Study Names Indiana One of the 10 Best Sports States in America

If you've ever packed into a high school gym on a Friday night, spent Memorial Day weekend watching the Indy 500, or planned your March around basketball, this probably won't come as much of a surprise. Indiana has once again earned national recognition as one of the best places in America for sports fans.

A new report from SmileHub ranks Indiana as the 7th Best State for Sports Lovers in 2026, putting the Hoosier State among the nation's elite. The rankings were based on 20 different metrics across three major categories: sports interest and success, sports careers and income, and access to sports.

Indiana earned an overall score of 49.40, finishing just behind neighboring Illinois, which claimed the No. 5 spot.

A Strong Sports Economy Fuels Indiana

One of Indiana's biggest strengths is its thriving sports economy. The state ranked 7th for sports careers and income, thanks in part to a strong sports industry, legal sports betting, and a variety of career opportunities tied to athletics.

Easy Access to Sports Across the Hoosier State

The Hoosier State also performed well when it comes to accessibility. Indiana ranked 12th for access to sports, reflecting the abundance of youth leagues, community sports programs, athletic clubs, scholarships, and sporting goods stores that help make it easy for people of all ages to stay active.

Indiana is More Than Just a Basketball State

And while basketball is woven into Indiana's identity, it's far from the only reason the state stands out.

Indiana ranked 13th for sports interest and success, highlighting the state's passionate fan base and deep-rooted sports culture. From packed high school basketball gyms to college rivalries and professional sports, Hoosiers have a reputation for showing up and cheering loudly.

Of course, no conversation about Indiana sports would be complete without mentioning the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the iconic Indy 500 and the world's largest single-day sporting event. The state has also become a destination for major sporting events, hosting the NFL Scouting Combine, the Big Ten Football Championship, and the NBA All-Star Game in recent years.

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This latest national ranking reinforces what many Hoosiers already know: Indiana isn't just a basketball state – it's one of the best sports states in the country, with passionate fans, world-class events, and opportunities for athletes and spectators alike.