May’s rankings shine a spotlight on the teams brand marketers are most actively researching—and the results reveal clear trends driving the attention. Unsurprisingly, big markets dominate. Teams from New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago make up 40% of the top 20, reaffirming that market size, audience reach, and cultural relevance remain key pillars for brands assessing sponsorship opportunities. The top four spots alone—New York Mets, LA Rams, New York Knicks, and New York Yankees—are all based in two of the biggest U.S. cities, with enormous media exposure and engaged fan bases.

Topping the list are the New York Mets, driven not only by early season success and on-field additions but also by their growing roster of sponsors. One notable recent addition is fintech brand Moomoo, which signed a multi-year partnership with the team. The deal includes in-game branding, digital activations, and hospitality assets—positioning Moomoo to reach Mets fans across platforms. It’s the kind of strategic alignment that’s turning heads among brand marketers looking to tap into passionate, high-frequency sports audiences.

The NFL remains a powerhouse even in the offseason, with eight teams in the top 20. Draft excitement and new endorsement activity have helped keep teams like the LA Rams (#2), Eagles (#8), and Raiders (#10) top of mind. But it’s the Jacksonville Jaguars (#20) who are especially intriguing. Despite being a smaller market team, they recently drafted college football sensation Travis Hunter—whose star power and marketability could elevate the team’s visibility and attract national sponsorship interest. Expect Hunter to be a magnet for both local and national brands in the months to come.

NBA playoff intensity has also driven engagement. The Knicks (#3), Bulls (#5), Celtics (#14), and Cavaliers (#19) all made the list, capitalizing on postseason spotlight. Add in MLB’s six-team presence and college/NHL representation via the Auburn Tigers (#18) and Vegas Golden Knights (#17), and it’s clear brand marketers are casting a wide, strategic net—looking for relevance, timing, and audience fit when exploring partnership opportunities.