It is common knowledge that some of the biggest sports in America are basketball, baseball, and football. These sports are on the top of any person's mind when they think of American sports. However, although most people play these sports throughout America, they are not the only sports played in the country. People also play sports like rugby, cricket, golf, or any other sports that may not have their roots in America but have found their way onto the American playgrounds regardless. Aussie rules football is another sport that has found its way into America. Many people associate rugby with Australia, but this sport is different from rugby. It is one of the most popular sports in Australia with a rich history, and just like rugby, it has crafted its place in America.

Below, we will look further into the sport and its relevance in America.

Where is Aussie Rules football played in America?

There are a lot of sports played in America amongst friends at the park or in their backyard, but very few can form a league, with teams in different markets, fans, etc. Aussie rules football, also known as "footy," has its league called the United States Australian Football League. Founded in 1996, the USAFL had its first game played in 1997. Currently, it has a men's division with 47 teams and a women's division with 25 teams. Its teams are spread throughout the country, from Boston on the East Coast to Los Angeles on the West Coast. Aside from the people who play in their free time, this league is how many people play Aussie football and form careers in America.

How popular is it?

Many American children grow up saying how they want to be a basketball or baseball player, but very few say they want to be an Aussie football player. Any sport will have to contend with the popularity of established American sports like basketball, football, and baseball for attention, and players will be willing to invest their time into it. These sports are known to American audiences and, in the case of the MLB, have been around for over a century to American audiences.

Aussie rules is still a relatively unknown sport and is often confused with rugby, which is becoming more relevant in America. So, people are going toward the rugby direction more than Aussie Football. The USAFL has had the advantage of having some players well-known in the Australian League migrate to the American League, which has helped generate some attention. Also, with the help of social media, it has increased its reach. 

Not being a heavily televised sport makes it difficult to attract new fans, but social media is helping to alleviate that problem. However, this sport and league remain minor in the American market, however, it has started to feature on many gambling sites and that is one way to grow interest with Americans - if they can gamble on it then it's going to be shown in bars and attract new fans. In fact, you can bet online with betus sportsbook here and grab a free bonus on your first wager so it's definitely gaining traction.

Current status of Aussie Football in America

Even with its minor popularity within the American market, the main league has existed for over 25 years and continues adding teams to its league. One of its newest teams is the North Texas Devils, based out of Plano, Texas, formed in 2020. It also hosts the world's biggest Aussie Football national championship and has expanded its reach to the collegiate level. People are discovering Aussie Football and exploring it more than ever. No longer is it simply a sport played by Australian migrants in their home space; it is now played by people of all origins. These new groups exposed to the game are helping to increase awareness of the sport and hope to attract more people to play it.

Conclusion

Sports like women's basketball and lacrosse were all seen as games that could not hold national attention or form leagues that could last years. However, they both have formed leagues and have been going strong for decades. While they may not be on the level of the NFL, they have fans who tune in every game and watch with enthusiasm. Fans of Aussie Football also experience the same enthusiasm when watching a game. They know they are in a small community but are glad to be a part of it. The leading Aussie Football League in America has dedicated fans; teams spread out across America, players from the more well-known Australian league coming overseas to play in the American League, and collegiate teams cultivating the next generation. This game is slowly growing in popularity in America, but it is still growing.