The growth of Rams fandom in LA

John and jem on the field for Rams vs. Raiders

When the Rams returned to Los Angeles in 2016 after a 22-year absence, they faced the challenge of rebuilding their fanbase in a city with deep-rooted sports loyalties. Nearly a decade later, the team has made significant strides in capturing the hearts of Angelenos and establishing themselves as a prominent fixture in LA's sports landscape. Winning a Super Bowl didn't hurt!

Early Struggles and Gradual Growth

Initially, the Rams struggled to gain traction in Los Angeles. A 2020 study by Loyola Marymount University found that only 6.1% of residents claimed the Rams as their favorite team, ranking them fourth among LA sports franchises. This slow start was partly due to the team's long absence, which left a generation of potential fans without a hometown NFL team to support.

Super Bowl Success: A Turning Point

The Rams' fortunes began to change dramatically with their Super Bowl LVI victory in February 2022. This championship, won in their home stadium, SoFi Stadium, proved to be a catalyst for fanbase growth. Ralph Valdez, president of the Southern California Rams Booster Club, noted that a Super Bowl win would "grow the fan base immensely, especially with the teenagers," highlighting the potential to capture younger supporters.

Impressive Training Camp Attendance

One clear indicator of the Rams' growing popularity was the attendance at their 2022 training camp. The team estimated that nearly 100,000 fans attended the 10 open practices at UC Irvine. This impressive turnout demonstrated the increasing interest and enthusiasm surrounding the team.

Fan Demographics and Diversity

The Rams have cultivated a diverse fanbase in Los Angeles. Their supporters skew younger compared to some other NFL teams, with 33% of fans aged 18-34. Additionally, the Rams boast one of the NFL's highest percentages of fans of Latino origin, as well as significant concentrations of African American and Asian fans.

Current Standing in LA Sports

As of 2024, the Rams have solidified their position in Los Angeles' sports hierarchy. They are now considered by many to be the third most popular team in the city, behind only the Lakers and Dodgers. This represents a significant improvement from their initial return and reflects the team's on-field success and community engagement efforts.

Looking Ahead

While the Rams have made substantial progress in growing their fanbase, there's still room for expansion. The team continues to focus on engaging younger fans and leveraging their Super Bowl victory to attract new supporters. As they approach their 8th year back in Los Angeles, the Rams are poised to further solidify their place in the city's sports culture.

The growth of the Rams' fanbase in Los Angeles is a testament to the power of on-field success, community involvement, and strategic marketing. As they continue to build on this foundation, the Rams are well-positioned to become an enduring part of LA's sports identity for generations to come.