Fansided

Memphis Grizzlies ranked top sports franchise by ESPN

By Ryan Donoho

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May 27, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (left) and point guard Mike Conley (right) at a press conference after game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at FedEx Forum. The Spurs won 93-86. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (left) and point guard Mike Conley (right) at a press conference after game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at FedEx Forum. The Spurs won 93-86. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

ESPN the Magazine releases an issue called “The Franchise Issue”, and the 11th annual issue hits newsstands on September 20th. Surprisingly, The Memphis Grizzlies were named the top franchise in all of sports this year. They pick the franchise based on 8 categories:

  • Fan relations (25.2%)
  • Affordability (17.4%)
  • “Bang for the buck” (16.8%)
  • Stadium experience (12.4%)
  • Players (11.30)
  • Ownership (10.2%)
  • Title track (3.6%)
  • Coaching (3.1%)

The Grizzlies ranked  second overall in “players (effort and likability),” “affordability” and “bang for your buck,” seventh in “stadium experience” and eighth in “fan relations.”  If you know the fan base in Memphis, they love their team. The passion is high down south, and their saying “Grit n Grind” fits their style on the court. They made the Western Conference Finals last season, so things are looking up in Memphis, and this is just another thing for the franchise to be proud of. They announced it on twitter this morning:

The Spurs came in 2nd, followed by the Pacers and Thunder. There wasn’t another NBA team until the 25th, where the Heat came in, and the Celtics were 45th, Lakers were 77th(Clippers were 55th), Knicks were 102nd, and the Kings came in last at 122.

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