Massachusetts – NHL
Massachusetts is a state that loves its sport. With the New England Patriots in the NFL, the Boston Red Sox in MLB, and the Boston Celtics in the NBA, competition for the most popular sport is tough in the state. Ice Hockey, however, takes the top spot. With six Stanley Cup victories to their name, the NHL’s Boston Bruins attract more people in the state of Massachusetts than any other.
New York – MLB
New York is seen by many as the mecca of sports in the United States. You have the New York Giants and New York Jets NFL franchises, the Rangers, Islanders and Sabres for NHL and the NBA’s Knicks and Nets. It is America’s favorite sport, however, that takes the top spot. With the historic Yankees in the Bronx and the Mets in Queens, MLB is New York’s most popular sport.
Oklahoma – NCAA Football
The Sooner state only has one major league franchise in the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, so Oklahomans spend the majority of their time supporting the minor leagues. Softball is a popular sport, as is minor league baseball, but it is college athletics that this state loves. The famed NCAA rivalry between University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State on the football field attracts more than any other in the state.
Washington – NFL
With Seattle boasting MLB, NBA and NFL franchises, the state capitol sees fans flock to all of their major sporting events. The NFL’s Seattle Seahawks take the lead though in popularity, thanks in part to their 2014 Superbowl victory. The official state sport is recognised as Pickleball, the fastest growing sport in the country according to the SFIA.
Texas – MLB
With Texas being home to ‘America’s Team’, the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, the fact the MLB is the state’s most popular sport may come as a surprise. Home to another NFL team in the Houston Texans, the state also boasts three NBA teams and an NHL side. MLB is represented by the Astros and the Rangers, and more Texans attend or watch this sport than any other.
Hawaii – NFL
Due to its distance from mainland USA, Hawaii does not have any major league teams in any sport. Surfing is taken seriously in Hawaii, but the main focus on sports in Hawaii comes from the college system. The islands host golfing and basketball tournaments annually, yet the sport Hawaiians choose to attend or view more than any other is the NFL.
North Carolina – NFL
North Carolina is home to four major league franchises; the MLS’s Charlotte FC, the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets and, its most popular, the NFL’s Charlotte Panthers. North Carolinians also enjoy an array of other sports, including lacrosse and women’s soccer as well as NASCAR.
Nevada – NHL
What better place to take to the ice than the red-hot Nevada? Thanks to the Vegas Golden Knights, who joined the NHL in 2017, ice hockey is now the state’s favourite sport. With the Las Vegas Raiders moving from Oakland in 2000, the NFL is sure to take this spot from hockey, and by 2027, MLB’s Oakland Athletics are set to also make the move to Nevada.
Georgia – NCAA Football
Georgia has all the major sports covered, including the NBA, NFL, NBA and MLS. It’s NCAA Division 1 football that really gets sports fans in Georgia excited, though. The state hosts the Georgia Bulldogs, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Georgia State Panthers, and Georgia Southern Eagles. The Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets share a storied rivalry called Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate.
California – MLB
Home to 19 major sports franchises, more than any other state, sport is certainly California’s favorite pastime. It is home to the NFL’s Rams, Chargers and 49ers, the NBA’s Lakers, Clippers and Kings, as well as numerous NHL and soccer teams. Taking all this into account, however, no sport in California attracts more fans than baseball. The LA Angels, Oakland A’s, Padres and the Giants make MLB dominate Californian sports.
