American pro sports titles are not spread evenly across the map. A few states dominate the record books because they host teams from several major leagues and have long winning histories. The count includes titles from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS. It does not follow where a team started. It only credits the state where the team plays now. This makes the list about modern sports power, not old geography.
Some states win because of one legendary franchise. Others succeed because several teams have all had strong eras. Big markets help, but history and stability matter more. Fan support, smart management, and long runs with star players also shape these totals. Over the decades, a few cities kept adding banners while others struggled to win even once.
Looking at this ranking (via Fox Sports), which shows how tight the race is. The gap between each position is small at first and then grows fast at the top. From Chicago’s mix of glory and drought to California’s widespread of champions, every spot tells a different story.
5. Illinois (20 championships)
• Chicago Blackhawks: 6
• Chicago Bulls: 6
• Chicago Cubs: 3
• Chicago White Sox: 3
• Chicago Bears: 1
• Chicago Fire FC: 1
Illinois relies heavily on Chicago. Basketball and hockey lead the count. Baseball adds steady support. Football and soccer contribute smaller shares.
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4. Pennsylvania (25 championships)
• Pittsburgh Steelers: 6
• Pittsburgh Penguins: 5
• Pittsburgh Pirates: 5
• Philadelphia 76ers: 3
• Philadelphia Eagles: 2
• Philadelphia Flyers: 2
• Philadelphia Phillies: 2
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia split the load. Football and hockey drive most of the success. Baseball keeps the total high across both cities.
3. Massachusetts (39 championships)
• Boston Celtics: 18
• Boston Red Sox: 9
• Boston Bruins: 6
• New England Patriots: 6
Boston rules this state’s numbers. The Celtics supply nearly half of the total. Football and hockey balance things out. Baseball adds long history and modern wins.
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2. New York (45 championships)
• New York Yankees: 27
• New York Giants: 4
• New York Islanders: 4
• New York Rangers: 4
• New York Knicks: 2
• New York Mets: 2
• New York City FC: 1
• New York Jets: 1
New York’s lead comes from baseball. The Yankees dominate the list alone. Hockey and football add depth. Basketball and soccer fill smaller gaps.
1. California (71 championships)
• Los Angeles Lakers: 17
• Oakland Athletics: 9
• Los Angeles Dodgers: 9
• San Francisco Giants: 8
• Golden State Warriors: 7
• LA Galaxy: 6
• San Francisco 49ers: 5
• Los Angeles Kings: 2
• Los Angeles Chargers: 2
• San Jose Earthquakes: 2
• Anaheim Ducks: 1
• Los Angeles Angels: 1
• Los Angeles FC: 1
• Sacramento Kings: 1
California wins through volume. Several cities contribute. Basketball and baseball lead the way. Football, hockey, and soccer raise the ceiling even higher.
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Conclusion
California stands far ahead with help from many franchises. New York stays close thanks to baseball history. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania show how strong cities can lift a whole state. Illinois rounds out the top five with balanced wins across sports.
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