States without NFL Teams 2025
Wisconsin
1
Washington
1
Tennessee
1
North Carolina
1
Nevada
1
Missouri
1
Minnesota
1
Michigan
1
Massachusetts
1
Maryland
1
Louisiana
1
Indiana
1
Illinois
1
Georgia
1
District of Columbia
1
Colorado
1
Arizona
1
Texas
2
Pennsylvania
2
Ohio
2
New York
3
Florida
3
California
3
State | States Without NFL Teams↑ | Additional Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Alabama | ||
 | Alaska | ||
 | Arkansas | ||
 | Connecticut | ||
 | Delaware | ||
 | Hawaii | ||
 | Idaho | ||
 | Iowa | ||
 | Kansas | Though beloved in Kansas, the Chiefs are technically located in Kansas City, Missouri. | |
 | Kentucky | ||
 | Maine | ||
 | Mississippi | ||
 | Montana | ||
 | Nebraska | ||
 | New Hampshire | ||
 | New Jersey | Although the Jets and Giants both have their home stadiums and headquarters in New Jersey, both are considered New York teams. | |
 | New Mexico | ||
 | North Dakota | ||
 | Oklahoma | ||
 | Oregon | ||
 | Rhode Island | ||
 | South Carolina | ||
 | South Dakota | ||
 | Utah | ||
 | Vermont | ||
 | Virginia | While Virginia lacks a Virginia-themed team, it is the site of the Washington Commanders' HQ and practice facilities. | |
 | West Virginia | ||
 | Wyoming | ||
 | Arizona | 1 | |
 | Colorado | 1 | |
 | District of Columbia | 1 | While the Washington Commanders claim DC as their home city, the team's HQ and training facility are in Virginia and its home stadium is located in Maryland. |
 | Georgia | 1 | |
 | Illinois | 1 | |
 | Indiana | 1 | |
 | Louisiana | 1 | |
 | Maryland | 1 | In addition to the Baltimore Ravens, Maryland is also the site of the Washington Commanders' home stadium. |
 | Massachusetts | 1 | |
 | Michigan | 1 | |
 | Minnesota | 1 | |
 | Missouri | 1 | |
 | Nevada | 1 | |
 | North Carolina | 1 | |
 | Tennessee | 1 | |
 | Washington | 1 | |
 | Wisconsin | 1 | |
 | Ohio | 2 | |
 | Pennsylvania | 2 | |
 | Texas | 2 | |
 | California | 3 | |
 | Florida | 3 | |
 | New York | 3 | It could be argued that New York has only one team, the Buffalo Bills, because the Jets and Giants both have their HQs and home stadiums in New Jersey. |
- The question of which state a team belongs to can be challenging. Both the New York Giants and the New York Jets have their headquarters and home stadium in New Jersey rather than New York. Similarly, the Washington Commanders are named after the District of Columbia, but their HQ and training facility are both in Virginia and their home stadium (Commanders Field) is in Maryland.
- Kansas lacks an NFL team due to a geographical technicality. The NFL obviously includes a team known as the Kansas City Chiefs, but Kansas City straddles the Kansas/Missouri state line and the team is located in Kansas City, Missouri (which has roughly 75% of the KC metro area’s overall population), rather than Kansas City, Kansas.
The National Football League (NFL) stands as a cornerstone of American sports culture, captivating fans across the nation with its thrilling matchups and iconic teams. However, it may come as a surprise that there are 28 states without an NFL franchise. In these states, football fandom takes on a unique character, shaped by regional allegiances and creative connections to teams from neighboring states.
Residents in these NFL-less states often find themselves adopting nearby teams as their own, forging strong bonds with franchises like the Seattle Seahawks or the Kansas City Chiefs. This phenomenon highlights the resilience and adaptability of football fandom, showcasing how fans across the country unite behind their favorite teams, regardless of geographic proximity.
Moreover, the absence of NFL teams fosters a spirit of community and creativity among local sports enthusiasts. Whether it’s organizing watch parties for televised games or participating in amateur leagues, fans in these states demonstrate a deep-seated passion for the sport, even in the absence of a local team. This grassroots approach to football underscores the universal appeal and enduring popularity of the NFL, transcending state borders and uniting fans in a shared love for the game.
