Sports combine recreation, community and entertainment, making them one of the favorite activities for people of all ages, especially in Illinois.
According to SmileHub, a non-profit charity rating organization, Illinois is the 4th best state for sports lovers in the U.S. SmileHub compared all 50 states using 20 key metrics related to three main themes, including sports interest and success, sports careers and income and access to sports.
Illinois ranked 6th for sports interest and success, 8th for sports careers and income, and 5th for access to sports – with an overall ranking of 4th and a total score of 48.5.
Sports are extremely popular in Illinois due to various reasons. Illinois is home to one of 11 cities across the U.S. that have a team in each of the five major professional sports leagues. Illinois is also home to two professional women’s sports teams, the Chicago Sky in the Women’s National Basketball Association and the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League. Illinois also has prominent minor league sports teams and pre-professional sports clubs in soccer, baseball, hockey and more.
The ranking also looked at the available sports scholarships, summer camps and charities. Illinois ranked 5th for most sports and recreation charities per capita.
There is no doubt that sports have an important presence in Illinois’ communities and culture.
View the full SmileHub ranking here.