Photo by Lorie Shaull via Wikimedia Commons.
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Los Angeles is the best city for sports regardless of gender, and this new study proves it. According to a new nationwide ranking from Covers.com, L.A. officially landed in the No. 1 spot as the best city in the United States for women’s sports. The study measured attendance, media visibility, youth participation, college pipelines, and pro infrastructure, and L.A. dominated in all categories.
From sold-out stadiums to future superstars dominating college courts, L.A. has built a women’s sports ecosystem that’s equal parts culture, community, and championship energy.
A City Built for Big Sports Moments
L.A.’s women’s sports scene thrives on scale and star power. The Los Angeles Sparks continue to be one of the WNBA’s most iconic franchises, while Angel City FC has transformed NWSL fandom into a full-blown movement, turning matchdays into citywide events at BMO Stadium.
Then there’s the college dominance. UCLA and USC women’s basketball consistently feed the pro pipeline with elite talent. These talented teams keep L.A. at the center of the national conversation season after season.
Fans Who Actually Show Up
What separates L.A. from other top cities isn’t just teams, it’s the devotion of the fans.
The ranking highlighted L.A.’s:
Strong attendance numbers High venue capacity demand Market-leading media and search visibility
That means fans aren’t just scrolling or casually watching on TV. They’re buying tickets, filling seats, and making women’s sports part of their weekend plans. And in a city known for entertainment overload, that kind of loyalty speaks volumes.
The 10 Best Cities for Women’s Sports in the U.S.
And not only is Los Angeles thriving, but California is the place to be for prospective women’s star athletes, with 2 California cities ranking inside the top 10 list.
Los Angeles New York Indianapolis Chicago Washington, D.C. Portland, OR Seattle Minneapolis Kansas City San Diego The Future Is Already Here
Beyond the pros and college stars, L.A.’s youth and high school participation rates are among the strongest in the country. That means today’s packed stadiums are building tomorrow’s icons in local gyms, parks, and school courts across the city.
Names like Cameron Brink, Alyssa Thompson, and Lauren Betts already hint at what’s coming next: a generation of athletes shaped by a city that actually invests in women’s sports from the ground up.
Why L.A. Won the Top Spot
This wasn’t just about wins and trophies. It was about L.A.’s culture.
The ranking praised L.A.’s:
Elite collegiate output Strong pro team presence Above-average youth participation Top-tier media and online visibility
While other cities are still building momentum, Los Angeles is already living in the future of women’s sports. L.A. is leading the women’s sports movement.