Fansided

Ranking the 30 best sports cities in America for 2016

By Charles Rahrig V

Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Fans walk on the Hope Memorial Bridge after the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Fans walk on the Hope Memorial Bridge after the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA championship parade in downtown Cleveland. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Staples Center before game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; General view of the Staples Center before game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Los Angeles, California

Any city this high on the list can make the case for being No. 1, and Los Angeles — home to six pro-sports teams and two bona-fide collegiate powerhouses — is no exception.

The City of Angels is has played host to countless championships, and with their beloved Rams back in town, fans have yet another reason to turn out in droves. The Lakers have struggled of late, and saying goodbye to Kobe Bryant was never going to be easy, but with a talented young core in place and plenty of money to spend, it won’t be long before Showtime returns to L.A.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, are once again in the thick of the playoff race, as they’ve so often been over the decades. With a pitching rotation that includes the best of his era in Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers are hoping to bring home their first World Series title in nearly 30 years.

Even the Los Angeles Kings — winners of two recent Stanley Cups — have garnered a loyal following, and very much remain one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

As for college sports, it’s all about USC and UCLA, both of which boast legendary pedigrees. Throw in the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, you have all the makings of a top-notch college town — albeit one with a population of 4 million people.

L.A. might be known for its sunny skies and lax vibe, but the fervor of its sports fans is anything but laid back.

Next: 5. Bay Area