Charlotte is a better sports business city than Atlanta and Chicago. Here’s why 

A recent study says Charlotte is among the best cities in the nation for sports business.

According to a report from Sports Business Journal, the city ranks No. 3 on its list of 50 Best Sports Business Cities.

Though Charlotte is the country’s 28th-largest sports market, its “huge motorsports industry, large media footprint and high level of positive sentiments from executives” made it a standout on the list, according to SBJ.

To determine the ranking, Sports Business Journal analyzed data across 377 markets that are home to at least one professional or Division I college athletic program.

Factors like the number of sports sponsors, agencies and media partners were considered. Also a recent history of hosting major sporting events and interviews from nearly 100 industry executives who were asked, “What is the best place to conduct sports business?” was also considered in the ranking.

Other North Carolina cities that were on the list include Raleigh and Greensboro, which were ranked No. 22 and No. 35, respectively.

Here are the 10 best sports business cities in the U.S., according to Sports Business Journal:

1. Dallas

2. New York

3. Charlotte

4. Minneapolis

5. Atlanta

6. Los Angeles

7. Las Vegas

8. Nashville

9. Chicago

10. Phoenix

Evan Moore

The Charlotte Observer

Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.