Cubs, Sox Fans Among Most Emotional in Sports, Study Finds

Chicago Fans Show Their Emotions in Baseball

A new survey by Wetten.com has found that Chicago baseball fans are more likely to be over the moon or down in the dumps when it comes to rooting for their favorite franchise. The sports platform polled 3,500 fans from the United States and Canada to determine which fanbases from all five major sports – MLB, NBA, NFL, MLS, and NHL – have sobbed the hardest.

According to the survey, the San Diego Padres scored the highest among all MLB teams, with 81% of fans admitting to crying over their team. However, the Chicago Cubs and White Sox fanbases finished fifth and eighth, respectively, in terms of emotional intensity.

Cubs’ Tough Ride

The Cubs, who have not made the playoffs since the 2020 COVID-shortened season, have missed the postseason in five of the last six seasons. In 2024, the team finished with a record of 83-79, just four games over .500. The drought has undoubtedly led to frustration and disappointment, causing fans to shed tears.

Sox Suffer Season of Epic Proportions

The White Sox, however, had a season to forget, losing a record 121 games and setting a new mark for the most losses in a single season. The dismal performance has left fans heartbroken and demoralized, with even owner Jerry Reinsdorf apologizing for the disappointing season. The team has decreased its win total by 20 games each of the last three seasons, making it difficult for fans to remain optimistic.

Other Surprising Results

The survey also found that the Minnesota Vikings top the list of NFL fanbases most likely to shed a tear, while Tampa Bay Lightning supporters are among the most emotionally impacted in the NHL. In the NBA, the San Antonio Spurs rank as the No. 1 team in terms of eliciting emotions from their fans. In professional soccer, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF lead the way, with 88% of fans admitting to being emotional about the team.

A Complete Scoreboard

A complete list of sports franchises ranked by their emotions is available by clicking here.

Conclusion

It’s no secret that sports fans can be emotional, and this survey confirms it. Whether it’s elation or despair, fans like to feel invested in their favorite teams. For Cubs and Sox fans, it’s easy to understand why they might be prone to tears, given their teams’ recent performances.

FAQs

• What was the methodology used to determine the survey’s findings?
  The survey polled 3,500 fans from the United States and Canada to determine which fanbases from all five major sports have sobbed the hardest.
• Which MLB team scored the highest in terms of emotional intensity?
  The San Diego Padres scored the highest, with 81% of fans admitting to crying over their team.
• How have the Cubs performed in recent years?
  The Cubs have missed the playoffs in five of the last six seasons, finishing with a record of 83-79 in 2024.
• What was the White Sox’s record in 2024?
  The White Sox lost a record 121 games, setting a new mark for most losses in a single season.