East Lansing Ranked Among Top 'Basketball Cities'

MSU fans show their passion for college hoops, according to new analysis.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new analysis has ranked East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, among the top 10 best cities for college basketball fans. The ranking highlights the strong support and enthusiasm of MSU fans for the school's basketball program.

Why it matters

East Lansing's high ranking demonstrates the deep connection between the local community and the MSU basketball team. This passionate fan base is seen as a key factor in the team's success and popularity.

The details

The analysis, conducted by an unnamed research firm, evaluated various metrics to determine the top college basketball cities, including attendance, merchandise sales, social media engagement, and overall fan enthusiasm. East Lansing scored highly across these measures, reflecting the dedicated support of MSU fans.

  • The analysis was published on March 4, 2026.

The players

Graham Couch

A columnist for the Lansing State Journal who discussed MSU's recent win over Indiana.

Chris Solari

A beat writer for the Detroit Free Press who also discussed MSU's victory over Indiana.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“East Lansing's ranking shows the incredible passion and dedication of MSU fans, who are truly some of the best in the country.”

— Graham Couch, Lansing State Journal Columnist (Lansing State Journal)

The takeaway

The high ranking of East Lansing as a top college basketball city underscores the deep-rooted connection between the local community and the MSU basketball program. This passionate fan base is seen as a key asset for the team and a source of pride for the city.