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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Jun 12, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; a general view during the Old Timers Day ceremony prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; a general view during the Old Timers Day ceremony prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. New York City, New York

If this were a ranking based solely on how many championships a city has, New York would be tops by a country mile. Residents of the Big Apple won’t like seeing their iconic city ranked a paltry No. 3, but if there’s one refrain New York could summon in its defense, it’s this: Count The Rings.

As for big events, nobody does it bigger — or better — than NYC. Not only has New York played host to countless classic championship games and series; it also boasts some of the most iconic stadiums and arenas ever built, including Yankee Stadium (the old one, of course), and Madison Square Garden.

The Yankees have their 27 World Series wins, of course, and the team’s pinstripes can be seen in just about every city across the United States. In short, no one even comes closer to matching the Yankees’ level of success — both in terms of iconic names and sheer championship accolades. Even the Mets, long a punch-line for New Yorkers, is starting to hit their stride again.

The Rangers and Islanders, meanwhile, each tout strong rosters and plenty of Stanley Cups appearances (and wins). And while the Knicks haven’t won a NBA title since 1973, the team continues to attract one of the most loyal fanbases anywhere.

As for football, the Giants have four titles in the modern era to their credit, including wins in arguably the three most exciting Super Bowls ever.

There’s no other city like New York, and its championship pedigree and deep sports history more than bear that out.

Next: 2. Chicago