Without even having an NFL team NCAA football is enough for almost any sports fan in the area to choose football as their favorite sport to follow. Next is obviously going to be basketball, the Jazz probably have a lot to do with that. Then the next most popular sports in the area are in a debate between MLB, NHL, and MLS/soccer. Remember this market has only an MLS team and no MLB or NHL.

Now go ask sports fans who live in areas with an MLB team, an NHL team, an MLS team which ones they consider their favorites. I can almost assure you MLS will be behind the other 2.

Here’s what I’m saying. If the MLB and NHL brought teams to SLC, the debate would cease. If you check New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago. You’ll see which sports are the most followed.

My guess is Portland and Utah sports fans make this similar claims about soccers popularity in the USA.