The purpose of this study was to determine university students' interests and influencing factors of these interests in relation to sports. Data were collected using the "Interest in Sports Inventory" which was developed by researcher. Sample group consists of 466 students from three different universities, during 1995-1996 academic year, in Ankara. Instrument has two parts. The first part of the instrument includes items designed to collect demographic information relevant to the study. The second part, consists of the Interest in Sports Inventory. Descriptive statistics was used for analysing data. Statistical analyses were done by using percentage distribution, statistical frequency, t-Test and ANOVA. The significance level was established at.05 level for comparisons. Based on the findings of this study, the following conclusions were drawn: - Generally, interest in sports of the university students were high. - The male students have higher interests in sports than that of female students. - The factor of family education does not influence students' interests in relation to sports. - It has been found that socio-economic situations of the families were at "average" and "good" level. These families encouraged students to increase their interest in sports.-81- Pnor experiences in sports activities of the students were most important factors that influenced students' interest in sports.