Baseball Nation: Mapping America’s Most Popular MLB Teams By State

With the 2025 MLB season in full swing, I’ve been hard at work writing and updating CableTV.com’s MLB content. This led me to wonder more about each state’s favorite MLB team. After all, in a league where eight states have multiple franchises and 33 have none at all, the geography of MLB fandom is not so straightforward.

As a Wisconsin native, you’d think I’d be all-in on the Milwaukee Brewers. But my heart really belongs to their rival, the Chicago Cubs. That loyalty comes from my dad and, honestly, from cable TV. Growing up, Cubs games were available more often nationwide on WGN’s superstation than Brewers games were on local channels.

So, inspired by my cross-border passion, I pulled Google Trends data from the past year to find out which team each state googles the most. Some results are predictable, but others—like Florida’s pick—might surprise you.

Which MLB team reigns supreme in your state?

In states home to only one MLB team, that franchise leads the state’s Google searches. And when states boast multiple teams, the one with the better record and established fan base usually knocks the others out of the park. It’s a trend I observed in nearly every case. But of course, there’s always an exception, and in these results, it’s Florida.

Ah, Florida. You’ve got the Tampa Bay Rays and the Miami Marlins, but who do you actually search for the most? The New York Yankees. Maybe Spring Training skews those results a bit for the Sunshine State. Or, maybe it’s just all those migratory New York retirees bringing their pinstripes to the south. (I hear Del Boca Vista is lovely this time of year.) Whatever the case, the Yankees do have 90+ years of history over the Rays and Marlins.

Now, let’s take a look at the full map. I’m sure you’ll notice other stand-outs and themes as you spot your state’s popularity champ and explore your favorite team’s national footprint.

Stealing hearts: America’s most popular MLB teams

Before looking at the map, you likely guessed the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees topped the list as the most popular baseball teams in America. They’re both national powerhouses. But when you break it down state by state, the Dodgers are a step ahead, ranking as the most-searched team in eight states. The Atlanta Braves and the Yanks follow close behind, each taking the top spot in six states.

Now, you might’ve scrutinized the map and wondered, “Hey, where’s my team?” Of MLB’s 30 franchises, 11 didn’t claim a single state. But if you’re a Toronto Blue Jays fan, don’t worry. Your team was number one across Canada’s ten provinces and three territories during the same 12-month stretch.

For all those states without a local team, proximity often matters the most. You see a lot of love for teams in neighboring states, which makes total sense. But the Dodgers, fresh off their 2024 World Series victory, managed to win over several of those no-team states. It turns out that a mix of star power and success goes a long way.

Most popular MLB teams by state

Catching all the games: How America watches MLB on TV

As I mentioned earlier, TV availability can certainly influence a team’s popularity. The Cubs and Braves famously grew their fan bases in the late 20th century thanks to the widespread reach of superstations like WGN and TBS.

Today, a combination of big-market appeal, blockbuster signings, and on-field excellence often leads to frequent national exposure. It’s no mystery why the Dodgers have the most nationally televised regular-season games in 2025. The correlation between their national TV presence and Google Trends data highlights how success can increase visibility.

The current MLB TV landscape is tricky to navigate

Figuring out how to catch MLB games on TV can feel like a whole new ballgame every season. Local broadcasters, national TV deals, and streaming options seem to shuffle around annually. Ultimately, the best way to watch your favorite team often depends on your level of dedication, your geographic location, and the price you’re willing to pay.

For most MLB fans, a combination of channels and streaming services will provide access to the games they want. I cover these details in my How To Watch MLB Games guide, but here’s a quick rundown of the main viewing options to consider.

• Live TV service with ABC, FOX, FS1, TBS, ESPN, and MLB Network.
• Regional sports network or in-market TV package if you support a local team.
• MLB.TV or MLB EXTRA INNINGS out-of-market TV package if you support a non-local team.
• Apple TV+ for Friday Night Baseball games.
• The Roku Channel’s free app for MLB Sunday Leadoff games.

Despite all these hurdles, our recent survey on why Americans still pay for cable TV revealed that live sports remains the top reason. Clearly, passionate fans are more than willing to spend the necessary money to follow their favorite teams.

Most popular MLB teams by state FAQ

Methodology