states that don't have a nfl team

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

23-02-2025

1

0

Share

Meta Description: Discover the 17 states without NFL teams and explore the reasons behind their absence, including population density, stadium costs, and market competition. Learn about the ongoing debates and potential future changes in the NFL landscape. (157 characters)

The National Football League (NFL) is a cornerstone of American culture, captivating fans across the country. However, despite its immense popularity, a significant portion of the United States lacks a professional team within its borders. This article delves into the 17 states that currently don't have an NFL team, examining the factors contributing to this absence.

Why Don't Some States Have NFL Teams?

Several interconnected reasons explain why some states remain NFL-free. These include:

• Population Density and Market Size: NFL teams require a substantial fan base to generate sufficient revenue. States with lower population densities or smaller metropolitan areas may not offer the necessary market size to support a team's financial needs. The high cost of stadium construction and maintenance further exacerbates this issue.

• Competition from Other Leagues and Sports: The presence of successful teams in other professional leagues, such as the NBA, NHL, or MLB, can create competition for fan interest and corporate sponsorships. This can make it more difficult for an NFL team to establish a strong financial foothold.

• Stadium Deals and Infrastructure: Securing public funding and building a suitable stadium is a major hurdle. The high cost of construction, coupled with potential public opposition, can deter NFL owners from investing in certain states.

• Geographic Location and Travel: The logistical challenges of traveling to games for fans, as well as transporting players and staff, must be considered. States located far from other NFL teams or with limited transportation infrastructure might be less attractive to NFL ownership.

The 17 States Without NFL Teams: A Detailed Look

Let's examine the 17 states currently without an NFL franchise:

• Alaska: Alaska's low population and remote location make it a challenging market for an NFL team.

• Arkansas: While Arkansas has a passionate football fanbase, the state's relatively small population makes it a less desirable location.

• Idaho: Similar to Alaska, Idaho's low population and geographic isolation hinder the viability of an NFL team.

• Iowa: Iowa's smaller population and the presence of other sporting interests pose significant challenges.

• Kansas: While Kansas City is home to the Kansas City Chiefs (in Missouri), the state of Kansas itself lacks a team.

• Kentucky: Kentucky’s relatively small population makes it a less attractive market.

• Montana: Montana’s low population density and geographic remoteness present considerable obstacles.

• Nebraska: The state's smaller population and the proximity to Kansas City make it less appealing.

• Nevada: While Nevada has a strong following for other sports and entertainment, it currently lacks an NFL team. Las Vegas has hosted NFL games, however, and it is home to several other major league sports.

• New Hampshire: The small population and limited metropolitan areas in New Hampshire make it an unlikely candidate.

• New Mexico: The population of New Mexico is not large enough to support a team at this time.

• North Dakota: The low population density of North Dakota makes it unlikely to host a team.

• South Dakota: Similar to North Dakota, South Dakota’s small population makes it difficult to support an NFL team.

• Utah: Although Utah has a strong sporting culture, its relatively small population makes an NFL team financially challenging.

• Vermont: Vermont's small population and geographic location make it unlikely to attract an NFL team in the foreseeable future.

• West Virginia: West Virginia’s population and market size are not large enough to attract an NFL franchise.

• Wyoming: Wyoming's low population density and geographic isolation present significant challenges.

Could This Change in the Future?

The NFL landscape is constantly evolving. While the current circumstances make it unlikely for many of these states to host a team in the near future, potential factors such as population growth, improved infrastructure, and changes in league expansion policies could alter the equation. The possibility of stadium deals, particularly in larger cities within these states, remains a key factor.

Conclusion

The absence of NFL teams in these 17 states is a complex issue, rooted in factors such as population density, market size, and financial feasibility. While the prospect of significant change in the short term seems unlikely, the future of professional football is always subject to shifts and evolution. Understanding these factors offers valuable insight into the dynamics of the professional sports landscape.