55.4%
of youth ages 6 to 17 played organized sports in 2023.
That was up from 53.8% in 2022, based on the National Survey of Children's Health.
Project Play, State of Play 2025 2025 report, using 2023 federal dataSideline Cowgirl Designs
Youth Sports and Baseball Participation Statistics
A current snapshot of who is playing, what is changing, and where access is still uneven in youth sports across the United States.
Last updatedAugust 21, 2026
Figures below reflect the latest available data cited in the 2025 State of Play report.
At a glance
More kids are getting back in the game. The picture is not equally bright for every family.
Youth sports participation has rebounded, and more families are finding lower-commitment ways to let kids try a sport. At the same time, regular baseball participation among younger children has declined, while cost and income continue to shape who gets consistent access to organized play.
65%
of youth ages 6 to 17 tried a sport at least once in 2024.
It was the highest rate tracked by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association since at least 2012.
Project Play, State of Play 2025 2025 report, using 2024 industry data6%
more children tried a team sport in 2024 than in 2023.
The increase applied across both ages 6 to 12 and ages 13 to 17, pointing to stronger casual participation.
Project Play, State of Play 2025 2025 report, using 2024 industry data-19%
change in regular baseball participation among ages 6 to 12 from 2019 to 2024.
The figure highlights a meaningful shift in the youth sports mix, even as overall participation climbed.
Project Play, State of Play 2025 2025 report, using 2019 to 2024 industry data14 states
plus Washington, D.C. reached the 63% youth sports participation target in 2023.
The 63% benchmark is the national public-health goal for organized youth sports participation by 2030.
Project Play, State of Play 2025 2025 report, using 2023 federal data20.2 pts
separated regular sports participation by household income in 2024.
The gap between youth in lower- and higher-income homes widened from 13.6 percentage points in 2012.
Project Play, State of Play 2025 2025 report, using 2012 and 2024 industry data37%
of girls regularly played sports in 2024.
It was the highest rate for girls tracked by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association since at least 2012.
Project Play, State of Play 2025 2025 report, using 2024 industry data+46%
increase in youth sports costs since 2019.
Rising costs remain one of the central access issues shaping where and how young people can play.
Project Play, State of Play 2025 2025 report, comparing 2019 to 2025 researchWhat the numbers show
Participation is growing, but regular play still depends on opportunity.
The strongest recent increase came from young people trying sports in more casual ways. That can mean a lower barrier to entry for families who cannot take on a full season, travel schedule, or expensive equipment list right away.
Baseball remains part of the game-day rhythm for many families, but the 2019 to 2024 change in regular participation among younger children is a reminder that access, time, and affordability shape every sport. Those realities matter to parents, coaches, organizers, and anyone building a more welcoming sideline culture.
Sources and methodology
Where these figures come from.
This page summarizes the most recent participation findings published in Project Play's State of Play 2025 report. The report draws its participation figures from the National Survey of Children's Health and Sports & Fitness Industry Association research. Each statistic above links to the relevant participation-trends source and includes the data year or comparison period.
Definitions vary by source. "Organized sports" refers to playing on a team or taking lessons after school or on weekends. "Tried a sport" captures children who played at least once during the prior year. "Regular participation" is a separate industry measure, so it should not be compared as though it were the same thing as trying a sport once.
Cite this page
Sideline Cowgirl Designs. Youth Sports and Baseball Participation Statistics. Updated August 21, 2026. sidelinecowgirl.com/youth-sports-statistics
Made for the sidelines
Show up for the game in something that feels like you.
Game days are full enough. Find graphic tops, hoodies, and hats made for the people bringing the snacks, the cheers, and the good energy.