First of all, let’s talk about what it means to be a fan. 

Nowadays it takes millions of dollars every year to run a sports franchise. And you may have guessed it already, but most of this money comes from the fans. Whether it is through broadcasting, merchandise sales, or ticket revenue, fans are the ones financially supporting these teams. But fandom is much more than owning a couple of jerseys of your favorite team. In sports, there is almost no individuality. To be an athlete, coach, fan, or any type of supporter means you are part of a community. This community shares one goal and that is to win. Athletes and coaches are the only ones that can directly affect an outcome of a game but that does not mean fans have no leverage in the competitiveness of their team. Fans are the lifeblood of sports teams. Without fans, there is no energy to the game, no excitement, and no pressure on the athletes to perform. Fans play a crucial role in sports, creating a high-intensity environment, and boosting the morale of players. In this blog, we will explore the most impactful fanbases in American sports, how they were built, and what it means for that franchise.

So what teams hold the most loyal fanbase? 

1. Dallas Cowboys  

Being worth around $6 billion, the Dallas Cowboys are more than just a football team, they are a brand known by millions across the world. One of the key factors to the Cowboys’ success and popularity is their fan engagement. The team has a strong presence on social media, regularly sharing news updates, behind-the-scenes content, and personal interaction with athletes, coaches, and the front office. Another factor is history and tradition. Between the ring of honor at AT&T stadium, five Super Bowl championships, and a longtime owner in Jerry Jones, the Cowboys have a rich history that fans are honored to be a part of. 

1. New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are one of the most storied and successful franchises in Major League Baseball. The “Yanks” have won 27 World Series championships and have a legacy of iconic players. Babe Ruth, Derek Jeter, and Lou Gherig, are all former Yankee legends and some of the most famous players to ever play the game. Because of this rich history, the Yankees also have the pleasure of being one of the most followed and talked about teams in American sports. From national broadcasts to regular coverage in the media, the Yankees are one of the most visible and well-known franchises in the world.

1. Los Angeles Lakers 

Like the others on this list, the Lakers have success ingrained into their history. The Los Angeles Lakers have 16 Finals championship titles and some of the biggest names to ever play the sport. In the 2000s the Lakers did an extremely good job at bringing their brand worldwide. They did not fail to capitalize on having one of the most polarizing athletes in all of the sports, Kobe Bryant. During his career, the Lakers pushed to bring his name worldwide and because of that, purple and gold are repped all across China and Europe, showing their love for the late Kobe “Bean” Bryant. 

There is a clear pattern when looking at an impactful and loyal fanbase, and that is a success. The simple fact of the matter is that fans want to cheer for winning teams. In sports culture, there is a big snowball effect when talking about fan bases and a team’s coverage. The most talked about team in a given season is either the defending champion or the league leader. This effect is what keeps teams like the Washington Wizards at the bottom and teams like the Lakers at the top. But this competition is what makes sports what they are. No one talks about losers, and all bragging rights go to the winners. And more wins mean more sales, more coverage, better athletes, and more fans.