Basketball has become the third most popular sport among Brazilian bettors, reaching 23% preference, according to a market survey carried out by Grupo Globo and released in the last quarter.
The study shows that the sport surpasses volleyball (19%), poker (17%) and MMA (15%), securing its position as one of the top choices among sports fans who also enjoy betting.
Photo: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
The growing presence of basketball in the sports betting market reflects a broader shift in how audiences consume sports. Easier digital access, international broadcasts and on-demand content have brought new viewers closer to the sport, naturally boosting interest in basketball-related wagers as well.
The NBA, the world’s top basketball league, has been a major driver of this surge. Its availability on streaming platforms, social media and fantasy games has increased global engagement and made NBA bets a mainstream betting choice among Brazilian bookmakers.
Meanwhile, the Novo Basquete Brasil (NBB) has helped cement a loyal base of local fans and bettors, creating an important bridge between the national and international scenes. Licensed brands in the country have even begun supporting teams and initiatives tied to the sport, such as Bet dá Sorte.
Basketball’s growth in Brazil also draws strength from the legacy of iconic athletes who shaped generations and continue to inspire today’s fans.
Figures like Oscar Schmidt and Hortência Marcari elevated the country’s reputation internationally. Many still play active roles as commentators, coaches or influencers on social networks.
The study was conducted by Grupo Globo through the Market Intelligence division of Globo Ads. It analysed user behaviour across different platforms to understand how sports consumption influences betting decisions among Brazilians.
*Source: Grupo Globo 2025
The results indicate that basketball is now the third most popular sport among bettors, with 23% preference. Men’s football remains the leader at 76%, followed by women’s football at 31%.
The report offers a detailed overview of the betting landscape in Brazil in 2025 and confirms a clear trend toward more diversified choices.
Sports with a strong digital presence and a faster pace, like basketball, are becoming increasingly attractive to those seeking new entertainment experiences.
Basketball brings features that set it apart from other sports. Its fast tempo, high-scoring games and the wide variety of betting markets, such as total points, player performance and point differential, make it both intense and strategic.
This fast-moving structure appeals especially to those who prefer live betting, adjusting predictions as each play unfolds. On top of that, basketball audiences tend to be younger, digital-first and highly connected, which aligns with the profile of most users on major sports betting platforms.
Basketball’s rise is also tied to the NBA’s global expansion. The league stages games outside the United States, in countries like France, the UAE and Mexico, and invests in academies and development programs across continents.
This constant international presence boosts visibility and strengthens interest among local audiences, including Brazilians, who now follow the league in real time and consume daily news, stats and broadcasts.
In Brazil, the increasing presence of both the NBA and the NBB on streaming platforms and social media fuels public engagement and expands basketball’s reach across betting platforms.
Another example is the official partnership between The Playoffs and the NBA in Brazil, which offers fans updated coverage of the league. Viewers can follow schedules, team performance and individual highlights through content published throughout the season.
With basketball’s rise and the growing range of available betting markets, the sports betting sector is entering a more diverse stage.
While football remains dominant, the growing popularity of other sports suggests that Brazilians are seeking richer, more varied experiences. Bettors now follow not just final scores but also the technical and statistical performance of each match.
This behaviour is supported by a more mature digital ecosystem, live broadcasts and greater transparency from platforms that operate legally under the rules established by the Brazilian Government.
Basketball’s solid performance in this context reinforces how sports betting is becoming a natural extension of sports consumption.
International broadcasts, the fast-paced nature of games and the strong digital presence of the NBA and NBB have all contributed to its rise.
The main ones are the NBA, the EuroLeague and the NBB, all of which offer real-time data and statistics for fans who follow the matches closely.
No. Recent studies also highlight increasing interest in women’s football and volleyball.
Yes. Basketball offers more markets per game and quicker outcomes, which enhances live betting and data-driven analysis.
