both with respect to Colorado and Arizona.

Arizona for example:

Suns - 53% winning percentage, which is top 10 in the NBA
Diamondbacks - small market team and has won a world series in this century
Coyotes - 40 seasons and 19 play off appearances with a horrible owner situation
Cardinals - probably your strongest argument but the team that is trending the best over the past 10 seasons with multiple play off appearances and a super bowl appearance
ASU - 568-351 all time record, Rose Bowl win appearance, Power 5,
U of A - great basketball program

If any thing, I'd say states like CO and AZ do an excellent job considering the larger markets (LA, TX) that they compete with.

However, I admit to being from Arizona and am a glass half full individual.