Donald Trump is never far from the spotlight, and while most know him for his business empire and political career, his fingerprints are all over the sports world too. From championship fights at Trump Plaza to high-profile golf tournaments on his courses, Trump has been involved in far more sports than you might think.
We’ve taken a closer look at ten different sports where Donald Trump has played a role—whether as an owner, promoter, host, or high-profile fan.
College Sports
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During his presidency, Donald Trump frequently hosted college championship teams at the White House. These visits often made headlines, especially when Trump famously served fast food from McDonald’s and Wendy’s to players. Some teams chose to boycott the invitation altogether, turning what was once a ceremonial tradition into a political statement.
Trump’s relationship with the NBA has been icy at best. He often clashed with star players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry, criticizing them on social media and calling the league “too political.” Several NBA teams openly refused White House visits during his term, deepening the rift between Trump and the basketball world.
While not a central figure in the tennis scene, Trump has long included tennis courts at many of his luxury resorts. In the 1980s and 90s, his properties hosted exhibition matches and charity events, usually more about prestige than serious competition. Tennis, for Trump, has been more a symbol of exclusivity than a passion project.
NASCAR
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Trump has embraced NASCAR and its fanbase, which largely aligns with his political following. In 2020, he served as the Grand Marshal for the Daytona 500, famously taking a lap in the presidential limousine. His support for drivers and the sport was part of a broader appeal to traditional American values and patriotic imagery.
Baseball
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Despite being a lifelong New Yorker, Trump has had a complicated relationship with Major League Baseball. He was once invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a Yankees game but never followed through. During the pandemic, he clashed with the league over its social justice messaging, further straining ties.
MMA
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Trump has been a vocal supporter of the UFC and its president, Dana White. He attended multiple events over the years and gave White a prominent speaking slot at the Republican National Convention. Fighters like Colby Covington and Jorge Masvidal have praised Trump publicly, aligning themselves with his political brand.
In the 1980s and early ’90s, Trump Plaza in Atlantic City was a major venue for big-time boxing. Iconic names like Mike Tyson fought under the Trump brand, and Trump himself was a familiar face ringside. His involvement faded with the casino’s decline, but the era left a lasting mark on fight history.
American Football
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Trump once owned the New Jersey Generals in the short-lived USFL and played a key role in the league’s demise by pushing for a fall schedule to compete with the NFL. Decades later, he reignited controversy by criticizing NFL players who knelt during the national anthem, making football a political battleground once again.
Wrestling
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Trump’s connection to WWE runs deep. He appeared at WrestleMania events, took part in the “Battle of the Billionaires” storyline, and was even inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013. His friendship with Vince McMahon helped turn Trump into a recurring character in the wrestling world.
Golf
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No sport has been more closely tied to Donald Trump than golf. He owns and operates courses around the world, including prestigious venues in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. He’s played with celebrities, world leaders, and pro golfers, and his courses have hosted major tournaments. For Trump, golf is more than a game—it’s business, status, and image rolled into one.
