11 largest metro areas without major-league sports teams

According to a recent Siena College Research Institute study, over 70% of Americans are sports fans. And while college ball and minor league teams definitely carry some of that weight, Americans tend to romanticize professional sports teams first and foremost.

According to a report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, the number of U.S. metro areas large enough to host a major-league sports franchise has soared in recent decades. 

But not everyone has a home team to root for, be it a soccer team, a basketball team, a local hockey club, or an American football team.  

Even as the major sports leagues have added teams, demand has outstripped supply. “As a result, metro areas have been forced to compete with each other to retain and attract franchises,” the report says.

The following densely populated areas are the 11 largest metro areas without major league sports teams (National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, National Hockey League, Major League Soccer).

1. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

Metro area population: 4,380,878
Metro area population rank: 13

The Riverside, San Bernardino, Ontario area of California is home to the largest casino floor in the state, hosted by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and contains portions of the San Bernardino National Forest.  

That said, they are in desperate need of an expansion team at the major league level. While the metropolitan area hosts the Inland Empire 66ers, a minor league baseball team, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA, isn’t a sports destination, as it has no major league team.

2. Fresno-Hanford-Corcoran, CA

Metro area population: 1,332,702
Metro area population rank: 49

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo spans 39 acres and houses over 190 species. The area also hosts the impressive Forestiere Underground Gardens, a subterranean network of courtyard gardens built by a Sicilian immigrant at the start of the 20th century.

But when it comes to areas with larger populations that have no stadium location, Virginia Aquarium–Hartford–Concoran, CA, is on the list. Sports fans in the Fresno area have to settle for their minor league sports team, the Fresno Grizzlies, a Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies baseball team. 

3. Albuquerque-Santa Fe-Los Alamos

Metro area population: 1,168,363
Metro area population rank: 49

Albuquerque is one of the most interesting cities in the U.S. With the longest aerial tram in North America and an International Balloon Fiesta that launches over 500 hot air balloons over the course of nine days, the excitement is sky high. 

But when it comes to sports destinations, Abq, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos don’t make the cut. Local sports fans follow the Albuquerque Isotopes during their regular season. But despite the successful franchise in the minor league baseball domain, New Mexico lacks a major league team.   

4. Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA

Metro area population: 1,707,369
Metro area population rank: 37

Virginia Beach hosts the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. The  two distinct locations host over 12000 animals, representing 700 different species between the two of them. 

But while animal and science fans will find plenty to do, the local sports market is reduced to following the inaugural season of the Norfolk Tides, minor league baseball’s Triple-A affiliate for the Baltimore Orioles. 

5. Providence, RI

Metro area population: 1,604,291
Metro area population rank: 38

When it comes to exciting entertainment in Providence, locals and tourists alike enjoy the Water Fire Providence art installation, which features more than 80 bonfires that float down the river through the downtown area. 

But Rhode Island Sports fans have no professional league teams to root for. They can catch the Providence Bruins, a minor league ice hockey organization affiliated with the American Hockey League’s Boston Bruins, but they have no NHL team or major league football or basketball team of their own. 

6. Louisville, KY

Metro area population: 1,262,261
Metro area population rank: 43

Louisville’s Churchill Downs has hosted the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May since the 19th century. Any sports fan will tell you that it’s home to the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, which produces just under 2 million baseball bats a year. 

Between the baseball bat manufacturing and the Muhammad Ali Center, you’d think that sports economics experts would have brought a franchise to Louisville by now. But since there’s no major league, locals get their fix from the minor league, Triple-A affiliate Louisville Bats.

7. Richmond, VA

Metro area population: 1,245,764
Metro area population rank: 44

Richmond is one of America’s best-kept secrets when it comes to arts and culture. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts contains 3,300 different pieces, covering over 5,000 years of history. 

Sports fans, on the other hand, have to get their fix from the Richmond Flying Squirrels, a Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. Despite being a minor league baseball city, Richmond has no major league scene.  

8. Hartford, CT

Metro area population: 1,215,211
Metro area population rank: 46

Next on the list of the largest metro areas without major league sports teams is Hartford, CT. Museum goers get to enjoy the Mark Twain House and the Wadsworth Atheneum public art museum.

But Connecticut sports fans don’t make the sports market ranks when it comes to the pros. Sports enthusiasts can watch the Hartford Wolf Pack, the minor league affiliate of the American Hockey League’s professional franchise, the New York Rangers.

9. Birmingham, AL

Metro area population: 1,140,300
Metro area population rank: 49

Birmingham, AL, has been one of the most politically and historically significant places in the 20th century. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is a must for anyone interested in the American Civil Rights Movement’s historical significance. And when it comes to excitement, the 56-foot statue of Vulcan, the Roman Fire God, towers over the city.

But even though the Birmingham Squadron represents minor league basketball, Birmingham won’t be winning any NBA Championships, Stanley Cups, or any other professional league accolades anytime soon, as they have no major league teams.

10. Rochester, NY

Metro area population: 1,083,278
Metro area population rank: 51

Rochester is another hidden gem of arts and culture.  It is home to The George Eastman Museum, where the Kodak founder’s photography and legacy are preserved, and the Strong National Museum of Play, which houses the National Toy Hall of Fame, showcases some of our nation’s most culturally significant toys. 

But Rochester Sports fans have to either hit NYC for the inaugural season of their professional teams, or check out the Rochester Americans minor league hockey team. Rochester has yet to be approved for their own major league expansion franchise. 

11. Grand Rapids, MI

Metro area population: 1,016,603
Metro area population rank: 52

Grand Rapids, MI is home to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, which covers 158 acres of indoor and outdoor installations. They also host the ArtPrize competition that awards $500,000 worth of prizes to up-and-coming artists over a 19-day, city-wide art event. 

But when it comes to professional sports franchises, Grand Rapids is definitely on the list of the largest metropolitan areas without major league sports teams in any of the professional sports leagues.

Is Moving to one of the Largest Metro Areas Without Major League Sports Teams Worth It? Yes, and SelfStorage.com can Help!

As you can see, there are still plenty of reasons to move to these amazing cities. But how much of a difference does it make that it lacks a major-league sports team? Actually, not a lot, according to quality-of-life researcher Bert Sperling at BestPlaces.

“A major-league team in your favorite sport is a plus, but it’s often far down the list of must-haves in a new place to live,” Sperling said.

Whether you plan on relocating to one of these places for the low cost of living, educational opportunities, natural beauty, rich history, thriving job market, or booming culture, we’ve got you covered.

First, use our SelfStorage.com storage unit locator tool to find the most affordable storage units in the city you’re considering. Our site lets you preset parameters that will limit the search results to your specific needs. 

Maybe you want to find a specific-sized unit or one with enhanced security features. Or maybe you need a climate-controlled storage unit to safeguard your valuables against the climate. 

Either way, we suggest you book yourself a storage unit that meets your requirements before the big move. Once you get to town, you can unload the moving truck into your storage unit and return it. Then, you can slowly bring your stuff into the house with your personal vehicle at your leisure. 

In most cases, you can rent a month of storage for a lower price than it costs to extend your rental truck by a single day. 

Photos courtesy of Flickr/Dan Gaken, Flickr/Keven Harris, Flickr/Thomas Hawk, Flickr/Jim Nix, Flickr/Bill Dickinson, Flickr/Royston Kane, Flickr/LouisvilleUSACE, Flickr/Ilirjan Rrumbullaku, Flickr/Alby Headrick, Flickr/Jay Smith Photography