The Memphis Grizzlies finished No. 9 overall in ESPN The Magazine’s ninth annual Ultimate Standings, a composite ranking of all 122 pro sports teams.
“The strength of the relationship between Grizzlies fans and the organization helped the entire city of Memphis believe, and for this bond to be recognized by ESPN the Magazine is truly special for us,” said Greg Campbell, Grizzlies President of Business Operations.
“Our commitment to providing our MVP Season Ticket Holders and all of our other fans with the best value in all of sports is at the core of what we do, and we will strive to continue to give back to our fans as much as they give to us.”
The overall ranking is based on how much the organization gives back to fans for the time, money and emotion invested in its product, determined by eight categories – bang for the buck, players, fan relations, affordability, stadium experience, ownership, title track and coaching.
Memphis was ranked No. 1 overall in the “bang for the buck” category, gauged by wins over the past two seasons per dollar contributed directly by fans.
Among NBA teams, Memphis trailed only the San Antonio Spurs (No. 5) and Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 6).
The Grizzlies moved up 66 spots from last season’s rankings, trailing only the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning, which moved from the No. 70 spot to the No. 2 position in this year’s Ultimate Standings.
Additionally, Memphis was rated the hottest team in sports in a separate survey by ESPN The Magazine, asking fans to rate recent changes in their commitment to their favorite team.
ESPN The Magazine Ultimate Standings Overall Top 15 Franchises, 2010-11
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Los Angeles Angels
5. San Antonio Spurs
6. Oklahoma City Thunder
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Colorado Rockies
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Pittsburgh Penguins
11. Buffalo Sabres
12. Texas Rangers
13. San Jose Sharks
14. Indianapolis Colts
15. Cincinnati Reds
