Sports are a huge part of American life. I mean, even if you’re not into baseball, who doesn’t love having some beer and a hot dog at a stadium? Sports bring people together, whether it’s cheering on your high school team or your favorite pro squad.
Billions of dollars are made every year from sports. From tickets to jerseys to TV deals, the industry is a massive business. And the best teams and players are mostly American!
But which cities are the real sports capitals? According to a new study by WalletHub, these U.S. cities are at the top of the list when it comes to athletic teams, games, and everything that comes with sports. See if your favorite city made the cut.
Los Angeles, California
Basketball, soccer, baseball, and football—Los Angeles is your ultimate sports city. Some even say it’s the new Sports Capital of the World. With a decade of record-breaking events, LA will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, making it only the third city ever to host the Olympics three times.
LA boasts 11 pro teams, including the Dodgers, Lakers, Rams, and more, racking up over 30 championships. The Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission has been boosting the city’s sports reputation since 1995. Get ready for an epic decade in Hollywood!
Boston, Massachusetts
Sure, Boston is second only to LA, but it holds its own as a sports powerhouse. This century, it has won over ten championship titles in baseball, football, basketball, and hockey—more than any other city. The Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots have deep roots, with fans passing down their love for these teams through generations.
In Boston, sports passion is everywhere. Millennials, college students, and lifelong fans light up soc-meds over every play, whether it’s a regular-season game or playoffs. It could’ve claimed the top spot overall—if not for its weaker soccer presence.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The City of Champions lives up to its name! Pittsburgh ranks third among the best sports cities, claiming the top spot in football, second in hockey, and 11th in baseball. Home to the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates, this city boasts legendary teams, countless championships, and Hall of Fame players who’ve made history.
In Pittsburgh, fans go all-in, decked out in black and gold, while chants echo through the streets. And if you’re a sports lover, you can’t miss the Sports Museum. It honors Pittsburgh’s champions, from marbles to Super Bowls!
New York City, New York
You can’t doubt New York City’s reputation. Just check the stats: first in baseball, sixth in football and hockey, eighth in soccer, and ninth in basketball. NYC has 12 pro teams—the most in North America—and, like LA, has multiple teams in all four major leagues.
The Yankees are on a roll, and Liberty just won the WNBA title. New York sports are back in a big way! Don’t forget about the NY Rangers and the Knicks. Yankee Stadium offers 60,000 square feet for epic events, while Citi Field’s 400,000 square feet in Queens hosts everything from games to celebrations.
Dallas, Texas
Dallas isn’t just a sports town for fans; it’s also the top city for sports business. Ranked the fifth-best sports city, it’s second in football, with the iconic Dallas Cowboys leading the charge. Add the Mavericks, Rangers, Stars, FC Dallas, and Wings, and you’ve got teams for every fan. Whether it’s the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, WNBA, or MLS, Dallas is never boring.
You’ll love the world-class venues like AT&T Stadium and American Airlines Center. This Texas town hosts major events like the Super Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and even the World Cup. Plus, 64 Dallas brands back the sports scene with sponsorships, naming rights, and jersey deals.
Miami, Florida
Some people say Miami isn’t a real sports town, but the stats don’t lie. The Magic City ranks sixth overall, fifth in basketball, seventh in football, and 11th in soccer. Beyond just watching, you can enjoy year-round sports from ice hockey to skeet shooting, and there’s no shortage of places to bet, from the jai alai fronton to Gulfstream’s track.
The Heat are three-time NBA champs, the Dolphins are the NFL’s only perfect team (17-0), and the Marlins have a World Series title. Now tell me, how can someone think Miami isn’t a sports town?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly’s a game town, no doubt. They have the Sixers in the NBA, the Eagles in the NFL, the Phillies in MLB, and the Flyers in the NHL. Fans show support, packing stadiums and arenas on game days, decked out in team colors, ready to cheer (or boo) their hearts out.
They gather at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, where all the major teams play. From the iconic Citizens Bank Park to the electric Wells Fargo Center, Philly’s venues bring unmatched energy, great food, and a sense of community.
San Francisco, California
They call it the Golden Gate to sports heaven, and for good reason. The San Francisco Bay Area earned the title of “Sports City of the Decade” from The Sports Business Journal. The Golden State Warriors in the NBA and the Giants in Major League Baseball continue to bring big wins. Plus, the 49ers made a comeback to the Super Bowl after dominating the ’80s.
Looking for athletic competition? San Francisco offers fun events like Bay to Breakers and the Giant Race or challenges like the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon. It’s always game time in the Bay Area.
Washington, D.C.
Some call Washington, D.C., a football town because of the Redskins, but it’s also a basketball city, thanks to the Wizards. With the Capitals’ recent success, hockey’s fanbase has grown too. Stats back it up: D.C. ranks ninth overall, sixth in soccer, seventh in basketball, and 13th in hockey.
While some teams like the Commanders and Wizards struggled with fan support, D.C. has seen a sports revival. From the Capitals’ Stanley Cup to the Nationals’ 2019 World Series win, plus championships from the Mystics and Spirit, the city’s sports scene is thriving again.
Cincinnati, Ohio
You’ve probably heard the famous football chant, “Who Dey… Who Dey… Who Dey think gonna beat dem Bengals!” Fans are serious about the sports here in Cincinnati. Their passion isn’t just for football, though.
Cincy is home to the first professional baseball team, the Red Stockings. Today, the city boasts the Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Bengals (NFL), and FC Cincinnati (MLS), plus the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL). Every August, the city hosts the Cincinnati Open, the oldest U.S. professional tennis tournament, now the second-largest summer event of its kind.
Source: WalletHub
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