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DEDelaware Sports
Sports landscape of Delaware
Delaware does not currently host any team in the major US pro sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS). The reasons are typically population (markets need around 1.5 million metro population for sustainable pro franchises) and the timing of franchise expansion historically. As a result, college sports dominate the local sporting scene, often with intensity that rivals pro leagues elsewhere. State universities draw stadium-filling crowds and produce future pros.
Pro sports league presence
| League | Sport | Delaware team? |
|---|---|---|
| NFL | American football | ❌ No franchise |
| NBA | Basketball | ❌ No franchise |
| MLB | Baseball | ❌ No franchise |
| NHL | Ice hockey | ❌ No franchise |
| MLS | Soccer | ❌ No franchise |
| WNBA | Women's basketball | ❌ No franchise |
College sports
Delaware's college sports scene is a major part of the state identity. Whether or not the state has pro franchises, college football, basketball, and (in some regions) baseball draw passionate followings. Major NCAA conferences with member schools in or near Delaware typically include the SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, or Pac-12, depending on the school. College rivalries within the state (or against bordering states) often generate annual cultural events that draw national TV audiences.
The NCAA's annual basketball tournament ("March Madness"), the College Football Playoff, and the College World Series are watched closely by Delaware fans. State universities recruit nationally, and their successes contribute to school applications, alumni donations, and state pride.
Hall of Fame athletes
Hall of Fame inductees in baseball (Cooperstown, NY), football (Canton, OH), basketball (Springfield, MA), hockey (Toronto, ON), and golf (St. Augustine, FL) all include athletes born in or raised in Delaware. Olympic medalists across both summer and winter games have also represented the United States from Delaware.
Signature sporting events
Each state has signature sporting events that locals plan their year around — championships, charity tournaments, rodeos, races, and more.
Youth and amateur sports
Delaware's sports culture starts young. Youth baseball, soccer, football, basketball, and hockey leagues feed school teams; school teams feed college programs; and college programs feed the pros. State high school athletic associations regulate amateur competition. Delaware parents spend significant time and money on youth sports — a national American phenomenon.
Delaware notable firsts
- First state to ratify the US Constitution (December 7, 1787)
- One of the 13 original colonies
🌟 Delaware trivia
- Was the first state to ratify the US Constitution, on December 7, 1787.
- It's the second smallest state by area but home to more than half of all Fortune 500 companies (legally — they incorporate here for tax reasons).
- The state has only three counties — the fewest of any state.
- President Joe Biden was born in Scranton, PA, but represented Delaware in the US Senate for 36 years.
Delaware vs similar states
How does Delaware compare with 3 other states in the same region and size category?
| State | Capital | Pop | Area rank | Admitted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | Dover | 1 to 5 million | #49 | 1787 |
| Connecticut | Hartford | 1 to 5 million | #48 | 1788 |
| Maine | Augusta | 1 to 5 million | #39 | 1820 |
| Maryland | Annapolis | 5 to 10 million | #42 | 1788 |
Bordering states (3)
Delaware shares borders with 3 other US states, listed alphabetically below. Each link goes to the dedicated state page.
Sports constraints in the daily puzzle
"Has NFL", "Has NBA", "MLB-only" are recurring Statedoku constraints. Learn the pro league map by playing.
Play today's puzzle →Similar states to Delaware
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