Born in America
From Pickleball to Pigskin: 10 sports only America could invent
America has long been a land of innovation—not just in tech and culture, but in sports too. From backyard pastimes to professional spectacles, many athletic pursuits started here and captured the imagination of millions. Join us as we explore 10 uniquely American sports.
Image: Riley McCullough
1
Baseball
Originating in the early 19th century, baseball evolved from British bat-and-ball games like rounders. By the 1840s, it was widely played in New York and spread quickly across the country.
Professional leagues began forming in the 1870s, and by the 20th century, baseball had become a defining cultural symbol. The Major League Baseball (MLB) remains a cornerstone of American sports identity.
Image: Josh Hemsley
2
American Football
American football developed from rugby and soccer in the late 19th century, with Walter Camp shaping key rules like the line of scrimmage.
Today, the NFL is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise, with the Super Bowl considered an unofficial national holiday. Its unique strategic play sets it apart globally.
Image: Tim Mossholder
3
Basketball
Invented in 1891 by James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, basketball was created as an indoor game to keep athletes active during winter.
Basketball rapidly grew in schools and colleges, evolving into the NBA by 1946. Its fast pace and high scoring made it a uniquely American phenomenon with global influence.
Image: Markus Spiske
4
Volleyball
William G. Morgan invented volleyball in 1895 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, as a less strenuous alternative to basketball for older athletes.
Originally called "Mintonette," it quickly spread through YMCA programs. Today, volleyball is a staple in American schools and a popular recreational and Olympic sport.
Image: Jannes Glas
5
Lacrosse
Though based on Indigenous games, the modern field version of lacrosse was codified in the U.S. in the mid-19th century, particularly in New York and Maryland.
American collegiate leagues helped popularize the sport. Its fast pace, physicality, and unique stick skills differentiate it from similar sports elsewhere.
Image: Gene Gallin
6
Rodeo
Rodeo emerged from cattle herding competitions in the American West in the late 1800s. Cowboys demonstrated skills like bronco riding, roping, and barrel racing.
Rodeo reflects frontier life and is heavily celebrated in states like Texas and Wyoming. It became an organized sport with professional circuits in the 20th century.
Image: Lee Pigott
7
Skateboarding
Developed in California in the 1950s as "sidewalk surfing," skateboarding transformed surfing techniques for urban environments.
The sport gained a professional scene by the 1970s, complete with skate parks and competitions. Its counterculture roots remain distinctly American.
Image: Rhendi Rukmana
8
Roller Derby
Emerging in the 1930s as a banked-track endurance race, roller derby evolved into a full-contact team sport.
Especially popular with women, modern roller derby combines athleticism and theatrical flair. It’s a uniquely American mix of sport and spectacle.
Image: River Fx
9
Cheerleading
Starting at the University of Minnesota in 1898, cheerleading began as organized support for college football teams.
Over time, it developed competitive elements with complex stunts and routines. Today, cheerleading is recognized both as a sport and a cultural phenomenon in the U.S.
Image: Rojan Maharjan
10
Pickleball
Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball blends tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.
It gained popularity for all ages due to its accessibility and social appeal. Pickleball’s exponential growth highlights American ingenuity in casual sports.
Image: Aleksander Saks
