America’s Most Sports-Obsessed Cities: Where Fans Just Can’t Log Off

From Friday night lights to packed NBA arenas and NFL Sundays, America’s love affair with sports is as enduring as ever. However, the true heartbeat of modern fandom now lives online.

Today’s supporters follow every play, move and rivalry in real time through social media, streaming platforms and digital news outlets. Whether it’s catching highlights on TikTok, debating draft picks on X or watching live matches on the go, sports engagement has never been more connected or constant.

To uncover the stats behind the trend, Hard Rock Bet set out to discover which U.S. cities and states are consuming the most sports-related content online, and which leagues are driving that obsession.

Our team analyzed online reach data from Brandwatch across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS and Premier League. The numbers capture a full year of digital engagement, from November 2024 to November 2025, revealing how often fans in each city interact with or view content about each league.

We then calculated per-capita reach to show which cities are most sports-obsessed relative to their population size. Finally, we explored state-level trends and spotlighted Florida’s most sports-engaged cities.

Now, let’s reveal where America’s passion for football, basketball, and soccer truly burns brightest.

New York City tops the ranking for sports engagement in the U.S.

From coast to coast, America’s most passionate fanbases aren’t just cheering in stadiums. They’re also lighting up screens with billions of digital interactions across every major league. Here are the top 10 most sports-obsessed cities in the nation by total annual online reach and engagement.

1. New York City, New York – 13,215,402,823

No city rivals New York’s sheer sporting scale. With diehard fans for teams like the Yankees, Knicks, Giants, Jets, and Rangers to only name a few, The Big Apple dominates online engagement like it dominates headlines. The Big Apple is the undisputed capital of American sports online.

2. Los Angeles, California – 5,371,434,342

From Lakers legends to Dodgers dynasties, LA’s fans deliver Hollywood-level devotion. The City of Angels is a powerhouse for basketball, baseball and beyond. Fans are always online and never stop watching.

3. Chicago, Illinois – 4,471,530,669

Chicago’s sporting soul runs deep. From the Bears and Bulls to the Cubs and Blackhawks, this is a city this is a city built on loyalty, nostalgia and multi-sport passion that keeps fans clicking year-round.

4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 3,527,189,875

While it is home to the Penguins and Pirates too, Steelers Nation rules the digital realm in The Steel City. Pittsburgh’s fierce football fandom drives its enormous reach, proving that black-and-gold pride shines brightest online.

5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 2,904,758,074

Philly fans are famously passionate, and their online energy proves it. From the Eagles to the Phillies, no city blends intensity and loyalty quite like this one.

6. Miami, Florida – 2,561,657,714

Sun, surf and serious sports. Miami mixes global soccer love with Heat and Dolphins pride, fueling a nonstop stream of digital engagement across every platform.

7. Las Vegas, Nevada – 2,367,423,287

Once the playground of spectators, Vegas is now a true sports city. Raiders, Golden Knights and Aces fans keep Sin City buzzing with billions of views and reactions.

8. Atlanta, Georgia – 2,143,306,064

Home of the Braves, Hawks and Falcons, Atlanta’s fans are as lively online as they are in the stands. This city is a southern hotspot for basketball and football alike.

9. Boston, Massachusetts – 2,081,003,732

Few cities have a richer sports heritage than Boston. Its blend of Red Sox nostalgia and Celtics pride keeps it firmly among America’s most active online fanbases.

10. Nashville, Tennessee – 1,664,118,477

Music City marches to the beat of its own fandom. With the Titans, Predators and growing soccer culture, Nashville’s digital footprint is every bit as dynamic as its sound.

Where fandom runs deepest per capita

When it comes to passion per person, these cities prove that size isn’t everything. Measured by per-capita online reach, they’re the true heartlands of America’s digital sports culture.

1. Sharon, Massachusetts – 11,926*

Located about 20 miles south of Boston, this quiet New England suburban town surprisingly claims the top spot, showing that community pride can rival any metropolis. Sharon’s residents are avid fans of the Patriots (NFL), the Celtics (NBA), and the New England Revolution (MLS).

2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 11,588

Steel City strikes again, not just with total reach, but also by passion per head. Steelers devotion runs so deep that nearly every local seems to be tuned in, posting and sharing.

3. Miami, Florida – 5,809

Sunshine meets screen time in Miami, where global soccer fandom and Heat pride collide. The city’s energy makes it one of America’s most online, all-around sports hubs.

4. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – 5,399

Pennsylvania’s love of football and hometown loyalty shines in Harrisburg. With impressive per-capita engagement, it’s clear that sports are part of the local identity.

5. Atlanta, Georgia – 4,620

From the Falcons to the Hawks, Atlanta’s online fandom is fierce. Whether it’s basketball highlights or NFL debates, the city always shows up in every feed.

6. Las Vegas, Nevada – 3,795

Again, Vegas may be known for spectacle, but its sports scene is just as electric. Raiders, Aces and Golden Knights fans keep engagement levels sky-high throughout the year.

7. Buffalo, New York – 3,324

The Bills Mafia leads a city united by loyalty and heart. Buffalo’s smaller size doesn’t stop its fans from ranking among the most dedicated in the nation.

8. Del Rio, Texas – 3,254

This border town proves that everything’s bigger in Texas when it comes to spirit. Locals follow football and basketball with unmatched pride and per-person enthusiasm.

9. Minneapolis, Minnesota – 3,184

From the Vikings to the Timberwolves, Minneapolis blends traditional Midwest loyalty with modern digital energy. It is the epitome of a quietly powerful sports city.

10. Cincinnati, Ohio – 3,138

Cincy’s love for the Bengals and Reds keeps the city buzzing online. With such strong engagement per capita, it’s clear this fanbase lives and breathes sport.

* Represents Annual Reach Per Capita

The home turf of every major league

Now let’s look at each major league sport and find out which cities are the most die-hard when it comes to annual online reach and engagement per person.

NFL

When it comes to football, a few cities stand out for their sheer dedication, where Sunday devotion turns into year-round online activity.

1. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 9,509

No surprises here: Steelers Nation rules supreme. Pittsburgh’s per-capita engagement proves that football isn’t just a sport in the Steel City, it’s a way of life.

2. Sharon, Massachusetts – 7,512

This small New England town has serious gridiron passion. With the Patriots’ legacy close to home, Sharon’s residents live and breathe football every week of the year.

3. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – 4,952

Pennsylvania’s deep-rooted football culture shines again. Harrisburg’s fans keep the state’s reputation strong, consistently tuning in and celebrating every play.

NBA

From highlight reels to heated debates, these cities can’t get enough of basketball, showing where the sport truly dominates online.

1. Miami, Florida – 1,481

Fueled by Heat pride and star-driven excitement, Miami’s basketball culture burns exceptionally bright. Fans here keep the city buzzing with constant digital energy and courtside chatter.

2. Atlanta, Georgia – 1,156

The ATL brings serious style to its sports scene. Hawks supporters help make Atlanta one of America’s most vibrant basketball communities online.

3. Sharon, Massachusetts – 1,129

Small but mighty, Sharon’s Celtics fans prove that passion isn’t about population. Their consistent online activity cements New England as a true basketball heartland.

Premier League

The Premier League’s U.S. fanbase keeps growing. These cities are leading the charge, proving just how strong America’s love for soccer has become.

1. Hereford, Texas – 1,306

This Texan city tops the list, showing that soccer fever runs deep in the heart of football country. Fans here follow the Premier League with surprising intensity.

2. Charleston, South Carolina – 434

Charleston’s charm extends to the pitch. Locals embrace soccer’s global appeal, with a loyal community of fans tuning in for every Premier League weekend.

3. Atlanta, Georgia – 403

Already a powerhouse for American sports, Atlanta’s passion for soccer is surging. From MLS to the Premier League, fans here are embracing ‘the beautiful game’ in full force.

NHL

Ice runs deep in these cities, where hockey is a way of life rather than simply a winter pastime.

1. Buffalo, New York – 951

Buffalo tops the list thanks to fans who can’t cheer loudly enough for the Sabres. Their loyalty and passion for hockey keep engagement levels soaring season after season.

2. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 799

Penguins fans are some of the most dedicated in the game. Pittsburgh’s online hockey activity reflects a city that celebrates every goal with gusto.

3. Minneapolis, Minnesota – 509

Known as the State of Hockey’s beating heart, Minneapolis earns its spot with fiery Wild fans who follow the action long after the final buzzer.

MLB

From home runs to heated rivalries, these cities show that America’s pastime still holds a powerful place in fans’ hearts, as well as on their screens.

1. Sharon, Massachusetts – 1,918

Sharon knocks it out of the park, leading the nation in baseball engagement. With Red Sox country close by, locals follow every pitch and post with true New England devotion.

2. Rogers, Arkansas – 1,012

Small-town pride meets big-league passion in Rogers. Fans here keep baseball traditions alive, showing that the love of the game runs deep across America’s heartland. In fact, despite having no local team in Arkansas, according to a recent study, Rogers residents have found comfort in backing the St. Louis Cardinals.

3. Miami, Florida – 984

Miami brings flair to the diamond. Despite the hometown Marlins’ struggles, South Florida brings its vibrant culture to baseball fandom, evident online and in the stands at the many international baseball showcases hosted in Miami each year.

MLS

Major League Soccer continues to capture hearts across America, and these cities are leading the charge with some of the most passionate fans per capita.

1. Sharon, Massachusetts – 747

Sharon once again proves that its sporting spirit knows no bounds. Locals follow the Revolution and the wider soccer scene with a dedication that rivals much larger cities.

2. Miami, Florida – 672

Thanks to Inter Miami and global superstar appeal, the city’s soccer fandom has exploded. Miami’s blend of cultures makes it a true hotbed for soccer.

3. Atlanta, Georgia – 191

Atlanta United’s influence runs deep. With record-breaking crowds and loyal supporters, it’s no wonder Atlanta ranks among America’s most soccer-engaged cities.

Florida’s most sports-obsessed cities ranked

From Miami’s global sports culture to Tampa’s championship pedigree, Florida shines as one of America’s most sports-engaged states. Across the Sunshine State, fans are streaming at some of the highest rates in the nation, proving that warm weather and white sands go hand in hand with sporting passion.

1. Miami

• Total annual reach: 2,561,657,714 | Per person annual reach: 5,809

Miami leads Florida’s digital fandom by a wide margin. A powerhouse for soccer, basketball and football, the city’s mix of global flair and superstar presence keeps engagement sky-high.

2. Tampa

• Total annual reach: 935,301,798 | Per person annual reach: 2,534

Tampa’s “Champa Bay” reputation lives on. With the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays inspiring enormous pride, locals keep the city firmly in Florida’s sporting spotlight.

3. Fort Lauderdale

• Total annual reach: 432,842,712 | Per person annual reach: 2,424

Fort Lauderdale scores big online thanks to its thriving soccer scene and proximity to Inter Miami. Fans here embrace both homegrown and international sport with equal passion.

4. Key West

• Total annual reach: 62,396,159 | Per person annual reach: 2,423

Even in paradise, fans can’t look away from the action. Key West’s residents show that sport travels well, from the pitch to the poolside.

5. Orlando

• Total annual reach: 530,269,059 | Per person annual reach: 1,957

Home to the Magic and Orlando City SC, this entertainment capital blends basketball buzz with growing soccer fandom, making it a digital hub for all things sport.

6. West Palm Beach

• Total annual reach: 186,208,494 | Per person annual reach: 1,744

West Palm’s strong online presence reflects a community of devoted fans. From spring training to NFL Sundays, locals keep their sports feeds lively.

7. Naples

• Total annual reach: 28,074,617 | Per person annual reach: 1,305

Naples’ fans might prefer a quieter pace of life, but their sporting enthusiasm runs deep. Their steady engagement shows dedication across football, golf and beyond.

8. Winter Haven

• Total annual reach: 29,848,071 | Per person annual reach: 792

Small but spirited, Winter Haven’s residents show up online for every major sporting moment, helping to keep Florida’s fandom strong from coast to coast.

9. Pensacola

• Total annual reach: 34,261,110 | Per person annual reach: 644

Pensacola’s sporting loyalty spans multiple leagues, with fans consistently tuning in and engaging year-round, especially for football.

10. Sarasota

• Total annual reach: 35,371,125 | Per person annual reach: 642

Rounding out the top ten, Sarasota mixes coastal calm with steady enthusiasm for national sport, keeping its fans active and connected across digital platforms.

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Methodology

The analysis used data from Brandwatch to identify which U.S. cities consume the most sport-related content online. Using Brandwatch’s Reach tool, we tracked mentions and interactions related to major sports topics and teams over the past 12 months.

Brandwatch’s Reach metric estimates the potential audience size for posts or conversations across social platforms, based on engagement metrics such as likes, shares, and retweets, combined with publicly available platform data and proprietary modeling.

To ensure fair comparison between cities of different sizes, we then calculated an average viewership rate by dividing the total estimated reach of sports-related content in each city by its population. This allowed us to identify which locations have the highest concentration of sports content consumption relative to their size.