Attendance Update: Bulls, Hawks Lead Leagues, NHL Passes NBA

The Bulls and Blackhawks led their respective leagues in attendance yet again in the 2011-12 seasons.  However, numerous shifts have occurred in the hierarchy of the leagues themselves.  The six major leagues in the United States and Canada (by last complete season) now rank as follows in average attendance:

1. National Football League
2. Major League Baseball
3. Canadian Football League
4. Major League Soccer
5. National Hockey League
6. National Basketball Association

There may be more shifting in order coming soon as well due to numerous factors.  The Montreal Impact have joined MLS as an expansion team for the 2012 season, and are averaging 41,016 fans per game.  The relocation of the New Jersey Nets to Brooklyn should have an affect as well, seeing that they were last in the NBA in attendance this year.  MLB has been averaging under 30,000 per game in the young 2012 season, but it should rebound.  The NFL seems to have an untouchable top atop the pyramid, but a big season from the CFL could mean a changing of the guard in the #2 spot.  Early in the 2012 season, MLS appears to be building on its lead for the 4th spot, but the fourth, fifth, and sixth spots are almost interchangeable at this point.

Figures from last completed regular season:

1. National Football League (67,358)
2. Major League Baseball (30,334)
3. Canadian Football League (27,782)
4. Major League Soccer (17,870)
5. National Hockey League (17,455)
6. National Basketball Association (17,273)

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