After years of sharing the spotlight with the Lakers, the Dodgers now stand alone atop Los Angeles sports. A new Loyola Marymount University survey shows that nearly half of Los Angeles County residents call the Dodgers their favorite team, a decisive shift that highlights the franchise’s reach and success. Local fans have responded not only to winning but to the experience, energy, and accessibility the organization represents across generations.
The Dodgers’ dominance comes amid another sold‑out season at Dodger Stadium and a growing connection with digital communities like GamingClub, where fans now interact in ways that extend beyond the field. This marks a cultural evolution for Los Angeles sports, as enthusiasm for the Dodgers moves from the bleachers to streaming platforms, social engagement hubs, and global fan networks.
That combination of sustained winning, widespread visibility, and deep emotional ties has lifted the Dodgers beyond even the Lakers, who have ruled for decades. The survey, conducted by the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Center for the Study of Los Angeles, found 43% of respondents chose the Dodgers compared to 28% who picked the Lakers. It’s the widest margin between the two teams since the poll began in 2014.
The New Order of Los Angeles Sports
The Rams finished third at 7%, with the Kings at 5% and the Angels at 4%. The Clippers, Chargers, LAFC, and other local squads trailed further behind. Angel City FC and the Sparks were last, each earning less than 1% of overall support. Even among women respondents, neither team broke 1%.
Center director Fernando Guerra, a longtime Rams fan himself, pointed out the emotional weight behind the results. “I still put the Dodgers first,” he said, echoing what many in Los Angeles feel: respect for other teams, but an undeniable first choice when pressed.
Dodgers president Stan Kasten attributed the popularity to a mix of talent, tradition, and consistent success. “If you have great players, great fans, and you keep winning, everything connects,” Kasten said. “Right now, we’re clicking on all cylinders.”
Ohtani’s Impact and Global Reach
Shohei Ohtani’s arrival in December 2024, at the start of the 2025 season, pushed that connection to new heights. Guerra cited Ohtani as a major driver in the survey’s outcome. The superstar pitcher and hitter has transformed not only the Dodgers’ global appeal but also the city’s relationship with its Asian fan base. In 2018, 34% of Asian respondents picked the Dodgers as their favorite team. That number jumped to 47% this year, while support for the Angels dropped to 4%.
Ohtani’s effect reaches beyond merchandise and tourism. His presence has injected vitality into the league’s biggest brand in America’s second‑largest market, strengthening the Dodgers’ identity as both local heroes and international icons.
The Challenge for Other Teams
Despite the Rams’ NFL pedigree and notable success — seven playoff appearances, two Super Bowls, and one title since returning to Los Angeles — they face an uphill battle competing with the Dodgers and Lakers for loyalty. Guerra framed it simply: “It’s tough to break the Dodgers’ and Lakers’ hold.”
The Lakers and Dodgers have combined to win 20 championships since settling in Los Angeles. The other 10 pro teams combined have won only 16. Decades of success have cemented the Dodgers and Lakers as cultural cornerstones rather than temporary favorites.
Dodgers’ Era of Excellence
Since Mark Walter’s ownership group purchased the Dodgers 13 seasons ago, the franchise has produced 12 division titles, five World Series appearances, and three championships. Over that same stretch, the Lakers have won three division crowns, reached the second round of the playoffs twice, and claimed one championship.
Walter recently acquired a controlling interest in the Lakers as well, creating a unique dual leadership dynamic in Los Angeles sports. Former Dodgers executive Lon Rosen now oversees the Lakers’ business operations, bridging two of the city’s most powerful brands.
Rosen said competition between the two will ebb and flow with success. “When the Lakers win championships, they’re number one. When the Dodgers win, they’re number one,” he said. “It’s a good place to be — two elite franchises controlled by one group and both thriving.”
Looking Ahead
While Rosen predicts the Lakers will soon reclaim the top spot, the Dodgers show no signs of slowing down. Kasten emphasized constant improvement and fan engagement: “We know we can do even better.” If recent results and public sentiment are indicators, the Dodgers aren’t just winning games — they’re shaping the city’s sports identity well into the future.
