Top 10 NFL Teams by Fan Base Size in 2025

The NFL has become a global phenomenon, with millions of fans passionately supporting their teams from every corner of the world. But not all fan bases are created equal. Some teams enjoy unmatched loyalty, nationwide support, and massive online followings that make them powerhouses beyond the football field. In 2025, fan base size is measured not just by stadium attendance but also by social media presence, merchandise sales, television ratings, and overall cultural impact. This article ranks the top 10 NFL teams by fan base size in 2025 and explores the factors that keep these teams on top.

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys continue to dominate as the NFL’s most popular team in 2025. Dubbed “America’s Team,” the Cowboys have built a global brand that goes far beyond football. Their massive fan base spans every state and many countries, fueled by decades of success, iconic players, and a marketing machine that rivals any sports franchise in the world. Whether the team is winning or not, the Cowboys consistently top merchandise sales and television ratings.

With a stadium that seats over 90,000 and a long list of national endorsements, the Cowboys enjoy unmatched visibility. Their history, tradition, and massive media market presence help keep their fan base strong. Even younger generations, who weren’t alive during their Super Bowl runs, wear the star proudly.

  •  Top NFL team in merchandise sales
  •  Massive national and international TV viewership
  •  Highly active on all major social media platforms
  •  Consistently lead in stadium attendance
  •  Backed by iconic players and brand legacy

Green Bay Packers

Despite being based in the smallest market in the league, the Green Bay Packers boast one of the most loyal and widespread fan bases. What makes this franchise unique is its community-owned structure, creating a sense of personal investment among fans that no other NFL team can replicate. Packers fans bleed green and gold, filling Lambeau Field even in sub-zero temperatures.

Their rich history, featuring legends like Vince Lombardi, Brett Favre, and Aaron Rodgers, gives fans decades of reasons to stay devoted. The "Cheesehead" culture is iconic, and their fans are known to travel across the country in support of the team.

  •  Sell out every home game regardless of performance
  •  Thousands on the season ticket waiting list
  •  Strong national following despite small market
  •  Historic success and community ownership
  •  Engaged fan communities across social media

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a reputation for blue-collar toughness, and their fans reflect that grit and pride. With six Super Bowl titles and decades of competitive football, the Steelers have established a multi-generational fan base that stretches far beyond Pennsylvania. Known as the “Steel Curtain,” their defense-minded legacy is a huge part of their identity.

Terrible Towels fly in stadiums from coast to coast, and Steelers Nation is often considered one of the most dedicated traveling fan bases in the league. Win or lose, Pittsburgh fans stand behind their team with unwavering support.

  •  Six-time Super Bowl champions
  •  Highly loyal and multi-generational fan base
  •  Strong presence in major NFL cities
  •  Popular among military and working-class fans
  •  Recognized for large traveling support at away games

Kansas City Chiefs

Over the last decade, the Kansas City Chiefs have transformed into one of the NFL’s most-followed franchises. The rise of superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes sparked a surge in fan engagement, making Arrowhead Stadium one of the loudest and most feared venues for visiting teams. Chiefs fans are passionate, loud, and proud, with a renewed sense of championship expectation.

Their recent Super Bowl appearances and wins have attracted younger fans and created a massive digital following. The Chiefs’ blend of history and modern star power has elevated them to elite status among NFL fan bases.

  •  Rapidly growing fan base since 2019
  •  Patrick Mahomes is a global NFL icon
  •  Arrowhead Stadium holds the record for loudest NFL crowd
  •  Huge increase in youth and social media engagement
  •  High national TV exposure and prime-time games

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers have long been one of the league’s marquee franchises. With five Super Bowl titles and legends like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young, the team has cultivated a strong national and international fan base. In 2025, the 49ers remain a favorite due to their consistent playoff appearances and a deeply rooted football culture.

Their base spreads throughout California and into neighboring states, and the brand carries weight globally. The team’s iconic red and gold colors, combined with championship heritage and modern competitiveness, make them one of the most followed teams in football.

  •  Top 5 in NFL merchandise sales
  •  Strong West Coast and international following
  •  Consistent playoff presence boosts loyalty
  •  High number of Hall of Fame players
  •  Broad fan demographics from older to younger generations

Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles fans are known for their passion, intensity, and unshakable loyalty. Whether celebrating victories or criticizing coaching decisions, Eagles fans are always engaged. Their 2018 Super Bowl win added fuel to an already fired-up base that has followed the team through ups and downs.

Philadelphia’s sports culture is deeply tied to identity, and Eagles fans embody this pride with everything from tailgating traditions to city-wide celebrations. Their strong presence on social media and high TV ratings in major cities keep them among the most followed teams.

  •  Extremely active and vocal fan community
  •  Large presence in sports media markets
  •  Social media engagement consistently ranks high
  •  Deep-rooted culture and city pride
  •  Devoted support across decades of highs and lows

New England Patriots

While the Patriots’ dominance during the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era is over, their fan base remains massive. Years of excellence, with six Super Bowl wins, built a legacy that turned casual viewers into lifelong fans. The Patriots built one of the most successful dynasties in sports history, and that history continues to attract support.

Even post-Brady, the fan base has remained strong due to the organization’s stability and national branding. With fans in every state and an international footprint, the Patriots continue to be a major force in the NFL’s popularity rankings.

  •  Six Super Bowl titles since 2001
  •  Nationwide fan base sustained beyond Brady era
  •  High merchandise and jersey sales
  •  Regular appearances on prime-time television
  •  Strong media presence and international partnerships

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are one of the NFL’s oldest and most historic franchises, and their fans take pride in that tradition. Though they haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1985, the Bears remain beloved in Chicago and supported throughout the Midwest. With deep roots in the league’s origins and some of the most iconic players in history, the Bears hold a special place in the hearts of football traditionalists.

The team’s loyal following is bolstered by one of the largest media markets in the U.S. Bears fans are known for their resilience and loyalty, showing up win or lose, season after season.

  •  Longstanding history dating back to 1920
  •  Massive support throughout Illinois and surrounding states
  •  Consistently high attendance despite lack of recent success
  •  One of the top NFL teams by TV market size
  •  Classic team branding and iconic uniforms

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders may have changed cities over the years, but their fan base remains one of the most dedicated in football. Moving from Oakland to Las Vegas didn’t weaken their support—it expanded it. The “Raider Nation” is known for its rebellious, hard-hitting identity and iconic black-and-silver branding.

Raiders fans show up strong in every city they visit, and their allegiance is almost cult-like. Allegiant Stadium has become a destination venue, drawing fans from all over the country. Their legacy, combined with their edgy image, keeps their fan base large and fiercely loyal.

  •  Global following known as “Raider Nation”
  •  Strong brand identity and cult-like loyalty
  •  Top 10 in jersey and merchandise sales
  •  Home games in Las Vegas attract nationwide fans
  •  Reputation for toughness and intensity adds to appeal

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have become one of the league’s most beloved underdog stories. Long known for passionate fans and frigid tailgates, the Bills gained national attention after years of resurgence behind quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills Mafia—an organized, enthusiastic, and charitable fan base—has become legendary in NFL circles.

Despite being in a smaller market, the Bills’ following has exploded thanks to playoff appearances, fan engagement, and media attention. Their fans are loyal to the core and are considered among the most die-hard in all of football.

  •  Bills Mafia known for loyalty and philanthropy
  •  Rapid fan base growth in the last 5 years
  •  Strong community support and local identity
  •  Consistently high home attendance
  •  One of the most passionate fan cultures in the league

Conclusion

The NFL thrives on the energy of its fan bases, and the teams listed above owe much of their success to the unwavering support of millions. In 2025, fan loyalty isn’t just about filling stadiums—it’s about global reach, digital engagement, and cultural presence. These ten franchises have set themselves apart by building strong identities and fostering deep emotional connections with fans across generations. Whether fueled by tradition, recent success, or larger-than-life personalities, these teams lead the way in fan power and are likely to stay on top for years to come.