Anime has evolved from a niche hobby into a significant cultural force in the United States, captivating millions and creating substantial business opportunities. This growth transcends mere entertainment; it also involves connecting with a passionate fanbase eager to invest in conventions, streaming platforms, and merchandise. The blending of anime with mainstream culture provides major prospects for expansion.
“Businesses are very much interested in anime,” stated Dr. Emilie Waggoner, an educator at the University of Colorado Denver. Her research delves into the societal effects of anime, and she frequently shares her findings at major anime conventions nationwide. “Anime has an incredibly loyal following, and this presents an opportunity for businesses, especially when anime intersects with another fan base, like sports.”
A compelling example of this trend occurred during the 2025–26 NFL playoffs when two fans dressed as characters from the anime “Umamusume: Pretty Derby,” which features horse-girl characters inspired by actual racehorses. The fandom enthusiastically responded by creating edits of Broncos highlights set to anime-themed music, quickly gaining traction on TikTok and Reddit. Although the Broncos did not reveal specific details about this grassroots initiative, the visibility of cosplayers at games and the viral blend of anime and football proved beneficial for both the team and the anime series.
This trend is not isolated. The fusion of anime and sports has been steadily increasing. During the 2024 Summer Olympics, numerous athletes adopted iconic poses from series like “One Piece,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and “Naruto.” Japan even created anime-themed jerseys for several Olympic teams, reflecting deep cultural ties. The prior year, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted a sold-out event centered around “One Piece,” while the NBA expanded its collaborations with anime creators like Crunchyroll and TOHO Animation, launching a new line of “My Hero Academia” merchandise. FIFA’s recent World Cup marketing incorporated elements from the anime “Blue Lock,” aimed at drawing in a younger audience.
The upcoming Fan Expo Denver, set for May 28-31, will showcase the expanding anime community in Colorado. This event will feature voice actors and artists from popular series like “Demon Slayer,” “Death Note,” and “My Hero Academia.” A significant turnout of fans in elaborate cosplay is anticipated. Additionally, the Anime Expo in Los Angeles, recognized as the largest event of its type in the U.S., will occur from July 2-5, typically attracting around 100,000 attendees. Dr. Waggoner is scheduled to present her research at the Anime Expo during the JAMS@AX Academic Symposium, highlighting the academic interest in the societal impacts of anime.
“Anime creates a sense of belonging not a lot of fans have found elsewhere,” Waggoner remarked. “The storytelling in anime provides a fictional world that is able to connect to the human experience. Failures, disagreements with friends, conflict, self-identity, death—anime deals with all that. Fans can find themselves in the characters and use them as tools to work through those issues that are difficult to navigate in the real world.”
At the University of Colorado Denver, a distinguished 3D graphics and animation program has emerged, ranked among the top 40 in the nation. Graduates have secured positions in various sectors, including entertainment, gaming, and healthcare. The university’s focus on practical skills has led to notable achievements, with alumni obtaining coveted internships at Pixar, showcasing the connection between education and the flourishing anime industry.
“Anime is no longer a niche community,” Dr. Waggoner concludes. “It is here, and there is an opportunity to learn from it on social, cultural, and business levels.” As anime continues to permeate various facets of popular culture, businesses that recognize and adapt to this trend may find themselves thriving in a vibrant and expanding market.
