MLB Popularity Rankings 2026

Ranking All 30 Teams by Fanbase Size, Global Reach, and Cultural Impact

(This ranking is not based on wins or championships — it reflects popularity, brand power, historical influence, social media reach, and fan loyalty.)

1. New York Yankees

No franchise in baseball — and arguably in all of American sports — matches the global brand power of the New York Yankees. With 27 World Series titles, iconic pinstripes, and a logo recognized worldwide, the Yankees transcend baseball.

From New York City to Tokyo, London, and beyond, Yankees merchandise is worn by people who may never have watched a game. Their dominance in pop culture, sports media, and history makes them MLB’s undisputed popularity king.

Why they rank #1:

• Most championships in MLB history

• Massive worldwide fanbase

• Unmatched brand recognition

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

If any franchise is challenging the Yankees’ throne, it’s the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Boasting elite attendance numbers, massive payrolls, superstar rosters, and an enormous international following — particularly in Asia — the Dodgers have become baseball’s modern global powerhouse.

Their dominance on the field and off it has transformed them into MLB’s most visible franchise of the 21st century.

Why they rank #2:

• League-leading attendance

• Global stars and market power

• Huge digital footprint

3. Chicago Cubs

Few franchises in sports have a fanbase as emotionally connected as the Chicago Cubs.

Even after decades of heartbreak, Cubs fans remained loyal — and their 2016 World Series victory only strengthened their mythos. Wrigley Field is sacred ground, and Cubs fandom stretches far beyond Chicago.

Why they rank #3:

• Multi-generational loyalty

• Iconic stadium and tradition

• Massive Midwest fan reach

4. Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox embody passion, history, heartbreak, redemption, and dominance.

Their rivalry with the Yankees is arguably the greatest in American sports, and Fenway Park remains one of the most iconic venues in the world. Red Sox fans are fiercely loyal, deeply emotional, and globally visible.

Why they rank #4:

• Legendary rivalry

• Historic stadium

• Intense fan culture

5. St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals may not play in the largest market, but their fan devotion rivals any team in sports.

Often called “Baseball Heaven,” St. Louis lives and breathes Cardinals baseball. Their consistency, tradition, and loyal regional dominance place them firmly in MLB’s elite popularity tier.

Why they rank #5:

• Deep baseball tradition

• Consistently strong attendance

• Loyal Midwest dominance

6. Atlanta Braves

Thanks to decades of national television exposure on TBS, the Atlanta Braves built one of baseball’s largest national fanbases.

Their sustained success, recent championships, and growing international appeal continue to keep them among MLB’s most popular franchises.

Why they rank #6:

• Massive national reach

• Sustained success

• Expanding global fanbase

7. Toronto Blue Jays

As Canada’s only MLB team, the Blue Jays command an entire nation’s support.

From Vancouver to Montreal, the Blue Jays are Canada’s baseball identity, and their popularity explodes whenever they become contenders.

Why they rank #7:

• National fanbase

• Huge international visibility

• Loyal cross-border following

8. Houston Astros

The Astros have transformed from underdogs into one of baseball’s most dominant modern dynasties.

While controversy has fueled criticism, it has also amplified their visibility. Love them or hate them — everyone watches the Astros.

Why they rank #8:

• Championship success

• High national exposure

• Polarizing, attention-driven presence

9. San Francisco Giants

With a rich history, iconic ballpark, and three championships in five seasons during the 2010s, the Giants remain one of baseball’s most beloved brands.

Why they rank #9:

• Legendary ballpark

• Championship pedigree

• Massive West Coast support

10. New York Mets

The Mets combine massive market size, dramatic history, superstar signings, and emotional fandom.

While inconsistent on the field, their fan engagement and media presence remain enormous.

Why they rank #10:

• NYC market power

• Constant media attention

• Highly passionate fans

11. Los Angeles Angels

Thanks largely to Shohei Ohtani’s era, the Angels became one of MLB’s most internationally visible franchises.

Even after his departure, the global footprint remains strong.

Why they rank #11:

• International star legacy

• Massive Southern California audience

• Global media exposure

12. Philadelphia Phillies

Few cities embrace sports quite like Philadelphia.

Phillies fans are intense, loyal, emotional, and unwavering — creating one of MLB’s most energetic atmospheres.

Why they rank #12:

• Elite fan passion

• Historic franchise

• Consistent postseason attention

13. Seattle Mariners

Seattle owns one of baseball’s most emotionally loyal fanbases, built through decades of heartbreak and hope.

Ichiro Suzuki’s legacy also boosted their global appeal tremendously.

Why they rank #13:

• Legendary player history

• Loyal Pacific Northwest following

• Strong international fan ties

14. Detroit Tigers

Detroit remains one of baseball’s most deeply traditional cities, where baseball still defines local culture.

Why they rank #14:

• Historic franchise

• Loyal Midwest following

• Strong generational ties

15. Milwaukee Brewers

A smaller market with an outsized fan presence, the Brewers are beloved for their atmosphere, tailgating culture, and loyalty.

Why they rank #15:

• Deep local devotion

• Unique fan culture

• Strong attendance

16. Texas Rangers

A recent championship surge and huge Texas market have rapidly boosted the Rangers’ popularity.

Why they rank #16:

• Massive market

• Recent title momentum

• Growing national presence

17. Cleveland Guardians

Baseball loyalty runs deep in Cleveland, even through long championship droughts.

Why they rank #17:

• Historic identity

• Loyal local following

• Strong baseball culture

18. Minnesota Twins

The Twins maintain strong Midwestern loyalty and stable fan engagement.

Why they rank #18:

• Regional dominance

• Consistent fan presence

• Historic franchise

19. Arizona Diamondbacks

A young franchise that gained attention through recent postseason success.

Why they rank #19:

• Recent World Series run

• Growing Southwest fanbase

• Increasing national exposure

20. Pittsburgh Pirates

Despite struggles, Pirates fans remain fiercely loyal, and PNC Park remains one of MLB’s most beloved venues.

Why they rank #20:

• Legendary ballpark

• Deep historical roots

• Loyal fan culture

21. Baltimore Orioles

Once a powerhouse, now resurging — Orioles fandom is on the rise again.

Why they rank #21:

• Rebuilding success

• Strong historical base

• Growing youth fan interest

22. Washington Nationals

The 2019 championship cemented Nationals baseball in D.C., though fan growth remains ongoing.

Why they rank #22:

• Recent championship legacy

• Large metro market

• Developing fan identity

23. San Diego Padres

Recent superteam builds and star power pushed the Padres into national relevance.

Why they rank #23:

• Superstar roster

• Growing fan excitement

• High entertainment factor

24. Kansas City Royals

Small market, but fiercely loyal fans and championship memories keep them relevant.

Why they rank #24:

• Loyal regional support

• Championship nostalgia

• Tight-knit fanbase

25. Tampa Bay Rays

Strong on-field performance, but limited by stadium issues and small market size.

Why they rank #25:

• Winning culture

• Smaller fanbase

• Limited market reach

26. Colorado Rockies

Beautiful stadium, loyal fans, but limited national impact.

Why they rank #26:

• Unique ballpark

• Local loyalty

• Lower national reach

27. Cincinnati Reds

One of baseball’s oldest franchises, but declining national relevance.

Why they rank #27:

• Historic roots

• Regional support

• Lower modern exposure

28. Oakland Athletics

Historic franchise currently in identity transition, severely impacting popularity.

Why they rank #28:

• Legendary history

• Stadium & relocation uncertainty

• Declining fan trust

29. Miami Marlins

Despite championships, sustained fan growth has remained elusive.

Why they rank #29:

• Limited attendance

• Low national presence

• Market challenges

30. Chicago White Sox

Despite Chicago market size, fan engagement and national visibility lag significantly.

Why they rank #30:

• Weak national branding

• Inconsistent performance

• Low fan engagement metrics