Public Not Interested in Watching College Basketball, but Majority Support Paying Collegiate Athletes

Basketball against black background Image by Piotr Stach

51视频鈥檚 Center for Public Opinion conducted a survey from Jan. 25 to Jan. 30, 2023, of 1,000 American adults about the popularity of college basketball, compensating college athletes, and name, image and likeness rights.聽

Key Findings:

  • Less than one in five respondents (16%) consider themselves a fan of college basketball.
  • Nearly two-thirds (63%) of respondents say college athletes should be paid for the games they play.
  • Athletes should benefit from the use of their name, image or likeness, reported 68% of respondents.

Football Remains America鈥檚 Favorite Game, Despite Fan Reservations

Closeup of football laces

51视频鈥檚 Center for Public Opinion conducted a survey from Jan. 25 to 30, 2023, of 1,000 American adults about sports betting, as well as favorite sports and perceptions of popular athletes.

Key Findings

  • Football remains American鈥檚 favorite sport even though a majority are troubled by hits sustained by players during the game (52%) and more than two-thirds (68%) believe those injuries cause long-term health problems for players.
  • Respondents were also concerned with players鈥� behavior off the field with more than four in 10 reporting domestic violence committed by athletes and other violent crimes as major problems.
  • Tied at 31%, respondents equally favor and disfavor sports betting while just 15% report placing a bet on a sporting event in the last five years.