Test Your Sports Knowledge 

True. In 2019, Utah State University surveyed 1,032 adults with children who play sports. It found that families spend an average of $693 on sports each year. This cost includes sign-up fees, uniforms, equipment, lessons, and more—and the cost can vary by sport. For example, playing ice hockey could cost parents as much as $2,583 a year.

A. A recent study by the National Federation of State High School Associations found that football was the most popular sport for boys. (There were 973,792 players across the country.) For girls, it was track and field. (There were 456,697 athletes nationwide.) 

C. Currently, you must be at least 19 years old to go pro with the NBA. But that hasn’t always been the case. Before 2005, you only had to be 18 years old. That’s how old NBA stars like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James were when they began playing. (Recently, the NBA has been talking about lowering the age again. This could happen as soon as 2024.) 

False. College athletes do not receive money for playing on their teams. However, many do receive scholarships that pay for their education. They can also now earn money by using their name, image, or likeness. That means they can get paid to put their name on a product, sign autographs, appear in ads, and give social media shout-outs for brands. 

B. The number of children between the ages of 6 and 12who play sports has dropped since 2008. Why? Some experts say it’s because kids feel sports have gotten too stressful, competitive, and expensive. Other experts say kids just aren’t as interested in sports as they used to be.