**Luke Hughes #43 of the New Jersey Devils maneuvers the puck past Erik Johnson #77 of the Philadelphia Flyers.**
**Source: Getty Images**
Many sports fans may not ponder the significance of team names, as they become ingrained in our minds from a young age. However, when you consider it, the naming conventions can be peculiar. Typically, sports teams are named after their city, but some are named after states. For instance, the Minnesota Wild represents the entire state, while the Kansas City Chiefs focus on the city rather than Missouri.
**Nick Mullens #12 of the Minnesota Vikings advances the ball during the first half of a game against the Detroit Lions.**
**Source: Getty Images**
Why do some sports teams take state names? It’s not a widespread practice, but it stands out. A notable example is Minnesota, where all professional sports teams are named after the state: Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Minnesota Twins. The trend continued with the Professional Women’s Hockey League naming their team “PWHL Minnesota.”
An exception exists with Detroit, which has its own NFL team because the state can support two NFL teams. Minnesota and other states with only one professional team per sport find it unnecessary to divide by city.
**Quinyon Mitchell celebrates with fans after being selected 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.**
**Source: Getty Images**
States like Pennsylvania need clear distinctions between their teams, as they have multiple teams in the NFL, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, and in other professional sports. Splitting the state helps maximize market reach without alienating fans.
In contrast, Minnesota’s smaller population doesn’t justify a city-based split, as it could alienate fans from other areas. Naming teams after the state ensures broader appeal.
**New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes #86 celebrates a goal during a game against the Nashville Predators.**
**Source: Getty Images**
New Jersey, being small in size and population, also names its team after the state. The New Jersey Devils play in Newark but represent the entire state in the NHL. Interestingly, New Jersey doesn’t have its own NFL team; the New York Jets and Giants play at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The NFL decided that New Jersey’s population couldn’t support a separate team, but New York could accommodate another team, leading to the creation of the Buffalo Bills.
**Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots attempts a catch against Dre Kirkpatrick #27 of the Cincinnati Bengals.**
**Source: Getty Images**
The New England Patriots’ name is an extreme example of population-based naming. Originally named after Boston, the team extended its name to encompass the entire New England region, aiming to attract more fans without adding a new team.
