The New England Patriots are one of the most dominant sports franchises of ALL TIME . . . and they’re certainly the most successful dynasty of the past 40 years. But that doesn’t mean fans have to LIKE them.
According to a new survey, the Patriots are the LEAST POPULAR sports dynasty since 1980. 12 dominant franchises were included in the poll, and they were ranked by a ‘favorability’ rating. Here’s how it shook out . . .
1. Chicago Bulls , NBA, 1991 to 1998 . . . Favorability rating: +30
2. L.A. Lakers , NBA, 1980 to 1988 . . . Favorability rating: +29
3. L.A. Lakers , NBA, 2000 to 2002 . . . Favorability rating: +24
4. Edmonton Oilers , NHL, 1984 to 1990 . . . Favorability rating: +23
5. Boston Celtics , NBA, 1981 to 1986 . . . Favorability rating: +21
6. San Antonio Spurs , NBA, 1999 to 2014 . . . Favorability rating: +18
7. Golden State Warriors , NBA, 2015 to present . . . Favorability rating: +15
8. Detroit Red Wings , NHL, 1997 to 2002 . . . Favorability rating: +13
9. Dallas Cowboys , NFL, 1993 to 1996 . . . Favorability rating: +12
10. New York Yankees , MLB, 1996 to 2000 . . . Favorability rating: +11
11. San Francisco Giants , MLB, 2010 to 2014 . . . Favorability rating: +10
12. New England Patriots , NFL, 2002 to present . . . Favorability rating: -1
Yeah, the Patriots are a LOT lower than the second least popular, the San Francisco Giants , and they’re the only team to have a NEGATIVE favorability rating.
So do dynasties make sports MORE or LESS fun?
42% of self-described “avid fans” said dynasties made sports more fun to watch, compared with 24% of “casual fans” who said the same.
And 81% of avid fans and 51% of casual fans said they tuned in to watch the dynasty team in their league, regardless of whether they were fans of that particular franchise.
