Charlotte just earned the distinction of being one of the top cities for sports business, according to a new report by the Sports Business Journal.
Based on an analysis of local opportunity, economic environment, and insights from industry leaders, the publication ranked the top 50 cities in the U.S. for the best opportunity and environment to conduct sports business.
The Queen City landed at #3 in the nation, beating out Minneapolis and Atlanta, and trailing only only Dallas and New York.
Charlotte’s sweeping sports media industry, thriving motorsports network, and feedback from leaders in the sports world were the biggest factors leading Charlotte’s impressive ranking.
Raleigh and Greensboro, the other North Carolina cities featured on the list, ranked 22nd and 35th, respectively.
Here’s the full ranking of the top cities for sports business:
#1 — Dallas
#2 — New York
#3 — Charlotte
#4 — Minneapolis
#5 — Atlanta
#6 — Los Angeles
#7 — Las Vegas
#8 — Nashville
#9 — Chicago
#10 — Phoenix
#11 — Indianapolis
#12 — Miami
#13 — Tampa
#14 — Cleveland
#15 — Boston
#16 — Kansas City
#17 — Cincinnati
#18 — San Diego
#19 — San Francisco
#20 — Seattle
#21 — Philadelphia
#22 — Raleigh
#23 — Austin
#24 — New Orleans
#25 — Orlando
#26 — Columbus
#27 — San Antonio
#28 — St. Louis
#29 — Houston
#30 — Pittsburgh
#31 — Denver
#32 (tie) — Detroit
#32 (tie) — Milwaukee
#34 — Washington, D.C.
#35 — Greensboro, N.C.
#36 — Memphis
#37 — Louisville, Ky.
#38 — Portland
#39 — Oklahoma City
#40 — Baltimore
#41 — Colorado Springs, Colo.
#42 — Birmingham, Ala.
#43 — Hartford, Conn.
#44 — Salt Lake City
#45 — Sacramento
#46 — Jacksonville.
#47 — Bridgeport, Conn.
#48 — Grand Rapids, Mich.
#49 — San Jose
#50 — Omaha, Neb.