• Leagues that help you stay active and socially connected are expanding to meet demand.

What we're hearing: "No one's going out of business because people aren't playing. In fact, it's the opposite," says California-based Galen Beers, executive director of the Sport & Social Industry Association.

State of play: Volleyball (30% of total players), soccer (18%) and softball (15%) were the most popular sports last year, per preliminary data from the trade group, which counts roughly 150 leagues as members.

Zoom in: There are several adult sports leagues in and around San Francisco, including Volo Sports, Play in the Bay, ZogSports and Play Recess.

The vibe: Club organizers say the social aspect is just as important as the sport itself. Players are often new to the city or looking to meet people beyond work.

• Some even find romance on the field.

The big picture: In California and beyond, many adults don't get enough exercise — and plenty report feeling lonely, which brings its own serious health risks.

• Getting outside with friends (and without screens) has become especially important to younger adults, Beers tells Axios.

What's next: Soccer will likely bump in popularity as the World Cup kicks off next year.