Audacy Index Ranks Markets for NFL Fan Intensity

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 2:25pm CT

Audacy Insights

Buffalo tops the list of U.S. markets with the most avid NFL fans, according to new research from Audacy examining where football fandom is strongest and how highly engaged fans consume sports content.

Audacy's "NFL Attention Index" measures fandom across three areas - avidity, engagement and performance - to examine the amount of time, energy and attention fans devote to the NFL and how that engagement can translate for advertisers.

Buffalo leads the index with a score of 135, followed by New Orleans at 120 and Cincinnati at 119. Dallas-Fort Worth and Kansas City tie at 115, followed by Baltimore, Milwaukee and Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon-York at 113. Philadelphia scores 111 and Columbus, OH, rounds out the top 10 at 110.

The research found that highly engaged NFL fans devote significant time to sports beyond watching games. Nearly one-quarter spend at least six hours each week following sports content, including 15% who spend six to 10 hours and 7% who spend 11 hours or more.

Audacy said audio attracts a particularly high concentration of avid sports fans, providing an outlet for discussion and analysis throughout the week when games are not being played.

The study found 47% of avid NFL fans follow news about their favorite teams at least weekly. On game days, 43% watch pre- or post-game programming on television or streaming services, 24% simultaneously follow social media and 14% use a second or multiple screens. Another 16% tailgate.

Fan engagement also continues away from games, with 41% following athletes or influencers on social media and 61% saying they enjoy having "inside knowledge." The research found 41% engage in sports betting at least monthly.

NFL fandom also plays a role in personal identity for many of those surveyed. Sixty-nine percent said being a fan makes them feel part of a community, while 61% said their love of sports is a major part of who they are.

Audacy also cited Nielsen Commspoint analysis examining the effect of radio advertising on NFL "super fans." Among those exposed to radio advertising, the analysis attributed a 56% impact on awareness, 49% on consideration, 51% on purchase and 41% on loyalty.

According to Audacy, radio advertising moved NFL super fans through each stage of the purchase funnel more effectively than advertising on television, Facebook, YouTube and connected TV.

The company said the findings illustrate that the opportunity for advertisers extends beyond reaching fans during games to connecting with highly engaged audiences consuming NFL-related content throughout the week.

Read the full Audacy Insights article here.