Incredibly, Alabama is the second most populated state in the U.S. without a major league franchise (first, if you don’t count Virginia for some other reasons).
That being said, it would be foolish to think that sports aren’t important across the state. Alameda has a long history of leading or pioneering in multiple sports capacities, and they continue that tradition today. Let’s take a look at the most popular sports teams in Alabama, “major franchise” or not! (For another sports list, click here for the best sports movies based on true events.)
To determine the most popular sports teams in Alabama, 24/7 Tempo used public databases to look through the current minor league and semi-professional teams, plus combed through some of the largest colleges to determine the most popular sports teams in the state.
NCAA D1 College Teams
There are a lot of colleges in Alabama. On top of that, the competitive nature of many of these colleges contributes to a fierce climate of loyalty, and with no major teams, many people look to D1 sports to fill the void. Here are some of the most popular D1 college sports teams in the state.
Alabama A&M Bulldogs
The Alabama A&M Bulldogs are located in Normal, Alabama, a little suburb near the larger city of Huntsville. The Bulldogs have most sports as a large college, but the most popular sports teams at the college are the football and basketball teams. At the national stage, the Bulldogs may not be all that popular as far as college goes, but they have a dedicated fanbase within the state itself.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Few college teams have a sports legacy like the Crimson Tide. When people reference “Alabama” football, this is usually the team they are talking about. Their fanbase, the Crimson Tide Nation, is one of the most devoted and dedicated out there, and they have supporters all across the country. The college football team is easily one of the most storied organizations in the nation, and NFL stars have repeatedly come through the program. (Here are the most popular teams in pro sports.)
Alabama State Hornets
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Myles Crawley #7 of the Alabama State Hornets throws against the UCLA Bruins in the third quarter at Rose Bowl Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Alabama State Hornets are located in the capital of the state, Montgomery. Sure, Alabama State isn’t as notorious as the Crimson Tide, but they do have a following made up of alumni and some devoted fans. Their most notable sports teams are probably their football and basketball teams, although their sports program is well-rounded.
Auburn Tigers
The only team that can compete with the Crimson Tide when it comes to fan-base devotion is the Auburn Tigers. The Tigers are from Auburn University, which is located in Auburn. The Iron Bowl is one of the most anticipated events of the year and pits the two against each other, and the fans make known just how passionate they are at events like this. Aubie the Tiger is an icon for fans, and the football, basketball, and baseball teams are well-respected.
Jacksonville State Gamecocks
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 9: Bryant Horn #14 of the Jacksonville State Gamecocks is knocked out of bounds by Jalen Johnson #23 of Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 9, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
The Jacksonville State Gamecocks are more of a local team located in Jacksonville, Alabama, in the northeastern part of the state. Still, as a D1 school, they do compete with some of the bigger names and make playoff appearances with some regularity.
North Alabama Lions
LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 27: Damian Forrest #33 of the North Alabama Lions is introduced before a game against the Liberty Flames at the Liberty Arena on January 27, 2022 in Lynchburg, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
The Lions are from the University of North Alabama, which is located in Florence, Alabama. The Lions are another example of a more locally-oriented team, although anyone who went to the school most definitely has some strong sentiments and loyalties. They recently transitioned to a D1 school, showing that the school is making some progress in becoming a more influential program at the state level.
Samford Bulldogs
ATHENS, GA - SEPTEMBER 16: Devlin Hodges #8 of the Samford Bulldogs recovers his own fumbled snap against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
The second Bulldogs on our list, the Samford Bulldogs are located in Birmingham, Alabama, from Samford University. They are most known for their football and basketball programs. Again, the team’s fanbase is mostly regional and those who attended the school, but Birmingham is one of the largest cities in the state, so the fanbase isn’t marginal.
South Alabama Jaguars
STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Kane Wommack congratulates quarterback Carter Bradley #2 of the South Alabama Jaguars after defeating the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. South Alabama won 33-7. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
The Jaguars are located in Mobile, Alabama, along the Gulf Coast at the University of South Alabama. Part of the Sun Belt Conference, the Jaguars have a growing sports program, most notably through their football and basketball teams.
Troy Trojans
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 16: Clayton Ollendieck #89 of the Troy Trojans makes a reception for a two point conversion against the UTSA Roadrunners during the third quarter of the Duluth Trading Cure Bowl at Exploria Stadium on December 16, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
The Trojans are located in Troy, Alabama and come from Troy University. The Trojans are most known for their football, basketball, and baseball programs and have a base comprised mostly of regional fans and alumni.
UAB Blazers
The Blazers are located in Birmingham, Alabama at The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Their program focuses on football and basketball, but their athletic program is pretty well-rounded overall. Their basketball program is probably their most notable, and they have made three Sweet Sixteen appearances and one Elite Eight appearance.
Professional Sports Teams
Outside of college sports, there are some professional or semi-professional teams that have a home in Alabama. Most of the teams aren’t household names outside of the state, but they do have a large local following.
Birmingham Barons – Baseball
Birmingham, Alabama
The Birmingham Barons are a minor league baseball team that are affiliated with the MLB team. They operate as the Double-A feeder of the Chicago White Sox, and they have a large local following with a sizable turnout during the season. Many of the players on the Barons are on their way up to the professional level, but are a little more accessible to people in the state since they have no MLB team.
Birmingham Legion FC – Soccer
Birmingham Legion FC is based in Birmingham, Alabama, and plays at the BBVA Field, a soccer-specific stadium located in downtown Birmingham. They are a part of the United Soccer League (USL) Championship, the second professional soccer tier in the country.
Birmingham Squadron – Basketball
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: Joe Young #27 of the Birmingham Squadron dribbles past Jaime Echenique #12 of the Capital City Go-Go during the NBA G League Winter Showcase at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on December 19, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images)
While not yet at the NBA level, the Birmingham Squadron is based in Birmingham, Alabama, and plays its home games at the Legacy Arena. The team competes in the NBA G League, which essentially works as a developmental league for the highest level of play in the NBA. The players are great, and they get a lot of local support in the state’s capital city.
Birmingham Stallions – Football
CANTON, OHIO - JULY 03: Birmingham Stallions quarterback J'Mar Smith (6) looks for an open receiver in the third quarter against the Philadelphia Stars in the USFL Championship game at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium on July 03, 2022 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Gaelen Morse/Getty Images)
The Birmingham Stallions were a professional football team based in Birmingham, Alabama, and played their home games at Legion Field, although the USFL (United States Football League) was later shut down, and the Stallions with it. (These are the greatest pro sports teams that disappeared.)
However, the USFL was recently announced to have returned (in 2022), and the headquarters of the league was placed in Birmingham. Later that year, the Stallions became the first USFL champions (of the new version, at least) and beat out the Philadelphia Stars.
Huntsville City FC – Soccer
Huntsville City FC is based in Huntsville, Alabama, and is a part of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). The NPSL is a semi-pro league across the U.S. and acts as a way for local teams to compete at a relatively high level.
Montgomery Biscuits – Baseball
Another minor-league baseball team, the Montgomery Biscuits are based in Montgomery, Alabama, and they play their games at Riverwalk Stadium. They are another Double-A feeder team, with their MLB affiliate being the Tampa Bay Rays. Their name and atmosphere at the games have helped them become a loved team in the region (and who doesn’t love biscuits?).
Rocket City Trash Pandas – Baseball
The Rocket City Trash Pandas are based in Madison, Alabama, which is a smaller region considered to be part of the Huntsville metro. They are a minor league baseball team and are the Double-A feeders for the Los Angeles Angels. (This is the greatest baseball player the year you were born.)