LA's Dodgers Overtake Lakers as City's Top Sports Team

New survey shows shift in fan loyalties in the City of Angels

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:57am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented baseball game scene, with sharp planes of Dodger blue, white, and red colors representing the team's growing popularity in Los Angeles.The Dodgers' rise to the top of LA's sports landscape reflects a shifting fan culture in the city.Los Angeles Today

A new survey has found that Los Angeles residents now consider the Dodgers to be their favorite professional sports team, surpassing the Lakers as the most popular franchise in the city. The Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles conducted the poll, which revealed a shift in fan loyalties in the City of Angels.

Why it matters

This change in fan preferences reflects broader cultural and demographic shifts in Los Angeles, as the city's sports landscape continues to evolve. The Dodgers' recent success and the Lakers' struggles have contributed to this realignment of fan allegiances, which could have implications for team branding, sponsorships, and the city's sports identity.

The details

The survey asked LA residents, "Which is your favorite professional team in the LA media market?" The Dodgers emerged as the top choice, displacing the Lakers who had long been considered the city's most popular franchise. Factors like the Dodgers' recent World Series championship, the Lakers' recent playoff drought, and the rising popularity of baseball among younger demographics likely all played a role in the shift.

  • The survey was conducted in March 2026.

The players

Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles

A research institute at Loyola Marymount University that conducts surveys and studies on the Los Angeles region.

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What they’re saying

“This survey reflects a significant shift in how Angelenos view their sports landscape. The Dodgers have clearly captured the imagination of the city in a way the Lakers haven't in recent years.”

— Fernando Ramirez, Director, Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles

The takeaway

The Dodgers' ascendance as LA's top sports team underscores the evolving nature of fandom in the city, as new generations of fans embrace baseball over basketball. This shift could have lasting impacts on the city's sports culture and the business of professional sports in Los Angeles.