There’s no denying it: New York is one of the biggest and most influential cities in the US. From incredible restaurants, iconic sightseeing attractions, and a wide variety of job opportunities — New York has it all. But that’s not even to mention the number of proud New Yorkers who make a point of cheering on their favorite sports teams. Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker, or have only experienced the city through television shows, films, and books, it’s likely that you’ve heard of some of New York’s most beloved teams. Read on to learn more about some of them and why they’ve become some of the most popular sports teams in the whole city.
The Yankees – America’s Most Successful Baseball Team
When it comes to New York sports teams, it’s hard to beat the Yankees. Not only are they the most successful team in Major League Baseball, but they also have one of the most loyal and passionate fanbases of all the baseball teams in the US. Playing at their home stadium in the Bronx, the team has 27 World Series titles, the most of any MLB team in history. In addition, the Yankees giant fan base spans the entire nation, and even internationally. With players such as Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Babe Ruth, and Derek Jeter, the Yankees have been an exciting team to watch, year after year.
The Mets – An Exciting Rival to the Yankees
No list of New York sports teams would be complete without the Mets. As one of the MLB’s four expansion teams, they have established themselves as a powerful rival to the Yankees. The Mets play their home games at Citi Field in Queens and have enjoyed a lot of recent success, having won two World Series championships in 1969 and 1986. Including stars like David Wright, Tom Seaver and Jacob deGrom, the team has become one of the most admired in the MLB. Their passionate fan base continues to support them season after season and looks forward to a continued rivalry with the Yankees.
The Giants and Jets – New York Football
No list of New York sports teams would be complete without the two most prominent teams in the area — The Giants and the Jets. Both teams play in MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but their fan bases span far beyond the tri-state area. The Giants are New York’s oldest franchise and have won four Super Bowls since their founding in 1925, most recently in 2011. The Jets are the younger of the two teams and came into existence in 1960. With a star-studded roster that once included Joe Namath and Joe Klecko, the Jets have won one Super Bowl since their founding in 1969. With both teams getting regular television coverage and large fan bases, the Giants and Jets are two of the most popular teams in the entire NFL.
The Knicks – Iconic Basketball in New York City
In New York, basketball is almost as important as baseball. Entering their 75th season of play, the Knicks are one of the most successful franchises in NBA history and have won two championships, in 1970 and 1973. With greats like Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, and Phil Jackson (who won 11 NBA championships with the Bulls and the Lakers!), it’s not hard to see why the Knicks are such a beloved team. The team plays their home games at Madison Square Garden and continues to provide exciting basketball for their devoted fans.
The Rangers – The Most Successful Team in the NHL
Founded in 1926, the New York Rangers are one of the most successful professional ice hockey teams in the world. The team has won four Stanley Cup championships, the most of any team in the NHL since 1940. The Rangers have also had great players, like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Brian Leetch — all of which have contributed to their current success and are making them one of the most popular sports teams in New York City.
The Nets – The Brooklyn Boys
The Nets began as a team in 1967, but moved to New Jersey in 1977 and remained in the Garden State until 2012. Since then, the Nets have called Barclays Center in Brooklyn their home. The team has had some success over the past few decades, most recently winning two division championships in 2002 and 2003, but they have yet to find the success they once found in the 1970s. Despite having Jason Kidd, one of the best point guards in the history of the NBA, on the roster during their time in New Jersey, the team was never able to win a championship. The Nets have seen a slight resurgence in recent years, and the move to Brooklyn has brought a newfound dedication among their fans.
Devoted Fans Are What Makes These Sport Teams In New York So Beloved
It goes without saying that without the support of the fans these teams wouldn’t be nearly as successful as they are. From the Yankees-Mets rivalry, to the chaos of New York football fandom, to the court side screaming of Knicks fanatics, to the passionate support of the Rangers — it’s clear that New York no matter has some of the most devoted fans in all of sports. Whether you cheer for the Yankees, Jets, Knicks, Mets, Rangers, or any other teams, being a New York sports fan is an intense shared experience.
Interested In Becoming A New York Sports Fan?
If you’re interested in learning more about any of the sports teams, you can easily find out more information online, or even visit one of the stadiums in the area. Watching professional sports games is a great way to experience the atmosphere of the city, and if you’re lucky you might have the chance to snag a good spot within the stadium. At the end of the day, whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or have only just recently learned about the city’s different sports teams, it’s clear that they have become some of the most beloved teams in the area.
