Texas Ranked 4th Best State for Sports Fans

With the 2025-26 NFL season in progress, the ultimate sports bar argument finally leads to an answer backed by solid data. According to Ticket-Compare.com, Texas was ranked the fourth-best state for sports fans. From Texas Longhorns-Oklahoma Sooners battles to Dallas Cowboys-San Francisco 49ers clashes, fans have debated regional superiority for decades, but their bias has made them rather unreliable judges.

Ticket-Compare.com ended the debate by analyzing a wide variety of factors in all 50 states, including Washington, D.C., from professional teams in major metro areas down to small-town games under the Friday Night Lights.

Ticket-Compare.com’s analysis also included data from ESPN, NCAA, BLS, U.S. Census Bureau, etc., which analyzed the number of pro and college teams, championships, winning percentages, high school sports participation rates, and sports degrees and jobs.

Texas Ranked No. 4 Best State for Sports Fans

Texas was ranked the No. 4 best state for sports fans, rounding out the top five in Ticket-Compare.com’s recent research. Texas’ standing trailed California, Ohio, and Kansas, who ranked from No. 1 to No. 3, and led Pennsylvania, which was ranked No. 5. The “Lone Star State’s” ranking was primarily attributed to Division I schools, sports-related bachelor’s degrees, and college basketball and football championships.

California led at No. 1, thanks to its unparalleled combination of 26 Division I schools, 29 college championships, and 18 professional teams. California has unmatched depth across nearly every measure of sports culture, with 26 Division 1 schools, more than any other state, and a heavy professional sports presence. The “Golden State” also has a strong sports economy, ranking No. 19 in sports-related jobs.

Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Connecticut, and South Dakota rounded out the top 10. Alabama and Mississippi tied at No. 19, while Idaho was ranked No. 51. Idaho’s lack of professional sports teams, Division I teams, and sports-related degrees contributed to the last ranking.

Texas’ Outlook For Sports At-Large

Texas’ outlook for sports at-large is strong. Texas ranks No. 17 in average wins for local professional teams, No. 27 in high school students in high school sports, and No. 43 in sports jobs.

Final Thoughts

Texas benefits from a No. 13 ranking for professional sports teams in the state and within the population center, a geographical point that represents the average location of all individuals residing within a specific area.

Despite not leading in professional teams, Texas’ 25 Division I schools make up for its shortcomings. Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray, Baker Mayfield, Trent Williams, and Myles Garrett are a few current NFL stars born and raised in the state.