It is easy to be divided in our complicated world. America can be a polarizing place with different viewpoints and perspectives on all aspects of life.
However, one thing truly brings us together: sports, whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, or many other iconic games. Sporting events can bring out the best in people during hard times and make everlasting memories, no matter the game’s outcome.
We will explore all 50 U.S. states’ most popular sports teams at TPS. Here are all 50 U.S. States’ Most Popular Sports teams.
Who are the favorite sports teams from each U.S. state?
Alabama: Alabama Crimson Tide
When people think about the state of Alabama, the first team that comes to mind is the Crimson Tide football team, which has earned 18 National Titles in football. Sure, Auburn can be as competitive, but the Crimson Tide will always be the iconic leader, beating out the Tigers.
Alaska: Seattle Seahawks
“The Last Frontier” is not known for having professional sports teams, but many locals in the state are huge Seattle Seahawks fans. Lumen Field is about a three-and-a-half-hour flight away from Anchorage, or a 41-hour drive away. Despite that, the Hawks have a good presence in Alaska.
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Arizona: Phoenix Suns
Sorry, Cardinals and Diamondbacks fans, but the Suns take the cake for the most popular team in Arizona. The Suns have had some very iconic names like Steve Nash and Charles Barkley represent them proudly, along with Devin Booker in recent times. The Suns are the heart and soul of Arizona.
Arkansas: Arkansas Razorbacks
The Razorbacks are extremely popular in the “Natural State” for their rich history, cultural identity, and a very strong fan base. Despite that, the Razorbacks haven’t won a National Championship since 1964. Notable Razorbacks in the NFL include Hunter Henry, Brandon Allen, and Dre Greenlaw, to name a few.
California: Los Angeles Lakers
Even though the Dodgers captured the 2024 World Series, the Lakers hold the title for the most iconic team in the state. The Lakers have a rich history of winning, and many iconic athletes like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, Pau Gasol, and LeBron James have donned the purple and gold.
Colorado: Denver Broncos
The Broncos are the most popular sports team in all of Colorado, thanks to their passionate fan base, three Super Bowl victories, thanks to John Elway and Peyton Manning leading the way, and they always draw attention regardless of the outcome. Plus, who doesn’t like the navy blue and orange uniforms the Broncos wear?
Connecticut: New York Giants
Although Connecticut is a New England state, the Giants take the cake for the most liked team in the state due to its proximity to New York. On top of that, fun fact, the Giants played their games in the Yale Bowl from 1973 until 1974.
Delaware: Philadelphia Eagles
Because of Delaware’s proximity to “the Keystone state,” the Eagles are the number one sports team in “the First state,” thanks to the loyal fans living in Wilmington, Dover, and many other towns and cities close to Pennsylvania. Add to that, the Eagles winning their two Super Bowls also gives the fans in Delaware something to be proud of.
Florida: Miami Dolphins
Sorry, Buccaneers’ fans, but the Dolphins are the number one sports team in Florida, due to their winning history in the early 1970s, and iconic players who have worn the teal, orange, and white over the years, like Dan Marino, Jason Taylor, and Bob Griese.
Georgia: Atlanta Braves
Sorry Falcons and Hawks fans, but the Braves are considered the most popular team in “the Peach State” due to their success, the two World Series wins in 1995 and 2021, iconic names like Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, and Greg Maddux, and a strong local connection to the city of Atlanta and the state.
Hawaii: Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
The Rainbow Warriors are extremely popular in the “Aloha State” due to their passionate fan base, cultural significance, and they’re the only NCAA Division I sports team in Hawaii.
Idaho: Boise State Broncos
The Broncos are the most popular team in “the Gem State” due to their success, winning countless Bowl Games, like the 2007 Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma, great football players who’ve gone on to the NFL, and, of course, their iconic blue turf.
Illinois: Chicago Bears
The “Land of Lincoln” has some very iconic sports teams like the Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox. However, the most popular team in Illinois will always be the Bears due to their history, iconic players, and a passionate fan base, who are always there through thick and thin.
Indiana: Indianapolis Colts
The Hoosiers basketball may have deeper roots in the state, but the Colts remain the top dog in Indiana, thanks to Peyton Manning winning Super Bowl 41, countless Hall of Famers playing for the Colts, and having a dedicated fan base no matter what.
Iowa: Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes football team will always be a staple in the “Hawkeye State” due to its strong athletic program, excellent traditions, and strong sense of community. No disrespect to the Iowa State Cyclones.
Kansas: Kansas Jayhawks
The Jayhawks basketball team has incredibly strong ties to the state, and they’ve developed great talent, including Paul Pierce, Joel Embiid, Kirk Hinrich, and the late Wilt Chamberlain. These are just a few of the guys who have donned the Jayhawks uniforms and have won four NCAA Basketball championships.
Kentucky: Kentucky Wildcats
Similar to Kansas, the Kentucky Wildcats basketball team has a rich basketball history. It has won eight NCAA Basketball championships, the strong passion from “Big Blue Nation,” and has developed many iconic basketball players, including Karl-Anthony Towns, Bam Adebayo, Rajon Rondo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and many more.
Louisiana: New Orleans Saints
The Saints are the most popular sports team in the “Pelican State” due to their rich history. They won Super Bowl 44 a few years after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, witnessed Drew Brees become a future Hall of Famer before their very eyes, and are a treasure and a symbol for the state’s sports culture.
Maine: New England Patriots
The Patriots don’t just represent Boston, but the entire New England region, including the state of Maine. More people in “the Pine Tree State” call themselves diehard Patriots fans.
Maryland: Baltimore Ravens
When the Colts left for Indianapolis in 1984, it left a massive void in Maryland. However, when the Ravens arrived in 1996, they filled the void, thanks to their strong play on the field, passionate fan base, and winning Super Bowls 35 and 47, which also helped the Ravens’ case in Maryland. Not to mention, the Ravens have seen some legendary players like Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed, and Lamar Jackson play their hearts out for the team.
Massachusetts: New England Patriots
Who else was it going to be, as iconic and historic as the Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics are, the Patriots are the heart and soul of not just Massachusetts, but all of New England, as mentioned earlier. On top of that, they’ve won six Super Bowls in the 2000s thanks to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
Michigan: Detroit Lions
Sorry, Michigan State Spartans, Michigan Wolverines, and Tigers fans, but the Lions truly carry the spirit and soul of “the Great Lakes State,” thanks to their historical presence in Detroit, a very loyal fan base who stuck by their sports team through thick and thin, and the recent rise in becoming a playoff contender thanks to Dan Campbell and his coaching.
Minnesota: Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are extremely popular in the state of Minnesota, thanks to their accessibility to broadcast games on free TV, a consistent record on the field, and fans witnessing a lot of incredible athletes don the purple and yellow like Randy Moss, Fran Tarkenton, Adrian Peterson, and many more.
Mississippi: Ole Miss Rebels
The Rebels football team holds a strong history in “the Magnolia State,” no disrespect to the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The Rebels draw in high crowds with passionate fans, being an SEC sports team, and the cultural impact the team has in Mississippi overall.
Missouri: Kansas City Chiefs
Sorry, St. Louis Cardinals, Blues, and Kansas City Royals, but the Chiefs are at the top of the totem pole in Missouri, thanks to their winning ways, becoming a Super Bowl dynasty with Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and coach Andy Reid, and have a strong fan base in “Chiefs Kingdom!”
Montana: Montana Grizzlies
Even though “Big Sky Country” doesn’t have a major sports team, they do have the Montana Grizzlies athletic program, which is a very strong and successful program with dedicated fans, and Washington-Grizzly Stadium has been called the “Mecca of the FCS!”
Nebraska: Nebraska Cornhuskers
The most popular sports team in “the Cornhusker State” is, oddly enough, the Cornhuskers football team. The Cornhuskers have a passionate fan base, hold five National Championships, and have a strong connection to the state’s agricultural industry.
Nevada: Vegas Golden Knights
While the Raiders are popular, the Golden Knights will always have the hearts of all who live in Nevada. They’re the first major team to call “the Silver State” home, began winning right off the bat, and have a passionate fan base.
New Hampshire: New England Patriots
Similar to Maine, the Patriots represent all of New England, and there are plenty of passionate Patriots fans in the state.
New Jersey: New Jersey Devils
Even though the New York Giants and Jets play in New Jersey, the Devils have represented the “Garden State” very well since they moved into the state in 1982, have very passionate fans, and have won three Stanley Cups.
New Mexico: Dallas Cowboys
Because of New Mexico’s proximity to Texas, the Cowboys have a very strong fan base in the “Land of Enchantment.” Plus, it’s easy for Cowboys fans to travel to Dallas from Albuquerque.
New York: New York Yankees
Even though the Knicks, Rangers, Mets, Islanders, and Buffalo Bills are all in New York, the Yankees are the state’s most popular sports team due to their winning history, 27 World Series championships, and extremely passionate fan base throughout “the Empire State.”
North Carolina: Carolina Panthers
Sorry, Duke Blue Devils and UNC Tar Heels, but the Panthers are the most popular sports team in North Carolina. The Panthers have reached two Super Bowls, have a good fan base, and have seen some great players play for the organization.
North Dakota: North Dakota State Bison
The Bison may be an FCS team, but they are truly special in the “Peace Garden State.” The Bison are a Division I FCS powerhouse; they captured 18 National Championships (10 of them at the Division I level) and have a very passionate fan base.
Ohio: Cleveland Browns
Although the Ohio State Buckeyes are a Big 10 powerhouse, the Browns are the most popular team in the state. The “Dog Pound” is one of the most passionate fan bases in sports, even though the Browns have seen some rough times.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Thunder
Although the Thunder began as the Seattle SuperSonics, the “Sooner State” has embraced them with open arms. Over the years, some incredible NBA talent has played for them, like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’ve each won the NBA MVP.
Oregon: Portland Trail Blazers
Although the Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers have large followings, the Trail Blazers have represented the state at the professional level. The Trail Blazers won the 1977 NBA Championship. Many talented players have played for the organization, and the fans in Oregon genuinely love this sports team.
Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh Steelers
Even though the Philadelphia Eagles have won two Super Bowls, the Steelers have won six Super Bowls, have seen a lot of legendary players play for the team like Terry Bradshaw, the late Mike Webster, Joe Greene, Troy Polamalu, and Jerome Bettis, and have die-hard fans always representing the Black and Yellow through and through.
Rhode Island: New England Patriots
Although the Patriots are based in Massachusetts, the state of Rhode Island is next to Massachusetts, and U.S Route 1 goes through the state and will take fans to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.
South Carolina: Clemson Tigers
Even though the South Carolina GameCocks and Coastal Carolina Chanticleers are popular, the Clemson Tigers are truly the most popular sports team in the state. The Tigers have won three National Championships, a lot of legendary players like DeAndre Hopkins, Trevor Lawrence, Tee Higgins, and Dexter Lawrence, and have a strong fan base.
South Dakota: Minnesota Vikings
Although the Vikings are located in Minnesota, a ton of Vikings fans live in the “Mount Rushmore State” and are committed to them. On top of that, it’s pretty easy for fans to take a weekend trip to Minneapolis.
Tennessee: Tennessee Titans
Sorry, Volunteers, Nashville Predators, and Memphis Grizzlies, but the Titans are the most popular sports team in the “Volunteer State.” The Titans were welcomed with open arms ever since they moved to the state in 1997, reached Super Bowl 34, and have a strong connection with the fans.
Texas: Dallas Cowboys
The state of Texas is known as the capital of football, and the Cowboys are the most popular team in the state. Nicknamed “America’s Team,” the Cowboys have won five Super Bowls, have one of the largest fan bases in the state and the country, and have a rich history of winning.
Utah: Utah Jazz
The Jazz are the most popular team in Utah. They were the first professional team in the state, had a solid history of success in the 1990s, reached back-to-back NBA Finals, and had a great fan base no matter the outcome.
Vermont: New England Patriots
The most popular sports team in “the Green Mountain State” is the Patriots due to their proximity to Massachusetts, fans of the team living in the state, and the fact that the Patriots represent all of New England.
Virginia: Washington Commanders
The Commanders are the most popular team in the Commonwealth due to Washington D.C.’s proximity to cities like Arlington and Alexandria, the team’s headquarters and operational facilities in the state, and passionate fans calling Virginia home.
Washington: Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are Washington’s most popular franchise thanks to the “12th Man” always making noise against opponents and winning Super Bowl 48 in dominating fashion.
West Virginia: West Virginia Mountaineers
The Mountaineers are the most popular athletic program in all of West Virginia, and the football team holds a very special place in the hearts of all who live in the “Mountain State.”
Wisconsin: Green Bay Packers
The Packers are one of the most historic teams in the NFL, thanks to their 11 NFL Championships and four Super Bowl wins, an iconic fan base, and witnessing some of the NFL’s most iconic players don the green and yellow.
Wyoming: Wyoming Cowboys
Although there are no professional sports teams in Wyoming, the Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls are always admired throughout the state. Not to mention Josh Allen played his collegiate football for the Cowboys before getting drafted by the Bills.
