MEMPHIS, September 7, 2012 – The Memphis Grizzlies finished No. 5 overall in ESPN The Magazine’s recently-released 11th annual Ultimate Standings, a composite ranking of all 122 teams in the four major professional sports leagues (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL) in North America. Helping the organization to achieve that top-5 ranking, the Grizzlies ranked No. 1 in the “Bang for the Buck” category and No. 6 in the “Affordability” category.
“To be recognized by ESPN The Magazine as one of the five best franchises in all of professional sports in North America is truly a special honor for the Memphis Grizzlies,” President of Business Operations Greg Campbell said. “Our organization prides itself on teamwork and we could not have achieved this without a collaborative effort from Grizz Nation, our tremendous Season Ticket Holders and our community and corporate partners. We look forward to continuing to improve on and off the court to make Memphis proud of the Grizzlies.”
The overall ranking is based on how much the organization gives back to fans for the time, money and emotion invested in its product, determined by eight categories – bang for the buck, players, fan relations, affordability, stadium experience, ownership, title track and coaching.
This marks the second consecutive year that Memphis has ranked No. 1 overall in the “Bang for the Buck” category, which is gauged by wins over the past three seasons per dollar contributed directly by fans (adjusted for differences in league schedules).
The Grizzlies have improved their ranking 108 spots from five seasons ago in ESPN The Magazine’s Ultimate Standings, from a ranking of No. 113 in 2008 to No. 5, where Memphis currently stands (2009: No. 71; 2010: No. 75; 2011: No. 9).
Additionally, Memphis was rated the No. 6. in the “Affordability” category, which takes into account the price of tickets, parking and concessions. The Grizz came in at No. 20 in the “Stadium Experience” category, which judges the quality of the arena and gameday promotions as well as the friendliness of the environment.
ESPN The Magazine Ultimate Standings Overall Top 10 Franchises, 2012
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Green Bay Packers
3. San Antonio Spurs
4. Indiana Pacers
5. Memphis Grizzlies
6. Phoenix Coyotes
7. Tampa Bay Lightning
8. New Orleans Saints
9. Texas Rangers
10. Arizona Diamondbacks
Fans who want to support the Memphis Grizzlies and purchase 2012-13 Season Tickets, 10 and 20-Game Packs or the all new 10-Game Flex Pack can do so by calling (901) 888-HOOP or going online to grizzlies.com. Tickets for the Plaza IV and Terrace IV sections are already sold out.
For more information on the Grizzlies, please visit grizzlies.com, ‘like’ Memphis Grizzlies on Facebook or follow on Twitter (@memgrizz).