Cowboys, Steelers are the top-ranked fanbases according to 'Fan Equity' ranking

This years' "Fan Equity" and "Social Media Equity" rankings have been announced, with the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New England Patriots leading the way, and the Green Bay Packers close behind.

Emory University has published their yearly NFL fan loyalty metrics with the Dallas Cowboys topping the list of fans who spend the most on their team, while the Pittsburgh Steelers fans have the strongest presence on social media networks.

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The "Fan Equity" rankings offer a look on which fanbases, when controlled for things like demographics, market size and the team's on-field performance, are most likely to support their team financially.

Manish Tripathi/Emory University

The "Social Media Equity" metric measures social support with the same controls

Manish Tripathi/Emory University

The researchers point out a couple surprising things, like the relatively low ranking of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on the Fan Equity ranking, and the Atlanta Falcons rise from last place in 2013 to 22nd in this year's list.

[ESMA]

-Brendan Maloy