ESPN the Magazine recently released it’s annual “Best in Sports” rankings and when it came to pro franchise owners, Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch was ranked #1. The rankings were reportedly based on honesty, commitment to the community and loyalty to core players.
As far as Ilitch’s hockey team the Detroit Red Wings goes, they were tied for first with the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Penguins, in terms of championships won or expected to win in the lifetime of current fans.
The Wings also ranked in at 17 for the “Ultimate Standings” which ranks all professional sports teams in the United States (1-122).
According to the Detroit News, the rankings for the teams take into account “Bang for the Buck,” players, fan relations, affordability, stadium experience, ownership, title track and coaching.
In terms of the other Detroit teams the Tigers ranked in at 52, the Lions at 94th and the Pistons at 113.
Source: Detroit News, ESPN