What is the largest city without an NFL team?

The roar of the crowd, the clash of helmets, the soaring spirals of the pigskin – these are the hallmarks of the National Football League (NFL), a sporting behemoth that captivates millions across the United States. For many cities, having an NFL team is a badge of honor, a source of civic pride, and a significant economic driver. But in this landscape of passionate fandom, a curious question arises: Which is the largest city in the United States that doesn’t have its own NFL team in 2025?

This isn’t just a trivia question; it delves into the complex interplay of demographics, economics, stadium infrastructure, and the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports. For residents of this “NFL-less giant,” the absence can be a source of frustration, a constant reminder of being on the sidelines of the nation’s most popular sport.

Let’s embark on a journey to identify this significant urban center and explore the factors that contribute to its current NFL status with us.

The Contenders: Peeling Back the Layers

To pinpoint the largest city without an NFL team, we first need to consider the most populous metropolitan areas in the United States. While city proper populations offer one perspective, the broader metropolitan statistical area (MSA) often provides a more accurate reflection of a region’s economic and demographic influence, which are key factors in NFL team viability.

As of 2025, the list of the most populous MSAs in the US typically includes:

• New York City, NY-NJ-PA
• Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
• Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
• Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
• Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX
• Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ
• Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
• Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
• Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach, FL
• Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

A quick scan of this list reveals that the vast majority of these major metropolitan areas are already home to at least one NFL franchise. New York boasts the Giants and the Jets, Los Angeles houses the Rams and the Chargers, Chicago is synonymous with the Bears, Dallas proudly supports the Cowboys, Houston cheers for the Texans, Phoenix rallies behind the Cardinals, Philadelphia bleeds Eagles green, Atlanta is home to the Falcons, Miami showcases the Dolphins, and the Washington metropolitan area is the turf of the Commanders.

This leaves us to delve deeper and potentially look beyond the top ten to identify the largest NFL-less city.

The Spotlight Falls On: Austin, Texas

Based on current population trends and the distribution of NFL teams, the largest metropolitan area in the United States without an NFL team in 2025 is Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas.

While Texas is a football-crazed state with two existing NFL teams (the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans), the burgeoning metropolis of Austin has yet to secure its own franchise. This is despite its significant population growth, vibrant economy, and passionate sporting culture.

Why Austin? Unpacking the Situation

The fact that a city as large and dynamic as Austin doesn’t have an NFL team raises several intriguing questions. Let’s explore some of the key factors:

1. Market Saturation: Texas already has two established NFL teams in Dallas and Houston. The NFL, while always looking for growth opportunities, is also mindful of market saturation and the potential impact of adding a third team within the same state. While Austin is geographically distinct, there could be concerns about diluting the fanbase and corporate sponsorships for the existing Texas franchises.

2. Proximity to Existing Teams: Austin is located roughly 200 miles southwest of Dallas and about 165 miles west of Houston. While this distance is significant, a portion of the Austin fanbase likely already aligns with either the Cowboys or the Texans. Convincing these loyal supporters to switch allegiance to a new Austin team could be a challenge.

3. Stadium Infrastructure: Hosting an NFL team requires a state-of-the-art stadium with significant seating capacity, luxury suites, and modern amenities. As of 2025, Austin does not possess a stadium of this caliber. While the University of Texas’ Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium is a large venue, it is primarily designed for college football and would likely require substantial renovations to meet NFL standards. Building a brand-new NFL stadium is a massive undertaking involving significant public and private investment, which can face political and economic hurdles.

4. Ownership and Expansion: The process of acquiring an NFL team is complex. It typically involves either the relocation of an existing franchise or the league granting an expansion team. Relocation often faces fierce resistance from the affected city and requires compelling business reasons. NFL expansion is rare and highly competitive, with numerous cities vying for consideration. Securing an ownership group with the financial muscle and vision to bring an NFL team to Austin is a crucial piece of the puzzle.

5. Political and Economic Considerations: Bringing an NFL team to a city has significant economic implications, both positive and potentially negative. While it can boost tourism, create jobs, and generate revenue, it also often involves public funding for stadium development and infrastructure improvements, which can be a point of contention among taxpayers and local governments. Political will and a favorable economic climate are essential for such a large-scale project.

6. The Rise of Other Sports: While football reigns supreme in Texas, Austin has also witnessed the growth of other professional sports, including Major League Soccer (Austin FC) and potential future endeavors. The city’s sporting landscape is evolving, and the demand for an NFL team needs to be weighed against the support for these other growing leagues.

The Austin Advantage: Why the Future Could Be Bright

Despite not having an NFL team in 2025, Austin possesses several compelling attributes that could make it an attractive NFL market in the future:

• Rapid Population Growth: Austin is one of the fastest-growing major metropolitan areas in the United States, attracting a young, affluent, and diverse population. This expanding fanbase presents a significant market opportunity for the NFL.
• Strong Economy: Austin boasts a thriving and diverse economy, driven by the technology sector, education, and government. This economic strength translates to a robust corporate sponsorship market and a population with disposable income for entertainment.
• Passionate Sports Culture: While lacking an NFL team, Austin has a deep-rooted passion for sports, particularly college football with the highly successful University of Texas Longhorns. This existing enthusiasm could be readily translated to supporting a professional football team.
• Geographic Location: Austin’s location in Central Texas positions it as a potential regional hub for NFL fans in the surrounding areas.

The Road Ahead: What Needs to Happen?

For Austin to finally land an NFL team, several key developments would likely need to occur:

• Stadium Development: A viable plan for a state-of-the-art NFL stadium, including funding mechanisms and location, would be essential.
• Ownership Group: A well-funded and committed ownership group with a strong vision for the team and its integration into the Austin community would need to emerge.
• NFL Expansion or Relocation: The NFL would need to consider expansion, with Austin being a prime candidate, or a suitable relocation opportunity would need to arise.
• Community and Political Will: Strong community support and political backing would be crucial to navigate the complexities of bringing an NFL team to the city.

Conclusion: The Waiting Game Continues

As of 2025, Austin, Texas, stands as the largest metropolitan area in the United States without the privilege of hosting its own NFL franchise. While the reasons for this absence are multifaceted, ranging from market saturation to stadium infrastructure, the city’s impressive growth, vibrant economy, and passionate sports culture make it a compelling future prospect for the NFL.

For the millions of residents in the Austin area, the wait for their own NFL team continues. The dream of Sunday afternoon football in their backyard remains alive, fueled by the city’s undeniable potential and the unwavering hope that one day, the roar of an Austin NFL crowd will echo through a state that already lives and breathes the sport. The question isn’t if Austin could support an NFL team, but rather when the stars will align to make that dream a reality.