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Higher-income families more likely to enroll kids in organized sports, an AP-Ipsos poll finds
Nearly all adults see teamwork, fitness and resilience as benefits, while about 8 in 10 sports parents say scheduling and fees are a challenge.
- An AP-Ipsos poll conducted July 21–26, 2026, reveals a stark income-related participation gap in youth sports. About 7 in 10 K-12 parents earning at least $100,000 report children play organized sports, compared to about 4 in 10 lower-income parents.
- Despite challenges, the vast majority of sports parents feel good about their children playing, with about 8 in 10 reporting feeling "proud" and "happy" about the benefits like teamwork and fitness.
- Roughly two-thirds of K-12 sports parents spend up to $2,000 annually on equipment, fees, and travel. Tanisha Curry, a 51-year-old Ohio resident, noted that while costs strain her budget, the family prioritizes participation.
- About 6 in 10 sports parents hope for athletic scholarships or improved college acceptance odds. Lower-income families are more likely to view sports as a vehicle for future socioeconomic mobility than wealthier counterparts.
- New York resident Kathryn Stuczynski, 37, budgets to afford wrestling activities for her daughters, saying "Giving my girls life experiences, it's priceless." The AP-Ipsos survey of 1,737 adults, using Ipsos' KnowledgePanel, confirms parents prioritize children's passions despite financial hurdles.
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Associated Press News+16 Reposted by 16 other sources
Higher-income families more likely to enroll kids in organized sports, an AP-Ipsos poll finds
A new AP-Ipsos poll finds Americans overwhelmingly see major benefits to children playing organized sports, but higher-income families are more likely to participate.
·New York, United States
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A new poll has found that the vast majority of Americans believe that children's participation in team sports is beneficial, but higher-income families are even more convinced. According to the Associated Press-Ipsos survey, teen participation in sports can help learn teamwork and reduce screen time. In the United States, about half of parents of K-12 students say their children participate in team sports, but participation is higher among wealt…
·New York, United States
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Total News Sources19
Leaning Left8Leaning Right0Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 44%
C 56%
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