Good bilateral relations between Serbia and the United States in the field of sports bring numerous positive aspects for both countries. Primarily, joint sports programs and cooperation enable the exchange of knowledge, experience, and best practices, contributing to the improvement of sports infrastructure and the development of talented athletes. Such relationships offer greater visibility for Serbian athletes on the international stage, while American athletes and teams can benefit from participating in sports events held in Serbia.
Sports events often serve as bridges between nations, strengthening mutual trust and promoting values such as teamwork, fair play, and a healthy lifestyle. Through such cooperation, Serbia and the United States can reinforce ties not only politically and economically, but also by using sport as a tool for fostering mutual friendship and understanding.
Among the many Serbian athletes who have played or continue to play for American clubs are Nikola Jokić, Bogdan Bogdanović, Nemanja Bjelica, Miloš Teodosić, Nikola Jovanović, Marko Dimić, Stefan Jovanović, and Boban Marjanović.
Serbian athletes are often highly respected in the U.S., whether they play in the NBA, MLS, or other professional sports. Many of them leave a significant mark in their disciplines. Some may not receive the same media attention as bigger names in the NBA, NFL, or MLS, yet they still represent examples of Serbian athletes striving to build their careers in the U.S.
This cooperation is not one-sided. While many Serbian athletes play for American clubs, there are also American athletes who play for Serbian teams: Derrick Brown, James Feldeine, Will Cummings, Dylan Ennis, David Barlow, Jared Cunningham.
Although American athletes in Serbian clubs are mostly associated with basketball, the fact that Serbia’s sports system and culture are highly valued across various disciplines leads many American athletes to come to Serbia to play or compete.
The exchange of Serbian and American basketball players is most common today, but the roots of this cooperation are also important—the first person to introduce basketball to Serbia was William Willand. In 1923, along with other American games, he demonstrated basketball to Serbian high school students and professors. He was the first person to bring a basketball to Serbia. The strong sports relations between the two countries date back to those early days, providing opportunities for continued development.
Strengthening relations between these two countries can further improve opportunities for youth in sports, as well as in politics and the economy.
In recent years, sports tourism has become one of the major factors influencing the economic and cultural development of destinations around the world.
Sports tourism contributes significantly to the global tourism industry and is becoming one of its fastest-growing segments—whether driven by sports clubs themselves or their dedicated fan bases. Training camps and major competitions such as World Championships, the Olympic Games, the Super Bowl, or NBA playoffs bring new visitors to host countries, with many returning in the future.
Beyond expanding their knowledge and experiencing new cultures, tourists contribute to the economic growth of the host country through spending on accommodation, transportation, food, and souvenirs. These events support the long-term development of the destination.
Today, with an increasing number of sports available, tourists have a wide range of choices. Some will prefer warmer destinations to follow surfing competitions, while others will choose the Alps for skiing. In addition to specific sports, they also select locations aligned with their interests. This leads to the exchange of experiences, the creation of a positive cultural identity for destinations, and encourages local communities to improve and focus on aspects influenced by specific sports.
Sports tourism connects economic, social, and cultural aspects, making it a key driver in sustainable development strategies and bilateral relations between countries.
Combat sports such as American wrestling have attracted significant attention and viewership in Serbia. The excitement surrounding spectacles like World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), combined with elements of acting and dramatization, set it apart from standard ring fights. Fighters such as John Cena, The Rock, and Hulk Hogan brought with them a world that felt both fantastical and inspiring. This culture of sports entertainment left a deep impression and created lasting memories among viewers.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) became a benchmark for regional fighters to measure themselves against. Besides UFC, many Serbian names have appeared in other promotions like Bellator MMA, Professional Fighters League (PFL), Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, and more.
One of the first Serbian fighters to stand out and sign with the UFC was Bojan Veličković. He competed in the welterweight division and had several notable fights, later participating in the PFL and Brave FC.
Former FFC heavyweight champion Darko Stošić signed with the UFC, which served as a springboard for his contract with Europe’s largest MMA organization, Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW). In KSW, Stošić achieved significant victories.
The series “Dana White’s Contender Series” was key to Duško Todorović securing a UFC contract. Thanks to his impressive performances, courage, and entertaining fighting style, Todorović made a strong impact in the series.
The success of Serbian fighters in the UFC and other American combat sports arenas is the result of talent, dedication, and fighting spirit.
A growing number of talented athletes from Serbia are receiving sports scholarships at universities in the United States. This presents an excellent opportunity to combine education and sports. Young people from Serbia—especially in tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and swimming—are awarded scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, meals, and sports-related expenses. These are granted based on athletic achievements, academic performance, and recommendations. With the help of sports agencies, scouts, and coaches, Serbian students secure placements at colleges such as UCLA, Florida State, Arizona, Princeton, and others.
These scholarships open doors to professional careers and international experience, which are later valued both in sports and other areas of life. Although such scholarships are not available in Serbia for American students, academic exchanges are common.
Thanks to exceptional results, both historically and at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Serbia once again demonstrated the talent and skill of its athletes and the strength of its sports organizations.
At the Olympic Games in Paris, Serbian athletes won three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. Gold medals in shooting were won by Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunović, with additional gold medals claimed by Novak Djokovic in tennis and the national water polo team. A silver medal in taekwondo was won by Aleksandra Perišić, while the bronze went to the men's basketball team.
Serbia's rich sports tradition has made it one of the leading countries in the region for hosting international sports events and competitions. Its excellence in various sports—tennis, basketball, shooting, combat sports, even chess—has led to Serbia being recognized as a country that fosters sportsmanship. This encourages not only local clubs and residents but also event organizers and foreign investors.
Training centers, bases, and sports academies enhance Serbia’s reputation and popularity in the sports world. In addition to numerous gyms and fields, Serbia also has natural terrain suitable for sports such as rafting, hiking, cycling, and skiing.
Beyond national clubs, Serbia has also proven to be a welcoming host to clubs from countries facing emergencies, such as the basketball clubs Hapoel and Maccabi. This shows Serbia’s willingness to build positive international relations and improve bilateral cooperation. Through such partnerships, Serbia confirms its status as a valid and attractive destination for sports training, competitions, and various athletic events.
