Virginia is one of the most important places in the history of the United States. It’s where tons of decisions were made to help the country become what it is today. However, this hasn’t translated to the state taking on tons of professional teams. In fact, there are no MLB, NBA, NHL, NFL, or MLS teams in Virginia. Instead, most people cheer for teams who call either Baltimore, Charlotte, or Washington D.C. home.
Alexandria, the most populated city in Virginia, is right in the heart of all three cities. Because of that, Alexandria residents can choose teams from Baltimore, Charlotte, or Washington D.C. to support. Fans have a multitude of college teams to root for as well. Virginia is home to some of the most dominant powerhouses in college athletics. The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team is routinely one of the best defensive teams in the nation, giving them a chance to come out on top year in and year out.
The Virginia Tech Hokies football team has created a culture that runs through the entire campus. James Madison, one of the newest additions to Division One football, was dominating the competition at the lower level. There are multiple NASCAR races in Virginia every year, due to the fandom the sport has cultivated there.
Whenever sports leagues talk about expansion or relocation, one of the most popular cities to bring up is Richmond. So far, nobody has taken the chance yet. But that doesn’t mean nobody ever will. For more sports coverage, click here to read about the highest-grossing sports movies ever made.
To gather the list of most popular teams in Virginia, 24/7 Tempo consulted sports-related sources. These include CBS Sports, ESPN, and Fox Sports.
Virginia Cavaliers Basketball
For sports lovers looking to watch a fast-paced, high scoring basketball game, then the Virginia Cavaliers from the University of Virginia aren’t for you. Over the years, Tony Bennett has created a slow-paced, defensive minded team who will wear you down. In today’s basketball, this is the complete opposite of how most teams play.
After an embarrassing tournament exit in 2018 where the Cavaliers were the first one seed to lose to a 16 seed, the team bounced back and won the whole tournament in 2019. The Cavaliers are near the top of the rankings every year. In order for them to be successful, they can’t get down too much too early in games. That’s not how they’re built to be successful. The Cavaliers are looking to win their second championship in 2024.
Virginia Cavaliers Football
Basketball isn’t the only sport on campus at the University of Virginia that has fans cheering. The winning expectation is on the football field as well, which the Cavaliers are looking to get back to. The team won their division in 2019 and thought they were going to compete with teams like Florida State and Clemson. However, that dream hasn’t come to fruition yet.
In 2023, the Cavaliers lost five games by one score, showing they’re just about to take it. Learning how to win is a thing when it comes to athletics. Having the confidence to protect a lead or feel good about your chances of a game winning drive come over time. Coach Tony Elliot has the team on the right track. 2024 will be a big year of taking the next step for Virginia.
Virginia Cavaliers Soccer
One of the most successful collegiate soccer teams in the United States is the Virginia Cavaliers from the University of Virginia. They won seven national championships, with the most recent being in 2014. The sport of soccer has become more popular thanks to easier access to watch European Leagues and games like FIFA.
With more MLS teams putting additional focus into homegrown players and not the MLS Superdraft, fewer top talents are going to college. Instead, they’re getting started in their teenage years, like how it is internationally. It will be interesting to see where college soccer goes since this is the trend a lot of players prefer.
Virginia Tech Hokies Basketball
BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 19: Robbie Beran #31 of the Virginia Tech Hokies shoots a free throw in the second half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Cassell Coliseum on February 19, 2024 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)
One of the most underrated coaches in college basketball resides in Blacksburg, Virginia. Mike Young led the Wofford Terriers to five NCAA tournament appearances, and made noise in every one of them. He went to Virginia Tech and has already won a conference tournament and taken the Hokies to the tournament two times.
His teams are well-coached, disciplined, and have high basketball IQs. One former Hokie who made quite the career for himself in the NBA is Dell Curry. He’s regarded as one of the greatest shooters of all time, and he’s also the father to Steph and Seth Curry. Young has his eyes set on more tournament appearances in the near and far future.
Virginia Tech Hokies Football
Nothing gets fans and players going quite like Metallica. That’s just what Virginia Tech players get to run out to during home games. Hearing “Enter Sandman” start playing in the background gets the players focused, but hyped to play. It’s also home to some of the most iconic football names in history, Frank Beamer and Michael Vick.
Beamer spent 28 years on the sideline for the Hokies, leading them to a championship appearance in 1999. After retiring in 2015, Beamer was brought on as a special assistant to the athletic director. Vick is regarded as one of the most electric and talented players in football history. Before breaking ankles in the NFL, Vick honed on on his craft at Virginia Tech. The team is currently coached by Brent Pry.
Virginia Tech Hokies Women’s Basketball
BLACKSBURG, VA - JANUARY 05: Members of the Virginia Tech womens basketball team huddle in the second half of game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Cassell Coliseum on January 5, 2023 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)
In women’s college basketball, there are teams like South Carolina, LSU, and UConn who are constantly at the top of the rankings. Virginia Tech might quickly become one of those teams as well, though. In 2023, the team made their first Final Four in school history under coach Kenny Brooks.
Having fresh teams like Virginia Tech is only going to grow the sport of women’s basketball to new heights. 2024 hasn’t been any different, as the Hokies have picked up their winning ways right where they left off. They’re one of the favorites to win the championship, next to teams like UCLA and Colorado.
VCU Rams Basketball
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 09: Kuany Kuany #13 of the VCU Rams shoots over Nate Santos #2 of the Dayton Flyers in the second half during a game at Siegel Center on February 9, 2024 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
Not many programs have had a “Cinderella run” like the VCU Rams in 2011. In fact, they were played in one of the “First Four” games before the rest of the field kicks off. As an 11 seed, they beat teams like Georgetown, Purdue, and Kansas to get to the Final Four. Shaka Smart’s team played fast, but they managed to stay in control.
They sped teams up on defense, forcing tons of turnovers on the court. This has become a staple for all the teams Smart has coached during his career. In the Final Four, VCU put up a respectable effort. Still, they lost to Butler as they were going to their second straight title game. Fortunately, the loss didn’t turn fans away or cause their supporters to give up on them in the slightest.
Richmond Spiders Basketball
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Josh Oduro #13 of the George Mason Patriots and Neal Quinn #32 of the Richmond Spiders keep an eye on the loose ball in the second half during the Second Round of the A10 Basketball Tournament at Barclays Center on March 08, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Patriots defeated the Richmond Spiders 62-57. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
2011 was a good year for mid-major schools out of Virginia in the NCAA tournament. Richmond made it to their second Sweet 16 in school history, after upsetting Vanderbilt and beating Morehead State. They would lose to Kansas, but the team should be proud of how far they went.
Since then, the Spiders couldn’t build off that momentum and wouldn’t be back in the big dance until 2022. They’d go on and win their first game against Iowa, but lose to Providence in the next round. The Spiders make noise whenever they’re in the tournament. For now, they must get back to the pinnacle of college basketball to achieve their goals.
Norfolk Tides
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 08: Jackson Holliday #7 of the Baltimore Orioles bats during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at T-Mobile Park on July 08, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Minor league baseball is one of the most important parts of any teams success. One of the most talked about teams heading into the 2024 MLB season is the Baltimore Orioles. This is thanks in large part to the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A affiliate of the team. The reason minor league teams are so essential to the success of major league teams (especially Triple-A) is because it’s the last stop these players will make before they reach the major leagues.
One of the most highly touted prospects in baseball, Jackson Holliday, spent part of 2023 in Norfolk getting himself ready for the next step. The Orioles have a great track record of getting players ready, thanks to the Tide.
Richmond Flying Squirrels
The Aviators is a great Nevada baseball team.
The second to last step when it comes to minor league baseball is Double-A. The Richmond Flying Squirrels are just that for the San Francisco Giants and have been since 2003. Another team that his respected for the work they do to prepare players for the major leagues is the Giants, which was shown by them winning three championships in a five year stretch from 2010 to 2014.
Prior to being in Richmond, the Flying Squirrels were in Connecticut. Minor league baseball is where players find out how much they truly love the game. It’s not the glamorous lifestyle of the major leagues. There are long bus rides and small hotels, but it’s where players meet some of their best friends.
James Madison Dukes Football
BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA - SEPTEMBER 24: Todd Centeio #1 of the James Madison Dukes runs with the ball against the Appalachian State Mountaineers in the first quarter at Kidd Brewer Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Boone, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
It’s okay to take the step up and new risk in life. That’s just what the James Madison Dukes did in the 2022 season. Prior to this, the Dukes won two national titles in the tier below FBS, and were constantly ranked among the elite in college football. They played the 2023 season knowing they wouldn’t be eligible for a bowl game, because of the rules the NCAA has in place.
However, after there weren’t enough teams in college football eligible to play in bowl games, the NCAA made an exemption to the team. They played against Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl, where they lost by 10. This strong season is only the beginning of what appears to be more dominance for the Dukes.
James Madison Dukes Basketball
DAYTON, OH - MARCH 20: Andre Nation #15 of the James Madison Dukes blocks a second half shot by C.J. Garner #3 of the LIU Brooklyn Blackbirds during the first round of the 2013 NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament at University of Dayton Arena on March 20, 2013 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The football team isn’t the only athletic program at James Madison to have students excited. The Dukes basketball program got off to one of the most charming starts of anyone during the 2023-2024 season. While they’re still a mid major team, the Dukes should make the NCAA tournament in 2024 regardless of whether they win their conference tournament or not.
The gap between Power-6 and mid major schools is shrinking rapidly, unlike how it’s been in the past. The Dukes haven’t made it to the tournament since 2013, but appear to be changing that quickly come mid March.
Old Dominion Monarchs Basketball
NEW ORLEANS - MARCH 20: Josh Lomers #50 of the Baylor Bears guards Frank Hassell #21 of the Old Dominion Monarchs during the second round of the 2010 NCAA mens basketball tournament at the New Orleans Arena on March 20, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Dave Martin/Getty Images)
Virginia is full of quality college basketball programs, with Old Dominion being another one. The team is usually in the mix for winning the Sun Belt conference tournament and getting an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament. Their last appearance was in 2019, and a slow start to the 2023 season caused coach Jeff Jones to get fired.
The Monarchs are going to be looking for their replacement at the end of the year. However, this move showed the team isn’t willing to accept anything less than quality basketball, regardless of what the coach has done in the past. Fans should be excited about the future of Monarch basketball and where the team will go.
Old Dominion Monarchs Football
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 18: The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers special team blocks a field goal kick from Ethan Sanchez #92 of the Old Dominion Monarchs during the Famous Toastery Bowl at Jerry Richardson Stadium on December 18, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)
While the goal of every college football team is to make the playoff and get the chance to win a championship, getting to play in a bowl game of any kind is still rewarding. After the 2023 season concluded, the Monarchs played in the Famous Toastery Bowl against Western Kentucky, which they lost in heartbreaking fashion.
This was just another step in the right direction for the Monarchs. With the playoff expanding rapidly, there are more and more chances for smaller schools to get involved.
Hampton Pirates Basketball
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 04: Nyzaiah Chambers #50 of the Norfolk State Spartans fights for the ball with Jordan Nesbitt #5 and Kyrese Mullen #3 of the Hampton Pirates during the first half of the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic at Prudential Center on February 04, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Getting to represent an HBCU in athletics is something a lot of people do with pride. Winning here just feels different than winning at a big school. Hampton is where some of the top talent in basketball go to play. The team was really put on the map in 2001, when they had a massive upset win against Iowa State.
They were one of the first 15 seeds to beat a two seed in the NCAA tournament. With six seconds left after Travis Williams hit the game winner that sent the Pirates to the next round. The team made it to back to back tournaments in 2015 and 2016, but is looking for their next trip since then.
Hampton Lady Pirates Basketball
Winning the tournament at any level of college basketball is impressive. It takes hard work, determination, and the strength to fight through anything. The Hampton Lady Pirates won the Division II tournament in 1988, after beating West Texas State to take it all home. The Lady Pirates also made the tournament six times in eight years from 2010 to 2017.
However, they haven’t been back to take a shot at winning it all since 2017. It’s harder for smaller schools to get in because they have to win their conference tournament to be selected. Only one team, usually, from the Coastal Athletic Association gets in to the women’s tournament every year. Hampton is looking to turn that around in 2024.
Oak Hill Warriors Basketball
Not many destinations can claim a high school basketball team as one of the most popular in the state. Oak Hill is different than most schools, though. They’re known for pumping out talented players like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Rajon Rondo, and countless others. They’ve grown into such a national powerhouse they can recruit these top players, since they’re a private school.
However, this is a massive step for these teenagers to take. For most, it involves leaving your friends and family that you’ve grown up with. They’re forced to grow up quickly, which is part of the reason so many players are mature who go there.
Martinsville Speedway NASCAR
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA - OCTOBER 29: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota, and Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 29, 2023 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Logan Whitton/Getty Images)
Nascar is huge in Virginia, thanks to places like Martinsville Speedway. Each year, the track hosts multiple different NASCAR sanctioned events, from the Cup Series to the Truck Series. Richard Petty has the most wins of any driver in history at Martinsville, with 15 of them. He also has 30 top five finishes, also leading all drivers in history.
Fans love going to races at this track partly because of the legendary hot dogs the concession stands serve. They have chili, coleslaw, mustard, onions, and more inside them. NASCAR fans who are obsessed with watching fast cars can access exactly what they’re looking for at Martinsville Speedway.
Richmond Raceway NASCAR
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - JULY 30: Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Fastenal Ford, pits during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway on July 30, 2023 in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Another popular track NASCAR hosts events at in Virginia is Richmond Raceway. The track is known for being shorter than most raced on during the season. While this might make it seem easier, it’s actually not. Drivers have less straightaway to pass other drivers, since it’s hard to on turns. Like Martinsville, Richard Petty owns the most wins at Richmond with 13.
He also comes in first with 34 top five finishes. It’s no wonder Petty is near the top of these lists. He’s one of the greatest drivers to ever sit behind a car. Although NASCAR is considered quite dangerous, it’s a sport Virginians adore and respect. For more sports content, click here to read about the most iconic moments in sports history.