Schedule, location and cost are the three biggest factors Americans consider when registering for recreational team sports.  Cost is most important to households with incomes between $35,000-50,000, 54 percent, or those with an income below $35,000, 44 percent. For those making less than $35,000 per year, registration costs and equipment costs trumped all other considerations. 

Park and recreation agencies across the country are committed to providing cost-friendly, convenient options to individuals and families interested in recreational team sports.  Nearly 90 percent of agencies nationwide offer team sports, such as baseball, basketball and swimming. Anyone interested in learning more about these activities is encouraged to visit their local park and recreation center where there are opportunities for everyone, including children, seniors and people with disabilities.

Key Findings

• The top three factors Americans consider when registering for a team sport are:
        1. Scheduling/Time (50 percent of all Americans)
        2. Location (47 percent)
        3. Cost (43 percent)
• 54 percent of Americans making a household income of $35,000-50,000 consider registration costs the top factor when registering for a team sport
• Both registration costs and equipment costs rank as the top factors for Americans with a household income under $35,000
• Schedule/time is the top factor of consideration for millennials and Gen Xers (54 percent and 53 percent, respectively) while registration costs are top of the list for baby boomers (47 percent)