ESPN released their 2012 "Ultimate Team Standings" Friday which rank all 122 teams teams from the major four professional North American sports leagues: the NFL, NHL, MLB and NBA.
The New Jersey Devils ranked surprisingly high on this list and made a big jump from where they were last year, which was 50th.
Here is what ESPN ranked the teams by:
"Bang For The Buck (BNG): Wins during the past three years (regular season plus postseason) per revenues directly from fans, adjusted for league schedules.
Fan Relations (FRL): Openness and consideration toward fans by players, coaches and management.
Ownership (OWN): Honesty and loyalty to core players and local community.
Affordability (AFF): Price of tickets, parking and concessions.
Stadium Experience (STX): Quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as friendliness of environment.
Players (PLA): Effort on the field and likability off it.
Coaching (CCH): Strength of on-field leadership.
Title Track (TTR): Championships already won or expected in the lifetime of current fans."
As stated previously, the Devils made a big jump up this year raising 37 spots from 50th to the 13th best team in professional sports based on the categories above.
The Phoenix Coyotes (6th) and Tampa Bay Lightning were the only NHL franchises ranked higher than the Devils while the Toronto Maple Leafs were the last ranked sports franchise in general, listed 122nd out of 122 teams.
The Oklahoma City Thunder were the number one ranked franchise. You can see the
rest of the rankings here
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