Sexual selection theory argues that females invest more heavily in reproduction
than males and thus tend to be choosier in terms of mate choice. Sport may provide a
context within which females can gain information about male quality to inform this
choice. Males may be able to display attractive traits such as athleticism, strength, and
physique to females while participating in sport. We predicted that females would favor
males that participated in team sports over individual sports and non-athletes because team
sport athletes may be more likely to display qualities such as the ability to work well with
others and role acceptance. We used a questionnaire, a photograph, and manipulated
descriptions to gauge the effects of sport involvement, attractiveness, and status on 282
females’ willingness to participate in various types of relationships. Team sport athletes
were perceived as being more desirable as potential mates than individual sport athletes and
non-athletes. It is suggested that team sport athletes may have traits associated with good
parenting such as cooperation, likeability, and role acceptance, and/or these athletes may be
better able to assert dominance in a team setting. Results are discussed in terms of further
implications and future research.