填空题

Professional sports are very popular in the United States, and they are big business. The most (36) sports are baseball, football and basketball. Each has its own (37) , and millions of supporters. (38) teams are named for the cities where they are (39) . Their strongest supporters live in these cities. When a team plays in a championship game, most people in the city follow the game with interest and (40) . Basketball is well-known around the world. Professional basketball games in the United States are played (41) during the winter months. From November to April one can find a professional basketball game several nights a week in most large American cities. ,Basketball is an American sport. It has been called the national (42) . The game is played in the evenings nearly every day of the week and on (43) as well. The season begins in April and finishes with the World Series in October. (44) . Football has become the most popular professional sport in the U. S. It is played on Sundays during the fall from August to January. (45) . Both games require strength and special skills. Professional Athletes are very well paid. The most famous athletes make millions of dollars for their playing skill. (46) .