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The warmer weather means outdoor sports will soon kick into their summer seasons. CivicScience has already examined sports participation in 2025 among youth sports, but adult sports and recreational sports leagues should not be overlooked either.
Just how much interest do adults have for sports, particularly in a time of increasing stress and economic uncertainty? Here’s what the latest CivicScience data show:
Adult Summer Rec League Interest Is Up
The latest data exploring intent for the upcoming summer finds increased interest this year compared to two years ago—24% of adult respondents report they’re at least ‘somewhat’ likely to participate in a recreational sports league this summer, an increase of four percentage points from 2023. While Gen Z adults and Millennials are the main drivers of the growing interest, Gen X is also notably more likely to be interested in a rec league this summer.
Those planning to partake in a recreational sports league in the next six months are split on the sports they will play. Football/flag football (28%) holds the slim advantage, while baseball/softball/kickball, bowling, golf, and soccer all range between 22% and 23% of participants. Tennis/pickleball (20%) and volleyball (19%) follow closely, while frisbee sports and field/ice hockey are much less common.
Take our Poll: Which of the following sports are you most likely to play in a recreational league this summer?
The “Why” Behind Adult League Participation
What’s driving Americans to want to participate in adult recreational sports leagues? New CivicScience data suggest stress relief is a growing motivator. This is unsurprising to see as it aligns with a broader rise in feelings of stress and a declining overall well-being. At the same time, interest in personal enjoyment, health, and fitness is tapering off compared to 2023. Instead, more players are prioritizing competitiveness and skill development.
Use this Data: CivicScience clients have access to real-time data like this to track shifts in consumer motivations, helping them stay ahead of trends that impact customer growth, acquisition, and retention.
Escaping the Home and Devices
Additionally, with a decreased desire to leave home surpassing pandemic-era highs, rec sports may also be serving as a way to break through those feelings. Twenty-eight percent of those feeling a decreased desire to leave home over the past month say they’re at least ‘somewhat’ likely to play in a summer rec league—more than those whose desire stayed flat (18%), but unsurprisingly, trailing the 45% among those whose desire to leave home increased.
Rec league participation could also serve as a means of relieving digital device addiction, as of 2025, CivicScience data show 56% of U.S. adults with digital devices feel they are ‘somewhat’ addicted to those devices. Among them, 30% say they are at least ‘somewhat’ likely to participate in a rec league this summer, outpacing those not addicted by 12 points (18%).
When it comes to shopping for the gear they need to play, sporting goods chain stores (e.g., Dick’s Sporting Goods) continue to lead at 37%, up from 32% in 2023. Also gaining year-over-year is the percentage who shop online for their sports equipment (21%, up from 18% in 2023). Conversely, local store shopping fell by three points to hit 24% this year. Big box shopping and borrowing remain less common and have each held steady.
Let us Know: Do you play in an amateur / intramural sports league?
The rise in rec league interest reflects a broader need for playful stress relief and offline connection, offering brands a powerful chance to meet consumers in feel-good moments that stand apart from traditional advertising environments.
