The Best American Sports Cities

The best American sports cities, ranked by team success, historical significance and year-to year relevancy.

The criteria:
–Must have at least 2 professional teams of the big four sports. (Sorry San Antonio)
–Both past and present performance is considered, with greater weight given to the present.
–Though championships and sustained competitiveness are the greatest indicators used, fan dedication is also a factor.  For instance, though the Cubs never win squat, Chicago is a far greater baseball city than, say, Tampa Bay, which has had some recent success but still can’t get fans in the stadium.
–For all intents and purposes, Toronto is being included as an “American” city.
–Boston still gets the Pats even though they’re technically from New England.  Dido for the Minneapolis and the Wild and Dallas and the Rangers.  And the whole Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim thing–just no.  If you say you’re of Anaheim, you’re of Anaheim.
–Four teams is better than three, and five is better than four.  Still, having less teams isn’t a deal breaker.
–Overall championships reflect all championships enjoyed by respective cities, including both current, defunct, and relocated teams.  For instance, LA claims eleven of the Lakers’ championships, while Minneapolis, their city of origin, claims five.  New York gets the Dodgers’ one World Series in Brooklyn, and five for the Giants of the Polo Grounds.  Baltimore compiled four championships before they were robbed of the Colts, while Philly bolsters its overall tally with five World Series from the early 20th century Philadelphia Athletics.  Other considerations include the Boston Braves, Cleveland Rams, LA Rams, Chicago Cardinals, Cleveland Bulldogs, Washington Senators, Boston Redskins, Milwaukee Braves, St Louis Hawks, Seattle Supersonics, and Philadelphia Warriors.

1. Boston (Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins) — 12 championships since 2000 and 37 overall
2. New York City (Yankees, Giants, Knicks, Rangers, Mets, Jets, Islanders, Nets) — 4 championships since 2000 and 54 overall
3. Los Angeles (Lakers, Dodgers, Rams, Clippers, Kings) — 10 championships since 2000 and 23 overall
4. Chicago (Blackhawks, Cubs, Bulls, Bears, White Sox) — 5 championships since 2000 and 29 overall
5. Pittsburgh (Steelers, Pirates, Penguins) — 5 championships since 2000 and 16 overall
6. Detroit (Red Wings, Tigers, Pistons, Lions) — 3 championships since 2000 and 22 overall
7. Philadelphia (Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, Flyers) — 2 championship since 2000 and 16 overall
8. St. Louis (Cardinals, Blues) — 3 championships since 2000 and 14 overall
9. Oakland (Warriors, A’s) — 4 championships since 2000 and 11 overall
10. Cleveland (Browns, Cavaliers, Indians) — 1 championship since 2000 and 13 overall
11. San Francisco (49ers, Giants) — 3 championships since 2000 and 8 overall
12. Miami (Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, Panthers) — 4 championships since 2000 and 7 overall
13. Denver (Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, Avalanche) — 4 championships since 2000 and 7 overall
14. Kansas City (Chiefs, Royals) — 3 championships since 2000 and 5 overall
15. Dallas (Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, Stars) — 2 championship since 2000 and 8 overall
16. Baltimore (Orioles, Ravens) — 2 championships since 2000 and 9 overall
17. Tampa Bay (Rays, Lightning, Buccaneers) — 6 championships since 2000 and 6 overall
18. Washington DC (Redskins, Capitals, Nationals, Wizards) — 1 championships since 2000 and 7 overall
19. Houston (Texans, Rockets, Astros) — 2 championships since 2000 and 4 overall
20. Toronto (Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, Raptors) — 1 championships since 2000 and 16 overall
21. Seattle (Seahawks, Mariners) — 1 championship since 2000 and 2 overall
22. Atlanta (Braves, Falcons, Hawks) — 1 championships since 2000 and 2 overall
23. Milwaukee (Bucks, Brewers) — 1 championships since 2000 and 3 overall
24. Phoenix (Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Suns, Coyotes) — 1 championship since 2000 and 1 overall
25. Minneapolis (Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves, Wild) — 0 championships since 2000 and 7 overall
26. Anaheim (Angels, Ducks) — 2 championships since 2000 and 2 overall
27. New Orleans (Saints, Pelicans) — 1 championship since 2000 and 1 overall
28. Indianapolis (Colts, Pacers) — 1 championship since 2000 and 1 overall
29. Cincinnati (Reds, Bengals) — 0 championships since 2000 and 5 overall
30. Los Vegas (Raiders, Golden Knights) — 1 championship since 2000 and 1 overall
31. Charlotte (Panthers, Bobcats) — 0 championships since 2000 and 0 overall
32. Buffalo (Bills, Sabres) — 0 championships since 2000 and 0 overall
33. San Diego (Chargers, Padres) — 0 championships since 2000 and 0 overall
34. Nashville (Titans, Predators) —  0 championships since 2000 and 0 overall