Indiana Ranks 5th Best State for Sports Lovers

Indiana has a long track record (pun kinda, sorta intended) of giving sports lovers plenty of things to love, most notably basketball and the Indy 500. But how does the Hoosier state stack up to the rest of the country when it comes to sports? Pretty well, apparently.

Where Indiana Ranks Among the Best

SmileHub just released a report of the Best States for Sports Lovers, and Indiana landed at an impressive 5th place overall. The results came after examining data across 20 metrics in three main categories: Sports Interest & Success, Sports Careers & Income, and Access to Sports. The Hoosier state is one spot above Pennsylvania and just behind powerhouse states like Ohio, New York, Illinois, and California!

What Indiana Does Well for Sports Lovers

Overall Score: 49.20 (5^th best!)
Sports Interest & Success: Ranked 13^th– Indiana has a lively sports culture with passionate fans
Sports Careers & Income: Ranked 8^th – reflecting legal betting, strong sports economics, and career opportunities
Access to Sports: Ranked 10^th due to lots of youth programs, clubs, scholarships, and sporting goods outlets

ALSO READ: 15 First‐Round NBA Draft Picks Born in Indiana

Indiana is More Than Just Basketball

Indiana is most known for its legendary love of basketball. The Hoosier state consistently produces top-notch players, successful college teams, and has become synonymous with March Madness. But, Indiana has more than just hoops.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the iconic Indy 500, is the world’s largest single-day sporting venue.

Indiana is home to the NFL Scouting Combine, Big Ten Football Championship, and the NBA All‑Star Game (held there in 2024).

ALSO READ: So. Indiana Native Makes History in MLB Debut with Chicago White Sox

Indiana’s combo of Hoosier passion, big-time events, professional opportunities, and strong infrastructure places it firmly among America’s premier sports states. Whether you're a fan in a packed high school gym or screaming your head off at the Indy 500, Indiana lives and breathes sports.