New study reveals the most loyal fans in the NFL
- Dallas Cowboys have the most loyal fans in the NFL
- Philadelphia Eagles have the second most loyal fans
- Kansas City Chiefs fans rank third
A new study has revealed that the Dallas Cowboys have the most loyal fans in the NFL.
Research by bookmaker review site SmartBettingGuide.com analyzed eight metrics such as social media followers, engagement and average likes, the average home, away and total attendance, and the average money spent on merchandise annually as well as food and drinks at games.
These metrics were each given a score out of 10 and combined, the maximum score that could be given is 80. The metrics were chosen due to their correlation to overall fan engagement, support and interaction.
1 – Dallas Cowboys
The research shows that the Dallas Cowboys are the team with the most loyal fans. They have the highest average attendance at home (93,465) and in total (82,915). A survey conducted on fans of every NFL team found that Dallas Cowboys fans are some of the biggest spenders, spending an average of $189.76 on merchandise, and $117.27 on food and drink inside the stadium. This shows fans willing to not just turn up in droves to support their team at games, but also wanting to represent their team by wearing their merchandise.
Supporter index – 55.22
2 – Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have the second most loyal fans in the NFL. Online Eagles fans are some of the most engaged with a 2.62% engagement rate, one of the highest in the NFL, as well as the highest number of average likes on posts (72,831). The Eagles have an average attendance of 69,439 which is on par with the league average (69,441).
Supporter index – 51.54
3 – Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have the third-best fans in the NFL according to the research. Much like the Eagles the Chiefs have a high engagement rate at 1.69%, and average 47,685 likes per post on their socials. The Chiefs have a solid average home attendance of 73,499 and 70,764 away. Chiefs’ fans have also been reported to spend $207.33 on merch, one of the highest in the NFL, as well as $119.99 on food and drink.
Supporter index – 50.48
4 – San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have a high engagement rate on social media with 1.96%, showing fans are present online as well as at games. Even on the road 49ers fans have one of the highest average away attendances (70,571). Their total average attendance is also one of the highest at 71,131. Fans have also spent on average around $153.38 on merch in 2023.
Supporter index – 48.69
5 – Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are fifth in this list. With over 3,500,000 followers on Instagram, it’s impressive that fans maintain an engagement rate of 1.73%. The Steelers have a total average attendance of 67,722 which is only slightly below the league average of 69,441. Steelers fans also spend on average $134.36 annually on merch and $80.70 per game day on food and drink.
Supporter index – 47.40
6 – Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals fans are the sixth most loyal fanbase according to recent data. They have some of the best continued online engagement with 2.81% and over 41,000 likes per post which is way above the average in the NFL (27,164). The Bengals also have a similar average total attendance to many others in the top 10 (69,337).
Supporter index – 45.45
7 – Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have a 1.73% engagement rate on social media and an average of 40,000 likes which is above the league average of 1.45% and 27,164 likes. Raiders fans are consistent with their support at games with a total average of 66,232 across the entire 2022 season. Fans also spend on average $199.76 annually on merchandise.
Supporter index – 45.12
8 – Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have a high engagement rate online of 2.08%, as well as a high overall attendance to games of 69,192. Bills fans also spend on average $228.48 annually on merchandise so they can represent their team and show their support.
Supporter index – 44.49
9 – Los Angeles Chargers
The LA Chargers have one of the highest average home attendances with 72,734, their total average being 71,659. Their online following is where they drop down this list. The Chargers only have around 1 million followers and average 23,479 likes per post.
Supporter index – 44.19
10 – New England Patriots
Patriots have the most followers on Instagram out of any NFL team, with 5 million, although they have a much lower engagement rate (0.68%). They have an average 67,757 fans attending games and spend on average $129.01 while at games.
Supporter index – 42.97
A spokesperson from Smart Betting Guide commented: “Fans are the heartbeat of the NFL, providing an electric energy and unwavering support that fuels the game’s passion and excitement. Their dedication and loyalty are the foundation of the league, without the fans there is no football.
Every fan of every team is a vital part of what makes the NFL great. The immense commitment of every supporter who travels to watch their team, spends their hard-earned money on merch, food and drink, and continues that support online, proves the level of dedication and love that so many fans have toward the game and their teams”
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
