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When people ask which state has the most NFL teams, they usually expect a simple answer. But there is a twist: some teams are named after one place and play home games in another. To keep things clear and beginner-friendly, this guide explains the two common ways people count teams, gives the up-to-date state totals, and walks through the history and reasons behind where teams live. By the end, you will know the correct answer, plus the important details that often cause confusion.
Quick Answer
The short version is this: California and Florida are tied for the most NFL teams, with three each—if we count where teams play their home games. California hosts the Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers. Florida hosts the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
There is one important wrinkle. If you count by team names instead of where the stadiums are, it can look different. For example, the New York Giants and New York Jets play in New Jersey, not New York. The Washington Commanders play in Maryland, not Washington, D.C. So before you settle on a final answer, you need to decide how you want to count.
How We Count: Stadium Location vs. Team Name
Counting by where teams play (stadium location)
This is the most practical method. It answers the question, “Which state hosts the most NFL teams?” On game day, where do fans drive? Which state gets the stadium jobs, the police and traffic control, and the local economic boost? Using stadium location, California and Florida are tied at three each. Several states have two teams, including Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Counting by the official team name or brand
This is less common but still mentioned in casual conversations. Using team names, it may seem like New York has three “New York” teams (Giants, Jets, Bills), but that is only true on paper. The Giants and Jets are “New York” by name; they play in New Jersey. The Washington Commanders are “Washington” by name; they play in Maryland. Because of this, the “team name” method can be misleading if your goal is to understand where teams actually are.
Which method is best?
If your goal is accuracy about location, use stadium location. It is clearer, more useful, and matches how the NFL and local governments think about hosting teams. In this article, that is the main standard we use when we talk about which state has the most teams.
States Tied for the Most NFL Teams
California: Three teams
California is home to three NFL franchises. In the Los Angeles area, the Rams and Chargers share SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, a modern, high-capacity venue that opened in 2020. In Northern California, the San Francisco 49ers play in Santa Clara at Levi’s Stadium. The two Los Angeles clubs give the nation’s second-largest metro area a true two-team setup, while the 49ers draw from the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley. This mix of huge markets and passionate fan bases explains why California supports three teams comfortably.
California has also had more than three at different times in history. There were stretches when the state had four teams at once, including eras when the Raiders were in Los Angeles or Oakland and the Chargers were in San Diego. This historical depth shows the state’s long-running football culture and market strength.
Florida: Three teams
Florida’s three teams are spread across the state: the Miami Dolphins in South Florida, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the Gulf Coast, and the Jacksonville Jaguars in North Florida. This geographic spread helps each team represent its own region without stepping on the others’ toes. Florida’s population growth, warm weather, and large TV markets make it a natural place for multiple franchises.
The Jaguars joined the NFL in 1995, raising Florida’s total to three. The Dolphins and Buccaneers already had strong identities by then. Since that time, Florida has remained one of the few states with three NFL teams, keeping pace with California at the top of the list.
States with Two NFL Teams
Several states have two teams, and this is where many people get surprised. The list includes Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Maryland. Each state gets there in its own way, either with two independent franchises or by hosting a team that is branded with another state or region.
Texas: Two teams
Texas is home to the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. The Cowboys play in Arlington, part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, and are often called “America’s Team” because of their long, nationwide following. The Texans, based in Houston, joined the league in 2002 after the Houston Oilers moved to Tennessee and became the Titans. Texas’s huge population and deep football culture make two teams feel natural. High school and college football are massive in Texas, and that passion spills into the NFL.
Pennsylvania: Two teams
Pennsylvania has the Philadelphia Eagles in the east and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the west. Both franchises are among the NFL’s oldest and most respected, with deep traditions and loyal fan bases. The Steelers represent a proud working-class identity tied to Western Pennsylvania, while the Eagles are embedded in the culture of Philadelphia and its suburbs. This is a true two-team state, and both clubs have national profiles because of their histories and success.
Ohio: Two teams
Ohio is home to the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. The two cities are on opposite sides of the state and have different cultures, but both share passionate fan bases and long football histories. The Bengals have risen to national prominence in recent seasons, while the Browns have a classic identity and one of the NFL’s most resilient fan communities. Ohio’s central location and rich football tradition help sustain two NFL franchises.
New Jersey: Two teams (hosting the New York Giants and New York Jets)
New Jersey is a special case. The state hosts two NFL teams—the Giants and the Jets—at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Both teams are branded as “New York,” but their games are played in New Jersey. For the question “which state has the most NFL teams,” the key fact is stadium location. By that standard, New Jersey clearly has two teams. If you are only going by team names, you might miss that. In everyday sports talk, people often mix the New York brand and the New Jersey location, but the games and the stadium operations are in New Jersey.
Maryland: Two teams (hosting the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders)
Maryland is another special case. The Baltimore Ravens are a Maryland team through and through. The Washington Commanders, however, are branded for Washington, D.C., but play their home games in Landover, Maryland. Because the stadium is in Maryland, the state technically hosts two teams when we count by location. Again, this shows why being clear about the counting method matters. When game day arrives, both the Ravens and Commanders bring traffic, spending, and attention to Maryland communities.
What About New York? Does It Have the Most Teams?
New York can be confusing. The state truly has one in-state team: the Buffalo Bills, who play in Orchard Park, near Buffalo. The Giants and Jets have “New York” in their names, but they play in New Jersey. If you count by team names only, you might say New York “has” three teams. But if you count by stadium location, which is the practical standard, New York has one, while New Jersey has two. This is one of the most common points of confusion for new fans.
A Full, Simple Snapshot of the NFL Map by State
As of now, 23 U.S. states host at least one NFL team when you look at stadium locations. Most states with NFL teams have exactly one team. A handful have two, and two states—California and Florida—have three each. Washington, D.C. does not host an NFL stadium today, even though the Commanders use the “Washington” name. That team’s home games are in Maryland.
Here is an easy way to remember the landscape. Picture three “big population, warm-weather” hubs: Southern California, Northern California, and Florida’s three cities. Then think of two-team states with long football histories like Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Finally, keep the two exceptions in mind: New Jersey hosts two “New York” teams, and Maryland hosts the “Washington” team along with the Ravens.
Why Some States Can Support More NFL Teams
Population and TV markets
More people means more potential fans and more TV households. California and Florida are among the largest states by population, with multiple big media markets. This makes it easier to sell tickets, attract sponsors, and build big stadiums. Media rights are the NFL’s lifeblood, and large markets allow the league and teams to negotiate strong TV deals.
Regional identity and geography
Florida’s three teams are in separate, far-apart cities. California’s three teams are split between Southern California and the Bay Area. That helps each team claim a natural region without too much overlap. If cities are too close or the identities are too similar, supporting multiple teams becomes harder. Spread-out metros make multi-team states more viable.
Stadiums and infrastructure
Modern stadiums drive revenue through premium seating, sponsorships, and entertainment districts. California’s SoFi Stadium is a showcase for the NFL and hosts major events. Florida’s stadiums are upgraded and positioned in strong tourist and business hubs. When city and state governments align with team owners to build or enhance stadiums, states are much more likely to support multiple franchises.
History and continuity
Some states have had NFL teams for a century. Long histories build trust and habit. Fans in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas are used to pro football being part of family life. That history makes it easier for a second team to thrive, because the fan culture already exists and is passed down through generations.
How Relocations Changed the Answer Over Time
The answer to “which state has the most NFL teams” has not always been the same. NFL team moves changed the map several times. California is the best example. At different points, the state had four teams at once, including eras when the Raiders played in Los Angeles or Oakland and the Chargers played in San Diego. When the Rams returned to Los Angeles in 2016, California briefly returned to a four-team period with the 49ers, Raiders, Chargers, and Rams, until the Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020.
Florida’s story is more stable. The Jaguars joined in 1995, and since then Florida has kept three teams. Texas gained its second team in 2002 with the Texans. Pennsylvania and Ohio have had two teams for decades, based on long-standing franchises that are deeply rooted in their cities.
New Jersey and Maryland illustrate the branding-versus-location issue. The Giants moved to New Jersey in the 1970s, and the Jets followed in the 1980s. Since then, New Jersey has consistently hosted two teams even though both use “New York” names. The Washington franchise moved its home games to Maryland in the late 1990s, giving Maryland two teams when added to the Ravens’ presence in Baltimore.
Cities and Metro Areas with Multiple Teams
Greater Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of only a few U.S. metro areas with two NFL teams. The Rams and Chargers share SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. This setup allows them to share some costs while tapping into different fan communities. It also creates a lively local rivalry and a steady stream of high-profile games in Southern California.
New York metropolitan area
The New York metro area supports two teams as well, but in a unique way. Both teams play in New Jersey, which handles the stadium operations and game-day logistics. Meanwhile, the teams’ branding reaches into New York City and beyond. This arrangement works because the metro area is enormous, with tens of millions of people and a very strong media market.
The Bay Area and beyond
For many years, the Bay Area had two teams—the 49ers and the Raiders. After the Raiders moved to Las Vegas, the 49ers now stand alone in Northern California. Still, the region’s strong tech economy, large fan base, and Levi’s Stadium’s modern design keep the franchise on solid ground.
Common Misconceptions (And Quick Fixes)
“New York has three teams.”
Only the Buffalo Bills play in New York State. The Giants and Jets play in New Jersey. Always check the stadium location if you want to know which state truly “has” the team.
“Washington, D.C. has a team.”
The Washington Commanders use the Washington name, but their home stadium is in Maryland. So D.C. does not host an NFL stadium right now, even though the team’s brand highlights the nation’s capital.
“The NFL never changes maps.”
The NFL does change. Teams move, and sometimes the league adds new franchises. California once had four teams at the same time. Moves to and from Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, and Las Vegas have changed the count more than once. Always use current information.
Future Outlook: Could the Answer Change Again?
There is always a chance. The NFL has not announced new teams, but the league is popular enough that expansion is a regular rumor. Some cities hope to attract a franchise in the future, and existing teams sometimes explore new stadium deals that could lead to relocations. Stadium projects and public funding debates can reshape the map. Even without expansion, changes to where teams play can affect which states have the most teams.
One example is the Washington Commanders’ long-term stadium discussion. If a future stadium were built in Virginia or Washington, D.C., Maryland would no longer host that team’s home games. That would reduce Maryland’s count from two to one. Other states watch those developments closely, because NFL franchises bring jobs, attention, and revenue.
A Friendly Walkthrough of Every Team’s State
To build confidence, it helps to see where each team plays. Remember, we are using stadium location here, not brand names. This is the simplest way to answer “which state has the most NFL teams.” You can skim this list to anchor your understanding.
Arizona hosts the Arizona Cardinals. Georgia hosts the Atlanta Falcons. Maryland hosts the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Commanders. New York State hosts the Buffalo Bills. North Carolina hosts the Carolina Panthers. Illinois hosts the Chicago Bears. Ohio hosts the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. Texas hosts the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans. Colorado hosts the Denver Broncos. Michigan hosts the Detroit Lions.
Wisconsin hosts the Green Bay Packers. Texas also hosts the Houston Texans, as mentioned. Indiana hosts the Indianapolis Colts. Florida hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Missouri hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Nevada hosts the Las Vegas Raiders. California hosts the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers. Florida also hosts the Miami Dolphins, reinforcing its three-team total.
Minnesota hosts the Minnesota Vikings. Massachusetts hosts the New England Patriots. Louisiana hosts the New Orleans Saints. New Jersey hosts the New York Giants and New York Jets. Pennsylvania hosts the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers. California hosts the 49ers, as mentioned, in Santa Clara. Washington State hosts the Seattle Seahawks. Florida hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, completing its three-team count. Tennessee hosts the Tennessee Titans. Washington State completes the Pacific Northwest presence with the Seahawks. Wisconsin hosts the Packers in the Upper Midwest.
This plain-language pass through the league shows the pattern. Most states have one team. A few have two. Two states—California and Florida—have three. Special exceptions based on naming (New York Giants and Jets, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots) are clear once you focus on where the stadium sits.
Why This Topic Confuses New Fans
Branding versus geography
Sports brands often reflect regions with wider appeal. The “New England” Patriots pull in fans from several states in the Northeast. The “Washington” Commanders brand connects to the nation’s capital even when the stadium is outside the district. This is great for marketing but tricky for geography questions.
Shared stadiums and metro areas
When two teams share a stadium or a metro area, new fans often mix them up. Los Angeles and the New York metro area are the best examples. Shared stadiums can make it feel like a region, not a specific city or state, is the true “home.” That can be true for fans, but the state still matters for taxes, permits, and local economic impact.
Team moves and stadium projects
Relocations leave a trail of old memories and new facts. Someone may remember the Raiders in Oakland or San Diego Chargers, but not know the current setup in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Because these changes are rare but significant, old habits can linger. Always check the current home stadium to be sure.
Tips to Remember the Correct Answer
Use stadium location as your rule
Ask, “Where do they play home games?” That solves most confusion fast. Once you use that rule, the answer falls into place: California and Florida have three each.
Keep the two special host states in mind
New Jersey hosts two “New York” teams, and Maryland hosts the “Washington” team along with the Ravens. Those two states often get overlooked. Remembering them prevents mistakes and keeps your mental map accurate.
Think in regions, then lock in states
First, picture the regions: Southern California and the Bay Area; Miami, Tampa Bay, and Jacksonville; Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston; Philadelphia and Pittsburgh; Cincinnati and Cleveland; the New York metro. Then, confirm the state line. This method blends how fans think (by region) with how maps work (by state).
Short FAQ
Which state has the most NFL teams right now?
California and Florida are tied for the most, with three teams each, when counted by where teams play their home games.
Which states have two teams?
Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Maryland each host two teams. New Jersey hosts the Giants and Jets, and Maryland hosts the Ravens and the Washington Commanders.
Does New York have two or three teams?
New York State has one team that plays there, the Buffalo Bills. The Giants and Jets play in New Jersey. If you count by team names, you might say New York has three, but that is not true by stadium location.
Does Washington, D.C., have a team?
The Commanders use the Washington name, but their home stadium is in Maryland. D.C. does not currently host an NFL stadium.
How many states host NFL teams in total?
Twenty-three states host NFL stadiums right now. Most others do not have a team, even if they have strong college football traditions.
Conclusion
When you hear the question “Which state has the most NFL teams?” the best answer uses stadium location, not brand names. With that standard, California and Florida are tied at the top with three teams each. A second tier of states has two teams: Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Maryland. New Jersey and Maryland are the two special cases that trip people up because they host teams whose names point to somewhere else—New York and Washington. Once you focus on where the stadium sits, the map becomes simple and reliable.
If you want a quick memory trick, try this: three in California, three in Florida, two each in Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Maryland, and one in most other states that have NFL teams. With that mental picture, you can answer confidently, avoid common mistakes, and help other fans learn how the NFL is spread across the country.