ESPN Ultimate Rankings Rank Pacers Number 4
by Jeff Tzucker
September 10, 2012
Your Indiana Pacers were recently ranked the No. 4 franchise in ESPN's Ultimate Standings 2012. Last year, the Pacers were ranked 48 and in 2007, they were ranked 114.
ESPN's Ultimate Standings is currently in its 10th year and, through a variety of metrics based on fan feedback, rates all franchises in the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL. In all, there are 122 franchises.
NBA franchises took 4 out of the top 5 spots, with the Green Bay Packers representing the only non-NBA team ahead of the Pacers.
Each franchise ranking is based these categories:
- Bang For The Buck (BNG): Wins during the past three years (regular season plus postseason) per revenues directly from fans, adjusted for league schedules.
- Fan Relations (FRL): Openness and consideration toward fans by players, coaches and management.
- Ownership (OWN): Honesty and loyalty to core players and local community.
- Affordability (AFF): Price of tickets, parking and concessions.
- Stadium Experience (STX): Quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as friendliness of environment.
- Players (PLA): Effort on the field and likability off it.
- Coaching (CCH): Strength of on-field leadership.
- Title Track (TTR): Championships already won or expected in the lifetime of current fans.