Loading...
College sports are an integral part of U.S. culture, with passionate fanbases, high attendance at games, and significant revenue generated from athletics. The states that dominate college sports are those where schools boast historical success, fan engagement, and national visibility. But which state is best when it comes to college sports? Plenty can lay claim to the title of King of College Sports, but we have run the numbers to find a definitive answer.
Here’s a breakdown of the Top 10 U.S. States for College Sports based on key metrics like fan attendance, athletic program revenue, and NCAA tournament performance.
Texas is a powerhouse in college football, with Texas A&M’s Kyle Field and the University of Texas’ Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium regularly hosting over 100,000 fans. These stadiums are among the largest in the country and are a testament to the state’s immense college football culture. Texas A&M generated $193 million in 2022 from athletics, one of the highest in college sports revenue. The University of Texas is similarly a revenue giant, contributing significantly to the state’s athletic earnings. Texas teams consistently perform well, with both men’s and women’s basketball generating high viewership during the NCAA tournament. This translates into strong local interest and substantial ratings each March.
Indiana is known for its basketball culture, with Indiana University and Purdue University filling their arenas, with Indiana averaging over 16,000 fans per game. Indiana’s basketball tradition—”Hoosier Hysteria”—remains one of the most fervent in the country. Indiana’s athletic programs, particularly basketball, are significant revenue earners within the Big Ten Conference. Indiana University’s basketball program alone generates tens of millions annually in revenue. As a consistent NCAA tournament contender, Indiana’s success in March Madness consistently drives high local viewership and national attention.
Kentucky’s Rupp Arena at the University of Kentucky is one of the largest basketball arenas in the country, with an average attendance exceeding 20,000. This arena is often packed to the brim with excited Wildcats fans for both regular-season games and postseason tournaments. Kentucky’s basketball program is not only a national contender but also a major financial contributor to the school. The program has consistently ranked among the top revenue-generating college basketball programs in the nation. Kentucky’s deep runs into the NCAA tournament consistently lead to increased viewership, particularly in the southeastern U.S., making it a central hub of basketball activity every March.
Home to one of the fiercest college basketball rivalries, The University of North Carolina’s Dean Smith Center and Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium are iconic, with both venues regularly hosting sold-out crowds of over 20,000 fans. Both UNC and Duke are national basketball powerhouses, with significant athletic revenue coming from their basketball programs. Duke’s basketball revenue alone is among the highest in college sports. The rivalry between UNC and Duke attracts national attention, driving up viewership numbers during March Madness. The state’s basketball tournaments are some of the most watched in the country.
Bryant–Denny Stadium, home to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, is one of the largest stadiums in the country, regularly hosting over 100,000 fans. Alabama’s college football culture is deeply embedded in the state’s identity, and game day is a huge event. Alabama’s football program generates some of the highest revenue in college athletics, consistently ranking near the top for football program earnings. Alabama’s success in both men’s and women’s basketball, particularly in the SEC tournament, helps elevate NCAA viewership during March Madness.
Michigan Stadium (“The Big House”) holds the record for the largest stadium attendance in college football, with over 107,000 fans regularly filling the venue. Michigan’s athletic program, including football and basketball, generates significant revenue annually. The Wolverines’ football program alone consistently brings in over $100 million each season. Michigan’s consistent presence in the NCAA tournament drives viewership, particularly for both basketball programs, ensuring high engagement during the tournament.
The University of Florida’s Exactech Arena regularly hosts large crowds for both men’s and women’s basketball games, with the Gators basketball program having a significant fan base. Florida’s athletic programs generate substantial revenue, particularly from football and basketball. The Gators are frequently among the top teams in NCAA athletic revenue. Florida’s basketball program is competitive, and its runs in the NCAA tournament contribute to strong local and national viewership.
Ohio State University’s Value City Arena regularly hosts 17,000+ fans for basketball games, and the team is a major contender in both the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments. Ohio State is one of the highest-grossing athletic programs in the U.S., particularly in football, where the Buckeyes generate over $200 million annually. As a perennial NCAA tournament contender, Ohio State consistently boosts viewership, especially in the Midwest.
The University of Missouri’s Mizzou Arena hosts strong crowds, with the Tigers’ basketball program regularly drawing over 10,000 fans. Missouri’s athletic program generates solid revenue, with basketball and football being primary contributors. The university’s commitment to athletics ensures strong local engagement. Missouri’s participation in the NCAA tournament contributes to local viewership, especially in the Midwest region.
Thompson–Boling Arena, home to the University of Tennessee’s Vols, regularly draws over 20,000 fans for basketball games. Tennessee’s athletic program generates significant revenue from both football and basketball, with a consistent presence in NCAA tournaments ensuring continuous fan engagement. Tennessee’s basketball program, particularly under Coach Rick Barnes, has become a fixture in the NCAA tournament, helping to boost viewership every March.
These top 10 states—Texas, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Alabama, Michigan, Florida, Ohio, Missouri, and Tennessee—are at the heart of college sports. They dominate in terms of fan attendance, program revenue, and NCAA tournament viewership. Whether it’s college football in Texas and Alabama or college basketball in Indiana and Kentucky, these states represent the best in college sports across the U.S., with deeply rooted traditions and massive fanbases.
Sources:
Ross has been writing about sports for over a decade, spcecializing in the NFL, soccer and boxing. His written work has appeared on a number of online publications over that time.