Rank your city's sports teams by popularity - Page 12

Acajack · #**221** Posted **Feb 9, 2022, 6:06 PM**

In my experience the past glory of teams does live on for a longer period amongst foreign fans due to people not necessarily having the interest nor the ability to follow the goings-on of a league on a regular basis.

The Michael Jordan and Bulls case is a classic example.

I've noticed that when it comes to foreigners and the aura of the Montreal Canadiens as well. (Foreigners often think they're a consistent powerhouse every year like FC Barcelona.)

JManc · #**222** Posted **Feb 9, 2022, 6:40 PM**

I think the 90's forever changed the image of the Bulls. Especially those of us who remember that era.

38 Geary · #**223** Posted **Feb 9, 2022, 7:05 PM**

Yeah I think that level of sustained success (dynasty) has permanently elevated the Bulls into that historical, all time great type franchise where you expect success, like the Lakers and Celtics. Or at the very least, long periods of mediocrity is considered unacceptable by the fans. I think the Warriors are knocking on that doorstep now, especially if they can win another championship with this core. Although if you also factor in how they've revolutionized the game, they don't necessarily need to win another championship in order to be cemented into this upper echelon of NBA franchises. From the NBA down to the youth levels, everyone is trying to study and emulate their style of play. Well, except for the Lakers and Nets.

JHikka · #**224** Posted **Feb 9, 2022, 9:17 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by badrunner

The Knicks are as popular in NYC as the Lakers are in LA. It's crazy but it's true. I can't figure it out either.

The biggest 'what if' in the NBA has to be what would the NBA be like if the Knicks were ever actually good. Country's largest media market with a team that hasn't been relevant since the 90s.

Greavsie · #**225** Posted **Feb 10, 2022, 8:20 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by thoughtcriminal

Sp*rs at the top? I don't think even the most hardcore totn'm fan would agree with that.
Fun fact: they saved a lot of money on building their new stadium because they didn't need to have any space for their trophy displays.

#londonisred #arsenal #gooners

I didn't say they were the best but they certainly have the largest amount of fans..I also forgot Charlton Athletic they should be about no 6 on the list!

thoughtcriminal · #**226** Posted **Feb 10, 2022, 8:56 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greavsie

I didn't say they were the best but they certainly have the largest amount of fans..

you'll have to share your source on that, I've never heard that. I've been an Arsenal fan for a long time, spent time in London, and the only other team that would be considered a serious contender for the title of Most Popular Team in London is Chelsea.

Anyway, the real purpose of my post was to state that it looks as though the Sixers have indeed moved up the ranks with the James Harden / Ben Simmons trade. I'm not an NBA fan, but I wish the Sixers luck with this! Seems like it was a good trade for both teams (from my limited knowledge).

SFBruin · #**227** Posted **Feb 11, 2022, 11:39 PM**

Crazy how MLS is growing in popularity.

Yuri · #**228** Posted **Feb 12, 2022, 7:38 PM**

São Paulo (city, metro area and state)

1. Corinthians (São Paulo)

2. Palmeiras (São Paulo)

3. São Paulo (São Paulo)

4. Santos (Santos)

Those are the 4 biggest (and part of Brazilian Big 12) and virtually everybody in the state support one of them.

Quixote · #**229** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 9:06 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LosAngelesSportsFan

Interesting.. As an outsider, I always thought it was Bears or Cubs 1/2, Bulls / Blackhawks 3/4 then the rest..

For the LA area, I would rank local teams as follows (Angels and Ducks would be higher in an oc centric poll)

1) Lakers
2) Dodgers

3) USC Football
4) Rams

5) UCLA Basketball
6) UCLA Footbal
7) Kings
8) Clippers
9) Galaxy
10) LAFC
11) Angels

12) Ducks
13) USC Basketball
14) Sparks

Rams just won the Super Bowl, yo!

The Trojans' popularity has waned quite a bit since the mid-00s, and I think the #3 spot is now open and can be secured by the Rams with consistent postseason appearances and advancement.

BrandonJXN · #**230** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 5:26 PM**

If you have been following the Rams since they returned to Los Angeles, they built this team to bring a championship to the city. Everything they did from hiring McVay to trading away draft picks and doing pretty high risk maneuvers, for them to come from behind and win the Super Bowl at home (which was from a visual standpoint one of the most beautiful Super Bowls ever) has solidified that the Rams are indeed home. I would slot them comfortably behind the Dodgers.

Special shout out goes to the Detroit Lions. Everyone in Detroit knew that Matthew Stafford was a great quarterback on a terrible team. For 12 years. First year out of Detroit, and he wins a Super Bowl. That is just hilarious.

Quixote · #**231** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 7:16 PM**

The Trojans still get lots of airtime on Mason and Ireland (the most popular sports talk radio show in LA) on ESPNLA 710, although that might partially have to do with the fact that ESPNLA 710 is the official home of the Trojans (and also the Rams). I haven't listened to Mason and Ireland in quite a while, but the impression I last got was that the Trojans and Rams were about on equal footing.

Trojans football is a very decorated program and will always have a large following, but its "staying power" isn't like Michigan, Georgia Tech, and Georgia. Note that I only listed programs located in and around large metro areas where college football is arguably on par with (or even more popular than) the NFL. And part of the Trojans' popularity is derived from their success in the mid-00s when LA didn't have a pro football team, let alone two.

Even with the Super Bowl victory, the Rams still need to make inroads. There are still lots of Angelenos who haven't completely forsaken the Raiders because of legacy; instead, they root for both teams. I think it'll take a generation for the Rams to fully entrench themselves back into the LA fabric, and this SB win certainly helps. I'm just glad the Rams are back in LA. They were the first pro sports franchise to be based (1946) and win a championship (1951) here.

And the idea that LA never really cared about or supported the Rams is/was rubbish. If you grew up here in the 50s, 60s, or 70s, the Rams were unequivocally LA's pro football team. Then they moved to Anaheim (away from their core fan base) in 1980 and stayed there for the next 15 years before packing up for STL. So the Rams are essentially two full generations removed from enjoying the privilege of being LA's true NFL team.

(larger); Bring Back the Los Angeles Rams

bdurk · #**232** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 7:27 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFBruin

Crazy how MLS is growing in popularity.

Some great signings this offseason! Very excited to see Shaqiri, Insigne, and Douglas Costa play

mrnyc · #**233** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 7:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quixote

The Trojans still get lots of airtime on Mason and Ireland (the most popular sports talk radio show in LA) on ESPNLA 710, although that might partially have to do with the fact that ESPNLA 710 is the official home of the Trojans (and also the Rams). I haven't listened to Mason and Ireland in quite a while, but the impression I last got was that the Trojans and Rams were about on equal footing.

Trojans football is a very decorated program and will always have a large following, but its "staying power" isn't like Michigan, Georgia Tech, and Georgia. Note that I only listed programs located in and around large metro areas where college football is arguably on par with (or even more popular than) the NFL. And part of the Trojans' popularity is derived from their success in the mid-00s when LA didn't have a pro football team, let alone two.

Even with the Super Bowl victory, the Rams still need to make inroads. There are still lots of Angelenos who haven't completely forsaken the Raiders because of legacy; instead, they root for both teams. I think it'll take a generation for the Rams to fully entrench themselves back into the LA fabric, and this SB win certainly helps. I'm just glad the Rams are back in LA. They were the first pro sports franchise to be based (1946) and win a championship (1951) here.

And the idea that LA never really cared about or supported the Rams is/was rubbish. If you grew up here in the 50s, 60s, or 70s, the Rams were unequivocally LA's pro football team. Then they moved to Anaheim (away from their core fan base) in 1980 and stayed there for the next 15 years before packing up for STL. So the Rams are essentially two full generations removed from enjoying the privilege of being LA's true NFL team.

(larger); Bring Back the Los Angeles Rams

err, umm, who you tellin?

a little more? we also lost the olympics to los angeles too (thats why the enormous old municipal stadium was built).

oh and we got some bengals cleveland stories in cleveland too mang.

most tortured sports city -- bar none.

JManc · #**234** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 7:37 PM**

I wonder if the Rams will actually stay in LA now. Like permanently.

mrnyc · #**235** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 7:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JManc

I wonder if the Rams will actually stay in LA now. Like permanently.

los angeles? permanency ??

Steely Dan · #**236** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 7:46 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JManc

I wonder if the Rams will actually stay in LA now. Like permanently.

if the history of the NFL in california is anything to go by, i predict:

1. the rams will eventually move to oakland.

2. then the chargers will move to fresno for some stupid fucking reason because who cares?

3. seeing an opening, the raiders will leave their brand new digs in LV and move back to LA for a 2nd time!!!

JManc · #**237** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 7:48 PM**

lol. I would not wage against that.

mrnyc · #**238** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 7:58 PM**

^ ahahaha -- yes thats about likely!

JHikka · #**239** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 8:03 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by bdurk

Some great signings this offseason! Very excited to see Shaqiri, Insigne, and Douglas Costa play

Really interested to see how much TFC can push the needle in the leadup to the 2026 World Cup. There's a very motivated and concrete plan in place to prop TFC up at the centre of things in the leadup, Insigne being the beginning of that. An added bonus if visiting teams can supply seasoned veterans and current NT players.

BrandonJXN · #**240** Posted **Feb 14, 2022, 8:54 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrnyc

err, umm, who you tellin?

a little more? we also lost the olympics to los angeles too (thats why the enormous old municipal stadium was built).

oh and we got some bengals cleveland stories in cleveland too mang.

most tortured sports city -- bar none.

Not only that, the Rams moved to LA the very next season after they won the NFL Championship. Out of LA's major sports teams, only the Kings, Sparks, LA Galaxy, and LAFC originated and never left. Every team that played in Inglewood won a championship (except the Chargers) and the Rams are the only team win a championship in 3 different cities.

LA sports is a complicated mess but fascinating nonetheless.