When you think of sports teams, there’s a chance your brain goes straight to New York City. This is where some of the biggest names come into play. The spotlight is so bright, it can be hard to focus. Not everyone is built for the Big Apple, but if you are, then you can make it anywhere. However, New York City isn’t the only place in the state where there are beloved sports teams. Cities like Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester have flocking fans at events year-round.
The Buffalo Bills love to proclaim they’re the only NFL team to play their home games in the state, which is true. While they have New York in their name, many teams play their home games in New Jersey. New York City FC of Major League Soccer also touts the fact that they’re New York’s only soccer team. It also helps that they have better stats than other teams in their leagues.
In this article, there won’t be any mention of the New York Giants, New York Jets, New York Red Bulls FC, or NJ/NY Gotham FC since their games all take place in New Jersey. It doesn’t appear these teams will be heading back to the Big Apple anytime soon. That being said, keep in mind that New York is one of the best basketball places in the world.
New York City is known for their legendary street-ball games and producing dozens of NBA players. Fans in New York think highly of their teams, but always keep it real with how they’re doing. Expectations are sky high, but these teams are prepared to meet them. For more on New York, click here to read about the 10 biggest musicians from there as well.
To compile this list of the most popular sports teams in New York, 24/7 Tempo consulted outside sources like NFL.com, MLS.com, and NCAA.com
Buffalo Bills
Anyone looking for the rowdiest, craziest bunch of fans in the world can look no further than the Bills Mafia. The fans are known for breaking tables, tailgating in cold temperatures for hours, and riding till dawn for their team no matter what. Prior to Josh Allen landing in the Bills lap, it was a long road for these fans. The team didn’t have much success in the 2000s and 2010s.
The Bills had the distinct honor of reaching four Super Bowls in a row, from 1990-1993. Each one ended in heartbreak, though. Losing four straight Super Bowls turned the Bills team into a joke. They were thought of as an unserious crew – until now. Josh Allen brings the Bills close to the Super Bowl nearly every year thanks to his outstanding play.
New York Knicks
Basketball in New York will always be “king,” no matter what. The New York Knicks are the greatest symbol of that of that truth. Getting into Madison Square Garden for a game is one of the most costly feats you can accomplish in New York. When the Knicks are playing well, there’s a top-tier feeling around town that something special is going to happen.
The team hasn’t been to the NBA Finals since 1999. That’s the year when they lost to a San Antonio Spurs team that was just starting their dynasty. Being a Knicks fan isn’t for the faint of heart, as there have been dozens of missed opportunities over the years to get back to the promise land. The good news is that Tom Thibodeau is coaching the team in 2024. Fans can agree that he has the Knicks players on the right track for now.
Brooklyn Nets
In 2012, the New Jersey Nets relocated to Brooklyn, as the borough finally got its own team to root for. When Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving all announced their intention to bring a title home, fans were excited. Unfortunately, dozens of circumstances around the team made it so fans never got to see the trifecta perform consistently together.
Instead, each season was met with disappointment, and they never made it past the second round. I seemed that having all the talent in the world didn’t make a difference. Today, the Nets no longer have these three athletes in their lineup, but the team is building something special with a star player like Mikal Bridges at the front.
New York Liberty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 18: Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty reacts after a play in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Aces during Game Four of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 18, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Men’s basketball isn’t the only show in town that’s popular. Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart are leading the Liberty night in and night out. The duo brought the team to the 2023 WNBA Finals in a highly anticipated duel with the Las Vegas Aces. While the Aces completed their back to back quests, the Liberty proved they were here to stay for a long time.
The team is looking for their first title in franchise history with loads of spirit to fall back on. They have all the pieces a championship roster could need to get the job done.
New York Mets
There’s nothing like a crosstown rivalry to get fans going. The New York Mets like to think of themselves as the common mans’ team in New York. They aren’t known for being flashy or uptight, the way the Yankees are thought of. Players are allowed to have facial hair and long hair. As a reminder, most MLB players are forced to shave their beards and mustaches. Despite their lack of grooming rules, this team made it to the World Series more recently than the Yankees themselves.
It didn’t go well, but the Mets gave it their best shot in 2015 against the Kansas City Royals. These days, the Mets are known for being aggressive spenders. When Steve Cohen bought the team, he made it clear they weren’t going to be frugal. The results haven’t been there yet, but Mets fans are hopeful 2024 will ultimately be their year.
New York Yankees
The only team with more success in North American sports than the New York Yankees from a championship perspective is the Montreal Canadians. The Yankees are adored and respected by millions. Throughout their amazing history, the Yankees have been World Series champions 27 times while having gone to the Fall Classic 40 times.
Since their first trip in 1921, the Yankees average a World Series trip every 2.5 years. The team needs to get back on track, as they haven’t been since 2009. The 2010s were the first decade the team didn’t make at least one World Series. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are looking to spearhead the next trip for the Bronx Bombers.
New York Rangers
The other professional team to use Madison Square Garden as its home base is the New York Rangers. One of the “Original Six” hockey teams, the Rangers have won four Stanley Cups, with the last coming in 1994. Being from New York, the team has expectations of winning every year. For whatever reason, they haven’t always been able to accomplish their goals in a consecutive manner.
The team has always had good goaltending, going from Henrik Lundqvist to Igor Shesterkin, but only have one Stanley Cup Finals appearance to show for it. They went on to lose to the Los Angeles Kings in five games, when Alec Martinez won it all in overtime. The Rangers have another good team in 2024 and have their sights set on adding another title.
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders were the team to root for during the late 1970s and early 1980s. They won four straight Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983. Before that, they went to the finals in 1978 and 1984. However, they haven’t been back to claim hockey’s greatest prize since then.
Surprisingly for diehard fans, this team hasn’t won the division since 1988. The Islanders lost to the eventual champions Tampa Bay Lightning in back to back Eastern Conference Finals in 2020 and 2021. That doesn’t mean they haven’t still experienced some recent successes. Patrick Roy was just hired to coach the team as he aims to steer them in the right direction.
Buffalo Sabres
Playing in Buffalo can be challenging for athletes. You’re far away from the bright lights of New York City and you’re often considered an after-thought. That didn’t stop the Sabres from getting to the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals, where they’d put up a valiant effort agains the powerful Dallas Stars. The Sabres best year in franchise history was 2007, when they won the Presidents’ Trophy for winning the most points in the league.
The team easily got to the Conference finals and a matchup with the Ottawa Senators. The Senators were too much, and won the series four games to one. Since then, the Sabres have been trying to smoothly regain their status. If there’s one thing Buffalo fans know for sure, when the Sabres are back on top, the sports lovers of the city will be ready.
New York City FC
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 10: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against Julian Fernandez #11 of New York City FC during the second half in the Noche dOr friendly match at DRV PNK Stadium on November 10, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The only MLS team to play home games in New York is New York City FC. The club that’s owned by the same group who runs Manchester City, New York City FC’s seasons are met with championship or bust mentalities. In 2021, the team got the job finished and won MLS Cup for the first time.
The 2023 campaign for NYCFC wasn’t exactly top-notch, to say the least. Since the team didn’t make it to the playoffs, the team has been going above and beyond to imitate change for a brighter future. Fans shouldn’t expect this trend to continue, as the squad revamped for 2024.
Buffalo Bandits
BUFFALO, NY - JUNE 3: Tyson Gibson #43 of the Colorado Mammoth tries to get the ball past Matt Vinc #48 of the Buffalo Bandits during the final game of the NLL Championship at KeyBank Center on June 3, 2023 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images for NLL)
Over the last decade, lacrosse quickly became one of the most popular sports on the east coast. The one team in Buffalo to bring home a championship for this enticing sport is the Buffalo Bandits. In 2023, the Bandits snagged their fifth championship in their existence, when they beat the Colorado Mammoth.
The prior year, the Mammoth beat the Bandits in the final, making this one feel extra sweet when the Bandits won. The 2024 year hasn’t been much different so far for the team, as they’ve once again been labeled the “favorites” to take home the gold.
New York Riptide
HAMILTON, CANADA - AUGUST 11: Head coach Regy Thorpe of the Hamilton Nationals talks to his players during Major League Lacrosse game action against the Long Island Lizards on August 11, 2012 at Ron Joyce Stadium in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
The NLL saw a booming market in New York and felt the need to jump on it as quickly as they could. It was a business move that benefited them greatly. While they don’t have the same level of history as the Buffalo Bandits, the New York Riptide are looking to start their own dynasty. Their first full season of play was 2019 in Uniondale. The Riptide are ready to take the crown as the best lacrosse team in New York. and fans of the area are certainly on board.
Rochester Knighthawks
The Rochester Knighthawks came into play one year after the Riptide. Despite their timeline, they only have a little more to show for themselves in terms of success. The team hasn’t raked in any titles yet, but they can boast that they have a playoff appearance. 2023 was the first year the Knighthawks took their shot at winning the NLL Cup. They didn’t quite pull it off, but the game gave them a great taste of what success could feel like. It also shed light on what’s needed to get to the next level.
Albany FireWolves
The fourth and final NLL team in New York is the Albany FireWolves. This team didn’t start from scratch, unlike the previous three. Instead, they moved from New England after they were originally founded in Philadelphia. The NLL found a clear market for a part of the country that craves lacrosse.
It also helps that the FireWolves are the only professional team to represent the state capital of New York. The team is looking for their first championship in Albany, and fans are ready to enjoy the taste of sweet victory.
Harlem Globetrotters
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 03: Bounce Moody slam dunks the ball during the Harlem Globetrotters Spread Game Tour at Qudos Bank Arena on July 03, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Nathan Hopkins/Getty Images)
It would be wrong to skip the Harlem Globetrotters in a list of the most popular teams in New York. The worldwide phenomenon started in Harlem, where players became known for doing crazy tricks with a basketball. They always play against the Washington Generals, who are still in search of their first win against the Globetrotters.
While the team is designed for entertainment purposes only, Wilt Chamberlain (one of the greatest basketball players ever) played with the team for a part of his professional career. The team brings joy to fans around the world and will continue to do so for a long time.
Syracuse Orange Basketball
It’s been more than 20 years since Carmelo Anthony led the Syracuse Orange to the National Championship, cementing him and Jim Boeheim’s legacy at the school. During his run as coach, Boeheim went to five Final Fours, with his only championship being 2003. Anthony is still revered as a massive talent in the basketball world today.
Boeheim’s teams played a tough 2-3 zone, which is uncharacteristic for college level athletes. Playing a zone requires a high basketball I.Q. and quick reflexes. His teams were full of athletes who fit that mold.
St. John’s Red Storm Basketball
Big East basketball was the pinnacle of success in the 1980s and 1990s. Teams like St. John’s were some of the most dominant in all of college basketball The team made the 1985 Final Four, and has aspirations to get back there. They hired coach Rick Pitino. He’s had success at every college stop he’s made, but recruiting violations eventually caught up to him.
With the newer rules on recruiting, Coach Pitino got another chance at Iona to prove himself. After doing so for a couple of years, St. John’s came knocking. Coach Pitino has the Red Storm looking good in 2024.
Iona Gaels Basketball
ALBANY, NEW YORK - MARCH 17: Berrick JeanLouis #0 of the Iona Gaels drives to the basket against Andre Jackson Jr. #44 and Jordan Hawkins #24 of the Connecticut Huskies during the first round of the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament at MVP Arena on March 17, 2023 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
One of the more successful mid major teams over the last decade is the Iona Gaels. Since 2012, the Gaels have been to the tournament eight times. They haven’t won a game yet, but play close against some of the top teams in the country. They recruit some of the best talent in New York City. The ability to offer certain playing time, while still staying close to home, is appealing to lots of kids who don’t want to move too far away from the familiar they’re accustomed to.
Army Black Knights Football
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 06: Sam Barczak #62 of the Army Black Knights tries to plant a sword on the 50 yard line after the win over the Air Force Falcons at Globe Life Field on November 06, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
There’s something about rooting for a young man or woman who’s about to serve their country right after graduating. This is what fans of the Army Black Knights get to do every week when the team takes the field. They have one of the most heated rivalries with Navy in sports, which makes these games far more interesting to watch.
In fact, college football dedicates an entire weekend just for this one particular game. The entire nation picks who’s side to be on, and then roots as hard as possible.
Syracuse Orange Football
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 21: Weston Wolff #18 of the South Florida Bulls jumps over a tackle against the Syracuse Orange during the third quarter in the RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl game at FAU Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
The Syracuse Orange aren’t just any basketball team. They’re a football team with high hopes. The 2023 team ended the year okay, finishing 6-7. However, the Orange had a horrible loss in the Boca Raton Bowl. The team will undoubtedly use this as motivation entering the 2024 year.
Legendary running back Jim Brown played his college football in Syracuse before going to the NFL. Ernie Davis, another trailblazer, played at Syracuse. When he won the Heisman Trophy in 1961 as the nation’s best player, he became the first African American to do so.
Buffalo Bisons
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 04: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. #27 of the Toronto Blue Jays reacts after being tagged out at second base against Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning in Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Target Field on October 04, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
The Buffalo Bisons are a Triple-A team who became important in 2021. They help get the Toronto Blue Jays players ready right before they head to the Major Leagues. However, in 2021 when Covid was still an issue, Canada didn’t allow anyone to cross the border. So, instead of playing their home games in Toronto for a large part of the year, the Blue Jays were forced to play in Buffalo.
Being the amazing sports town it is, Buffalo opened their arms wide open for the Blue Jays as long as they needed. After this, the Bisons went back to business as usual, letting the world know they’re always available whenever need be. For more sports info, click here to read about the most popular teams in Florida.