MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s great to root for the Memphis Grizzlies!
You all knew that already, but now it’s been confirmed in an ESPN ranking of all 122 major pro sports teams. The Grizzlies took the No. 2 spot, two spots higher than they were last year but not quite at the top, which they achieved in the 2013 list.
The San Antonio Spurs were the favorite in this year’s rankings. The Grizzlies were followed by the Tampa Bay Lightning, Anaheim Ducks and Seattle Seahawks.
The rankings were determined with both a survey of fans and objective criteria such as affordability and wins. The following categories were included:
- Affordability (Memphis was first in this category)
- Coaching strength (52nd)
- Fan relations (7th)
- Honestly and loyalty of ownership (13th)
- Players on and off the field (4th)
- Stadium experience (6th)
- Championships won or possibility of future wins (64th)
- Wins in the past two years per fan dollar (3rd)
The Grizzlies rode a mix of inexpensive tickets and recent regular-season success to the top of the list, but winning a title remains elusive.
Though they’re certainly on the right track; in the three years since owner Robert J. Pera arrived at the helm, the team has seen the three winningest seasons in franchise history and posted more playoff wins than the first 17 season combined.
“Being ranked annually among the best five franchises in North American professional sports for this length of time is a special honor that shows the organization’s commitment to excellence on and off the court and the deep connection the Grizzlies have with fans in the city of Memphis and throughout the Mid-South,” Grizzlies president of business operations Jason Wexler said in a statement.
The team kicks off its 2015-16 season with a home game Oct. 28 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, whom the Grizzlies beat in a preseason matchup, 91-81.
