The Best Sports Cities in America

Written by Ben Pogany

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Forgive me for looking ahead, but it won't be long before the NBA heads into the craziest free agency season of all time.   At stake: King James, a presence so gargantuan that whichever city lands him will be cast into uber-prominence.  Assuming LeBron ditches the Cavs, Cleveland will in all likellihood become a sports wasteland, its top 10 sports city status in jeopardy of falling by the wayside.  Here is where they currently stand.  

The criteria used was:
--Must have at least 2 professional teams of the big four sports.  
--Both past and present performance is considered, with greater weight given to the present.
--Though success is the greatest indicator 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 Indianapolis and the Pacers.  However, New York doesn't get the Bills.  7 freakin' teams is enough.
--Four teams is better than three, and five is better than four.  Still, having less teams isn't a dealbreaker.

1. Boston (Red Sox, Celtics, Patriots, Bruins)
2. New York (Yanks, Mets, Giants, Jets, Knicks, Islanders, Rangers)
3. Chicago (Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks)
4. Pittsburgh (Steelers, Pirates, Penguins)
5. Philadelphia (Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, Flyers)
6. Los Angeles (Lakers, Dodgers, Angels, Clippers, Kings)
7. Atlanta (Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Thrashers)
8. Minnesota (Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, Wild)
9. Cleveland (Cavaliers, Indians, Browns)
10. Denver (Broncos, Rockies, Nuggets, Avalanche)
11. St Louis (Cardinals, Rams, Blues)
12. Dallas (Cowboys, Mavericks, Rangers, Stars)
13. Pheonix (Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Suns, Coyotes)
14. San Francisco (49ers, Giants)
15. Detroit (Tigers, Pistons, Lions, Red Wings)
16. New Orleans (Saints, Hornets)
17. Miami (Heat, Dolphins, Marlins)
18. Indianapolis (Colts, Pacers)
19. Washington (Redskins, Capitals, Nationals, Wizards)
20. Toronto (Raptors, Blue Jays, Maple Leafs)
21. Baltimore (Orioles, Ravens)
22. Tampa Bay (Devil Rays, Lightning, Buccaneers)
23. Houston (Texans, Rockets)
24. Milwaukee (Brewers, Bucks)
25. San Diego (Chargers, Padres)
26. Oakland (Raiders, A's, Warriors)
27. Seattle (Seahawks, Mariners)
28. Cincinnati (Bengals, Reds)
29. Carolina (Panthers, Hurricanes)
30. Kansas City (Chiefs, Royals)