The average NFL fan is a man (53%) between 25-34 (33%) who makes less than $50k per year (50%) and is white (70%).
His favorite beer is Dogfish Head, his favorite auto maker is Chevrolet and his favorite athlete is LeBron James.
Which inadvertently describes Scumbag Steve.
There are many things that come into play when asking the question, “What is the most popular team in the NFL?”
Here are the four key metrics we factored in determining popularity:
– average home, away and total attendance
– average money spent on merchandise annually
– average money spent on food and drinks at games
– social media followers, engagement and average likes
A new study has revealed that out of all NFL teams, the Dallas Cowboys have the most fans in the NFL.
1 – Dallas Cowboys
The research shows that the Dallas Cowboys are the team with the best fans. They have the highest average attendance at home (93,465) and in total (82,915). A survey conducted on fans of every NFL team found that Dallas Cowboys fans are some of the biggest spenders, spending an average of $279.81 on merchandise, and $147.68 on food and drink inside the stadium. This shows fans willing to not just turn up in droves to support their team at games, but also wanting to represent their team by wearing their merchandise.
Supporter index – 55.37
2 – San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have the highest engagement rate on social media with 2.96%, showing fans are present online as well as at games. Even on the road 49ers fans have one of the highest average away attendances (70,571). Their total average attendance is also one of the highest at 71,131. Fans also spend on average around $210.31 on merch annually, which is higher than many other fanbases.
Supporter index – 54.08
3 – Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have the third-most popular fans in the NFL according to the research. Much like the 49ers the Chiefs have a high engagement rate at 2.51%, and average 66,608 likes per post on their socials. The Chiefs have a solid average home attendance of 73,499 and 70,764 away. However, compared to the teams in first and second Chiefs fans have been reported to spend less on merch ($170.45) and food and drink ($87.11).
Supporter index – 47.96
4 – Los Angeles Rams
The Rams also boast a good engagement rate online of 2.30%. Coupled with their total average attendance of 69,175 the Rams fanbase is strong on and offline. Surveys also showed that on average Rams fans spent $332.08 annually on merchandise – one of the highest averages. However, on game days fans on average spend $99.47 which is slightly lower when compared to other fanbases in the league.
Supporter index – 46.25
5 – Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have the fifth-most popular fans in the NFL. Data shows that Seahawks fans engage online, averaging 60,018 likes per post. This online engagement of fans also transfers to offline action as on average 69,335 fans make it to game days spending an average of $98.75. This is slightly lower than some other teams, but nonetheless, the support at game days and online helps them stay fifth in this list.
Supporter index – 45.34
6 – Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have a 1.89% engagement rate on social media and an average of 40,000 likes which is above the league average of 1.52% and 28,008 likes. Raiders fans are consistent with their away support as an average of 69,953 attend games on the road. Fans also spend on average $226.49 annually on merchandise.
Supporter index – 43.82
7 – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are seventh in this list. With over 3,400,000 followers on Instagram, it’s impressive that fans maintain an engagement rate of 1.54%. The Steelers have a total average attendance of 67,722 which is only slightly below the league average of 69,441. Steelers fans also spend on average $119 annually on merch and $115 per game day on food and drink.
Supporter index – 43.81
8 – Buffalo Bills
The Bills have a high engagement rate online of 2.08%, as well as a high overall attendance to games of 69,192. Bills fans are also spending on average $260.86 annually on merchandise so they can represent their teams and show their support.
Supporter index – 43.69
9 – New England Patriots
Patriots have the most followers on Instagram out of any NFL team although a much lower engagement rate (0.57%). They have on average 67,757 fans attending games and spend on average $137.18 while at games.
Supporter index – 42.67
10 – Houston Texans
The Texans fans come in at tenth, with a total average of 68,427 attending games, the Texans have a good support base home and away. As well as turning up to games, fans also represent their team, Texans fans spend the most money out of any team in the NFL on merch annually ($380.17) and also the most on food and drink at games ($169.95).
Supporter index – 42.50
A spokesperson from Sidelines.io commented: “Fans are the heartbeat of the NFL, providing an electric energy and unwavering support that fuels the game’s passion and excitement. Their dedication and loyalty are the foundation of the league, without the fans there is no football.
“Every fan of every team is a vital part of what makes the NFL great. The immense commitment of every supporter who travels to watch their team, spend their hard-earned money on merch, food and drink, and continues that support online, proves the level of dedication and love that so many fans have toward the game and their teams”