Mar 27, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pose for a photo showing their World Series rings during a ceremony prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The sports world is full of passionate fan bases, but some cities simply have more to offer than others. A new ranking shared by DraftKings puts Boston at No. 1 among the best sports cities in the United States, followed by New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Dallas. The ranking takes into account the major professional sports teams located in each city.
Who has the best sports city? 👀 pic.twitter.com/p9z7BhwfhI
— DraftKings Sports (@DKSports) September 3, 2026
There are some familiar names near the top, but the order is sure to spark plenty of debate among sports fans.
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Boston takes the top spot
Jan 23, 2005; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate after winning the 2004 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field. The Patriots beat the Steelers 41-27. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Boston comes in at No. 1, and it’s hard to argue that the city doesn’t belong near the top.
The city is home to the Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox, giving Boston four major professional sports franchises with incredibly passionate fan bases.
Boston’s success across multiple sports has also been remarkable. A separate 25-year analysis from RotoWire ranked Boston No. 1 among U.S. sports cities, noting that its four major professional teams had combined for 13 championships since 2000.
New York comes in at No. 2 in the ranking shown above. With the Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Knicks, Nets, Rangers and Islanders, New York has one of the deepest collections of professional sports teams in the country.
Los Angeles is third, followed by Philadelphia and Dallas.
Here are the rest of the top 10
Dec 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum (22) celebrates with quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) after a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
The remaining spots feature several other cities with tremendous sports cultures.
3. Los Angeles — Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, Rams, Chargers, Kings
4. Philadelphia — Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, Flyers
5. Dallas — Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, Stars
6. Pittsburgh — Steelers, Pirates, Penguins
7. San Francisco — 49ers, Giants, Warriors
8. Atlanta — Falcons, Braves, Hawks
9. Kansas City — Chiefs, Royals
10. Miami — Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, Panthers
Pittsburgh is an especially interesting selection at No. 6. The city has fewer major teams than several of the markets above it, but the Steelers and Penguins have enjoyed tremendous success, while the Pirates provide the city with its MLB representation.
San Francisco also gets a boost from the 49ers, Giants and Warriors, while Atlanta’s ranking is powered by the Falcons, Braves and Hawks.
Miami rounds out the top 10 with four major professional teams, including the Panthers, who have helped add another championship-caliber franchise to the city’s sports landscape.
Of course, there is no universal way to determine the “best” sports city. Championships, number of teams, fan passion, attendance, and history can all influence the answer.
But if you’re looking strictly at this ranking, Boston is the city to beat.
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