Newly released data shows which American cities have the most passionate fanbases in the NFL
Key Points:
- Nielsen released a "Local NFL fandom index" ranking 30 NFL markets based on eight metrics including apparel purchases, attendance, betting intent, and media engagement to determine the most passionate fanbases.
- Smaller and mid-sized markets like Buffalo, Kansas City, and Green Bay topped the list, benefiting from less entertainment competition and higher local engagement relative to market size.
- Larger markets such as Miami, Los Angeles, and New York ranked lower due to diverse entertainment options, large transplant populations, and multiple sports teams dividing fan attention.
- Philadelphia ranked fifth overall, placing in the top five for five of the eight metrics, reflecting strong fan dedication despite being a large market with distractions.
- Winning teams also influence rankings, with markets like Kansas City, Buffalo, and Boston benefiting from recent success, highlighting the link between team performance and fan engagement.