Think your state is passionate about sports? So does every other state. The beautiful thing about the U.S. is that sports rivalries run so deep that you could probably start a heated argument with just a hat and a tailgate chair. Let’s travel across the country, state by state, exploring each local favorite, the teams that inspire questionable tattoos, and why the fans are just a little obsessed.
This journey is based on data from World Population Review, which compiled findings from multiple sources to determine each state's true favorite sport. Let's see if your state's "obsession" matches the data.
Alabama
In Alabama, American football isn't just the most popular sport; it's practically a state-mandated religion. The data confirms what everyone already knew: college football rules this land. You’re either born yelling “Roll Tide” for the Alabama Crimson Tide or “War Eagle” for the Auburn Tigers. There is no middle ground, only a 365-day-a-year rivalry.
The annual Iron Bowl is less a football game and more a statewide test of family loyalty. Championships are expected, not hoped for, and the state’s collective mood rises and falls with every SEC Saturday. Choosing a side is your first and most important civic duty.
Alaska
Alaska’s most popular sport is NHL Hockey, which makes perfect sense for a place where a “mild winter day” is still cold enough to freeze a puck to the ground. With no local NHL team, Alaskans adopt teams with the same fierce loyalty they apply to their favorite sled dog, with the nearby Seattle Kraken and Vancouver Canucks getting a lot of love.
Game nights in the Last Frontier involve braving the cold and huddling around a screen to watch grown men chase rubber. It proves that even in the most remote corners of the country, the primal thrill of a good old-fashioned hockey fight is universal entertainment.
Arizona
According to the data, Arizona’s favorite sport is NBA Basketball. In the Valley of the Sun, the Phoenix Suns provide a different kind of heat. For decades, this team has been a source of both soaring hope and soul-crushing disappointment, creating a fanbase that is as resilient as a desert cactus.
While the Cardinals and Diamondbacks have their moments, the hardwood is where Arizona’s heart lies. The roar of the crowd at the Footprint Center during a playoff run can feel hotter than a July afternoon in Phoenix, proving that this desert state has a serious case of basketball fever.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, the numbers point to college football as the reigning king. This is Razorback country, where the cry of "Woo Pig Sooie!" is a sacred chant. The Arkansas Razorbacks are the only major team in town, uniting the state in a sea of cardinal red every fall Saturday.
Life in Arkansas revolves around the Razorbacks' schedule. It dictates weekend plans, family gatherings, and the emotional state of the entire population. In a state with deep pride, the football team is the ultimate symbol of Arkansas grit and determination.
California
California's heart belongs to MLB Baseball. With five MLB teams—the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, and Oakland Athletics—the state is a baseball haven. The historic feud between the Dodgers and Giants alone is enough to fuel the state’s passion for generations.
From the sun-soaked stands of Dodger Stadium to the breezy fog of Oracle Park, baseball is woven into the fabric of California life. It's a sport that reflects the state's diversity and laid-back vibe, where a day at the ballpark is the perfect escape.
Colorado
While the Broncos have a massive following, the data reveals that NBA Basketball is the most popular sport in Colorado, thanks to the Denver Nuggets. The franchise's recent ascent to an NBA championship, led by the unstoppable Nikola Jokic, has solidified basketball's top spot in the Mile High City.
Nuggets fans have turned Ball Arena into one of the league's most formidable home courts. The combination of high altitude and a passionate fanbase makes it a nightmare for visiting teams. In Colorado, the Rocky Mountain high is now synonymous with basketball glory.
Connecticut
Connecticut is a state divided by baseball, with MLB serving as its most popular sport. Located squarely on the battle line between two of sports' greatest rivals, your loyalty is pledged at birth to either the New York Yankees or the Boston Red Sox. There is no neutrality; you pick a side and defend it for life.
Family dinners can quickly turn into heated debates over championships, legendary players, and which team’s fans are more obnoxious. It’s a rivalry that defines the state’s sports identity, making every summer a season of civil war.
Delaware
Delaware may be the first state, but it’s second to none in its love for NFL Football. With no home team, Delawareans overwhelmingly adopt the Philadelphia Eagles as their own. The state might as well be an extension of South Philly on game days, as midnight green becomes the unofficial state color.
The passion for the Eagles is a unifying force. From Wilmington to the beaches, you'll hear "Fly, Eagles, Fly!" echoing on Sundays. It’s a fierce, borrowed loyalty that feels every bit as authentic as if the team played right in Dover.
Florida
It’s no surprise that in a state obsessed with competition, NFL Football comes out on top. Florida is home to three NFL franchises—the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars—each with its own dedicated and often long-suffering fanbase.
From the historic glory of the Dolphins' perfect season to the modern-day triumphs of the Buccaneers, football provides year-round drama. In Florida, the humidity isn't the only thing that's suffocating; the pressure to win on Sundays is just as intense.
Georgia
The data confirms that college football is the lifeblood of Georgia. On Saturdays in the fall, the entire state is painted red and black in devotion to the Georgia Bulldogs. The "Dawgs" are more than a team; they are a cultural institution.
Based in Athens, the Bulldogs have a history of dominance that unites fans from the Atlanta suburbs to the coastal plains. When the Bulldogs are playing, everything else in Georgia comes to a standstill. It’s a level of obsession that has to be seen to be believed.
Hawaii
In the paradise of Hawaii, NFL Football is the most popular spectator sport. With no local team, islanders often root for West Coast powerhouses like the San Francisco 49ers and Las Vegas Raiders, or any team with a prominent player of Polynesian heritage.
Game days start early in Hawaii due to the time difference, meaning fans are enjoying kickoff with their morning coffee. It’s a unique football culture where tailgates might involve poke bowls and the post-game celebration includes a trip to the beach.
Idaho
In Idaho, it's not potatoes but college football that gets the people fired up. The Boise State Broncos, with their iconic blue turf, are the undisputed darlings of the state. The team’s history as a giant-killer has earned them a national reputation and the unwavering love of Idahoans.
With no major professional teams to compete for attention, the Broncos are the center of Idaho's sports universe. The entire state rallies behind them, creating a unified and passionate fanbase that is proud of its underdog heroes.
Illinois
Illinois is a baseball state, with MLB reigning as its most popular sport. The city of Chicago is the epicenter of a classic crosstown rivalry between the Chicago Cubs on the North Side and the Chicago White Sox on the South Side. Your allegiance is a core part of your identity.
Further south, a significant portion of the state pulls for the St. Louis Cardinals, adding another layer to the state's complex baseball map. In Illinois, summer is defined by the crack of the bat and the never-ending debate over which team is superior.
Indiana
While its reputation is built on basketball, the data shows that Indiana's most popular sport is NFL Football. The success of the Indianapolis Colts, especially during the Peyton Manning era, converted a state of hoop fanatics into a legion of football devotees.
Lucas Oil Stadium becomes a cathedral of blue and white on Sundays. While basketball will always be in Indiana's DNA, the Colts have captured the state's heart, proving that there's room for more than one sporting love in Hoosier country.
Iowa
In Iowa, where there are no major pro teams, NFL Football reigns supreme. The state becomes a fascinating patchwork of allegiances, with fans adopting teams from neighboring states. The Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chicago Bears all have strongholds here.
This creates a unique and diverse football culture where a Sunday gathering can look like a meeting of the NFL's entire midwestern division. Iowans may not have a home team, but their passion for the sport is as real as it gets.
Kansas
The Sunflower State is firmly in the grip of NFL Football, and its loyalty lies with the Kansas City Chiefs. The team's stadium may be in Missouri, but its fanbase extends deep into Kansas. The recent dynasty, led by Patrick Mahomes, has only intensified this devotion.
On "Red Fridays," the state is awash in the team's colors as fans prepare for the weekend's game. In Kansas, football isn't just a sport; it's a source of regional pride and a reason to fire up the barbecue.
Kentucky
In Kentucky, basketball is king, and college hoops are the crown jewels. This is the only state where NCAA Basketball is the undisputed favorite. The rivalry between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Louisville Cardinals is the stuff of legend, dividing the state into two passionate camps.
March Madness is practically a state holiday, with brackets being filled out with the seriousness of a legal document. In the Bluegrass State, basketball is more than a game; it's a cultural obsession that runs deep in the veins of every Kentuckian.
Louisiana
Louisiana's favorite sport is college football, a perfect fit for a state that loves a good party. The LSU Tigers are the main event, and a Saturday night game at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, famously known as "Death Valley," is one of the most electrifying experiences in sports.
The passion for LSU football is a central part of Louisiana's identity. Tailgates are culinary masterpieces, and the entire state's mood can be dictated by the outcome of a single game. "Geaux Tigers" is more than a cheer; it's a way of life.
Maine
In the rugged, beautiful state of Maine, the most popular sport is NFL Football. As part of New England, the state's allegiance belongs entirely to the New England Patriots. The team's two decades of dominance created a generation of die-hard fans from Kittery to Fort Kent.
On game days, sports bars across the state are filled with fans in navy and white, cheering on their beloved team. In Maine, loyalty to the Patriots is as strong and enduring as the state's rocky coastline.
Maryland
While the Orioles have a deep history, the data suggests that NFL Football is the most popular sport in Maryland. The state is home to the Baltimore Ravens, a franchise known for its tough, defensive identity and passionate fanbase. On Sundays, the city of Baltimore is a sea of purple and black.
The proximity to the nation's capital also means the Washington Commanders have a significant following, particularly in the suburbs around D.C. This creates a healthy rivalry and ensures that football conversations in Maryland are always lively.
Massachusetts
In a state with a rich history in all sports, NHL Hockey emerges as the favorite. Boston is a hockey town, and the Boston Bruins, one of the NHL's "Original Six," are its beloved team. The Bruins' tough, gritty style of play perfectly reflects the city's character.
When the Bruins are in the playoffs, the city comes alive with an energy that is hard to match. Hockey is woven into the culture here, from youth leagues on frozen ponds to the roaring crowds at TD Garden.
Michigan
Michigan is a state defined by its fierce college football rivalries. The annual clash between the Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans is a statewide event that pits friends, family, and coworkers against each other in a battle for bragging rights.
Saturdays in the fall are reserved for football. Whether you're in Ann Arbor's "Big House" or East Lansing's Spartan Stadium, the passion is palpable. In Michigan, your college football allegiance is a fundamental part of who you are.
Minnesota
Minnesotans are passionate about all their teams, but the data points to NFL Football and the Minnesota Vikings as the state's top choice. The "Skol" chant and the Gjallarhorn are iconic symbols of a fanbase known for its unwavering loyalty, despite a history of heartbreaking losses.
Braving the cold for a tailgate is a rite of passage for Vikings fans. The team is a source of immense regional pride, and the hope for a Super Bowl victory is a flame that never dies out in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Mississippi
In Mississippi, college football is the sport that matters most. The state is passionately divided between two SEC rivals: the Ole Miss Rebels and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. The annual rivalry game, the "Egg Bowl," is one of the most intense and historic in the country.
Your allegiance is declared early in life and is defended with vigor. The culture of tailgating in "The Grove" at Ole Miss is legendary, while the sound of cowbells at Mississippi State is unforgettable. In Mississippi, football is a family affair.
Missouri
According to World Population Review, Missouri's favorite sport is NHL Hockey. The St. Louis Blues captured the state's heart with their improbable run to the Stanley Cup in 2019, the first in franchise history. That victory cemented the Blues as the city's most beloved team.
The team's anthem, "Gloria," became a rallying cry for the entire state. While the Cardinals and Chiefs have massive followings, the passion for the Blues and the shared experience of their championship run put hockey at the top of the list in the Show-Me State.
Montana
Under the big sky of Montana, the top sport is NFL Football. With no professional team to call its own, the state's loyalties are typically split between regional favorites like the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks.
Sundays in Montana are for watching football, and the vast distances don't diminish the passion. It’s a rugged, independent fandom that proves you don’t need a home team to have a rooting interest.
Nebraska
Nebraska's identity is inextricably linked to college football. The Nebraska Cornhuskers are the only show in town, and on game days, Memorial Stadium in Lincoln becomes the third-largest city in the state. The "Sea of Red" is a sight to behold.
Though the team has been rebuilding, the loyalty of the fanbase has never wavered. In Nebraska, Husker football is a tradition passed down through generations, a unifying force for the entire state.
Nevada
Hockey in the desert? It's not a mirage; it's a reality. The data shows that NHL Hockey is the most popular sport in Nevada, thanks to the spectacular arrival of the Vegas Golden Knights. The team's immediate success and 2023 Stanley Cup victory created an instant and fervent fanbase.
The Golden Knights have become an integral part of Las Vegas's identity, proving that a non-traditional market can embrace hockey with incredible passion. The atmosphere at T-Mobile Arena is as electric as the Las Vegas Strip itself.
New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, the motto "Live Free or Die" could easily apply to their love of hockey. As part of New England, the state's primary NHL allegiance is to the Boston Bruins. However, the sport is also beloved at the collegiate level, with the University of New Hampshire Wildcats drawing passionate crowds.
Hockey is part of the culture here, a perfect pastime for the long, cold winters. Whether it's watching the Bruins or a local college game, the people of New Hampshire have a deep appreciation for what happens on the ice.
New Jersey
The Garden State is a baseball battleground, with MLB being its most popular sport. North Jersey is predominantly New York Yankees territory, while South Jersey is a stronghold for the Philadelphia Phillies. The New York Mets also carve out a significant following.
This geographic split creates a dynamic and often contentious sports culture. Your location on the Turnpike can often determine your baseball allegiance, making for lively debates and rivalries all summer long.
New Mexico
In the Land of Enchantment, NFL Football is the most popular sport. With no local team, fans are divided between regional powerhouses. The Dallas Cowboys have a massive following, as do the Denver Broncos, creating a fascinating mix of loyalties across the state.
This split fandom makes for interesting social dynamics on Sundays. You have to choose your company carefully, as a friendly gathering can quickly turn into a heated debate over which team is "America's Team."
New York
In the Empire State, baseball is still the king. New York is home to two of the most famous franchises in sports, the New York Yankees and the New York Mets. The Yankees' global brand and storied history are legendary, while the Mets have a passionate and resilient fanbase.
The "Subway Series" between the two teams is a major event that captivates the city. Baseball is part of New York's DNA, a sport that is debated, celebrated, and agonized over with unmatched passion.
North Carolina
While the state is famous for its college basketball, the data indicates that NFL Football is its most popular sport. The Carolina Panthers, based in Charlotte, represent both North and South Carolina and have a dedicated fanbase that fills Bank of America Stadium every Sunday.
The arrival of the Panthers in 1995 gave the state its own major professional team to rally behind. That sense of ownership and regional pride has made the NFL the top draw for sports fans in North Carolina.
North Dakota
In the vast, open plains of North Dakota, NFL Football is the sport that brings people together. The state overwhelmingly supports the Minnesota Vikings, with a strong contingent of Green Bay Packers fans thrown in to keep things interesting.
The harsh winters are perfect for staying inside and watching football. The loyalty to these adopted home teams is fierce, proving that you don't need to be close to a stadium to be a die-hard fan.
Ohio
Ohio is a football state, fractured down the middle by its two NFL teams. In the north, you have the Cleveland Browns and their famously loyal "Dawg Pound." In the south, you have the Cincinnati Bengals and their stripes. The "Battle of Ohio" is a bitter rivalry.
This intrastate conflict defines Ohio's sports landscape. Your loyalty is determined by geography, and it is non-negotiable. It's a passionate, blue-collar football culture that thrives on hope and history.
Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, football is a way of life, and the college game reigns supreme. The state is split between two historic programs: the Oklahoma Sooners and the Oklahoma State Cowboys. The rivalry, known as the "Bedlam Series," is one of the most heated in the nation.
Saturdays in the fall are sacred. The state's identity is tied to the success of its college football teams, and the passion of the fans is unmatched. In Oklahoma, you pick a side early and stick with it for life.
Oregon
In Oregon, the sole major professional sports team is the Portland Trail Blazers, making NBA Basketball the state's most popular sport. "Rip City" is a basketball-crazed town with a fanbase known for its loyalty and passion.
The Moda Center is consistently one of the loudest arenas in the NBA. The Trail Blazers are a source of immense pride for the entire state, a unifying force that brings Oregonians together to cheer on their beloved team.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state defined by its two NFL teams and the passionate rivalry between them. In the east, it's all about the Philadelphia Eagles. In the west, it's the black and gold of the Pittsburgh Steelers. This cross-state feud is one of the best in all of sports.
The two cities have distinct identities, and their football teams are a perfect reflection of that. In Pennsylvania, football is more than just a game; it's a core part of the state's culture and a source of immense local pride.
Rhode Island
As the smallest state in the union, Rhode Island has a big love for NFL Football. Being part of New England, the state's overwhelming favorite is the New England Patriots. The team's dynasty created a generation of fans who expect nothing but greatness.
On game days, the passion for the Patriots is evident across the state. It's a shared regional identity that unites Rhode Islanders in their support of one of the most successful franchises in sports history.
South Carolina
In South Carolina, college football is the sport that ignites the most passion. The state is fiercely divided between two rivals: the Clemson Tigers and the South Carolina Gamecocks. The "Palmetto Bowl" is the culmination of a year's worth of bragging rights.
Your allegiance is a defining characteristic, and the rivalry is a friendly (and sometimes not-so-friendly) affair. Tailgating is an art form, and Saturdays are reserved for cheering on your chosen team.
South Dakota
Like its neighbor to the north, South Dakota is NFL Football country. The Minnesota Vikings are the most popular team, with a strong following across the state. The Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers also have pockets of dedicated fans.
With no local team, South Dakotans adopt their favorites with a passion that rivals any home market. It’s a testament to the power of football that it can create such strong loyalties even from hundreds of miles away.
Tennessee
Tennessee is a state that loves its football, both college and pro. The Tennessee Volunteers have a massive and passionate following, and Neyland Stadium in Knoxville is one of the great cathedrals of college football.
In the pros, the Tennessee Titans have captured the hearts of Nashville and the surrounding region. This dual love of college and professional football makes Tennessee a true football state, with passionate fanbases at every level.
Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the love of sports. While football is a cultural obsession, the data indicates that MLB Baseball is the most popular sport. The state is home to two MLB franchises, the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers, both of whom have won recent World Series championships.
The rivalry between the two teams for the "Silver Boot" is a source of intrastate pride. From the passionate crowds at Minute Maid Park to the beautiful ballpark in Arlington, baseball has a deep and enduring hold on the Lone Star State.
Utah
In Utah, NBA Basketball is the top sport, and the Utah Jazz are the state's beloved team. Salt Lake City is home to one of the most loyal and vocal fanbases in the league, creating a formidable home-court advantage.
The Jazz are a unifying force in Utah, a team that the entire state can rally behind. The franchise has a history of success and a deep connection with its community, making basketball the undisputed king of Utah sports.
Vermont
In the Green Mountain State, NHL Hockey is the favorite pastime. The proximity to two major hockey markets means fans are often split between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, one of the most historic rivalries in the sport.
At the collegiate level, the University of Vermont Catamounts have a passionate following. Hockey is a perfect fit for Vermont's cold winters, and the sport is deeply embedded in the state's culture.
Virginia
Virginia is for lovers… of MLB Baseball. With no home team, the state's allegiances are split between the Washington Nationals to the north and the Baltimore Orioles. The Nationals' 2019 World Series victory created a new generation of fans in Northern Virginia.
The state is also home to numerous minor league teams, fostering a strong grassroots baseball culture. For Virginians, a summer evening is best spent at the ballpark, enjoying America's pastime.
Washington
In the rainy state of Washington, NFL Football is the sport that shines brightest. The Seattle Seahawks and their famously loud "12th Man" fanbase make CenturyLink Field one of the most difficult places to play in the league.
The team's success in the 2010s, including a Super Bowl victory, solidified the Seahawks as the state's most popular team. The passion for the Seahawks is a unifying force, bringing together fans from all corners of the Evergreen State.
West Virginia
In West Virginia, there is only one team that matters: the West Virginia Mountaineers. College football is the undisputed king in a state with no major professional sports. The passion for the Mountaineers is a central part of the state's identity.
Game days in Morgantown are a sight to behold, with the entire state seemingly descending on the city to cheer on their team. The singing of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" after a victory is one of the most cherished traditions in all of college sports.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a state with a deep love for all its teams, but the data indicates that NBA Basketball and the Milwaukee Bucks have risen to the top. The team's 2021 NBA championship, led by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, brought a new level of excitement to the state.
While the Green Bay Packers are an institution, the Bucks have captured the imagination of a new generation of fans. Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee is now one of the most electric atmospheres in the NBA, proving that Wisconsin is more than just a football state.
Wyoming
In the wide-open spaces of Wyoming, the surprising favorite sport is MLB Baseball. With no local team, fans in the Cowboy State often follow the nearby Colorado Rockies. The shared Rocky Mountain identity creates a natural connection.
It's a remote but dedicated fandom, where games are often followed on the radio during long drives. This love of baseball proves that even in the least populated state, America's pastime has a special place in people's hearts.
