and college basketball have massive fan bases and a rich history. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the traditions and culture at each university. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan who lives for tailgating and rivalry games or a basketball fanatic who lives for March Madness, both sports have a place in the hearts of millions of Americans.