Last year the Grizzlies were ranked the 3rd best franchise in all of professional sports by ESPN after being #1 overall in 2013. This year they have moved back up to the 2nd best franchise among all four major league sports teams in North America.
The top spot was once again grabbed by division rival San Antonio Spurs for the second year in a row, but considering the field second isn’t all bad. It is also the fourth consecutive year the team finished in the top 5 matching San Antonio for the longest streak at the top.
The Grizzlies ranked #1 in affordability for the second straight year and were in the top 15 for “Bang for the Buck” (3rd), “Players” (4th), “Stadium Experience” (6th), “Fan Relations” (7th) and “Ownership” (13th).
“We are honored and humbled to once again finish so highly in ESPN The Magazine’s Ultimate Standings,” Grizzlies President of Business Operations Jason Wexler said. “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. This sustained success could not be achieved without the collaborative effort of our tremendous Season Ticket Holders, our coaches, players and our corporate and community partners, and the leadership of our Controlling Owner Robert J. Pera.”
The Memphis Grizzlies are entering their 15th season in the Memphis (21st in the NBA) and have reached new heights since the sale of the team to a group led by Grizzlies controlling owner Robert J. Pera in 2012. Under Pera’s stewardship, the Grizzlies have posted the three winningest seasons in franchise history and have won more playoff games in that span than in the previous 17 seasons combined. In addition, the Grizzlies are renowned nationally and internationally for their commitment and loyalty to the Memphis community, winning the prestigious Beyond Sport Team of the Year Award in 2012.
The poll tabulated from over 100,000 responses.
“Affordability” measures the price of tickets, parking and concessions. “Bang for the Buck” calculates wins in the past two years per fan dollar, adjusted for league schedules. “Players” quantifies the players’ effort on the court and likeability off it. “Stadium Experience” assesses the quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as the friendliness of the environment. “Fan Relations” examines courtesy by players, coaches and front office toward fans, plus how well a team uses technology to reach fans. “Ownership” measures honesty and loyalty to core players and the local community.
ESPN The Magazine’s 2015 Ultimate Standings, Top 10 Overall Franchises
1. San Antonio Spurs (NBA)
2. Memphis Grizzlies (NBA)
3. Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
4. Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
5. Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
6. Green Bay Packers (NFL)
7. Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)
8. Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)
9. Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
10. Dallas Stars (NHL)
