Texas does everything bigger, and that includes sports. With 13 major professional teams and dozens of semi-pro franchises scattered across the state, Texas has become America's most diverse sports market, offering everything from NFL football to professional cricket.
The staggering economics of Texas sports
Let's talk money, because wow, there's a lot of it. Texas sports teams generate over $10 billion in combined franchise value, which is roughly equivalent to the GDP of Madagascar (fun fact you didn't need to know). These teams aren't just playing games… they're driving entire local economies.
Arlington's entertainment district alone generates $728 million annually from Cowboys games. That's not counting the Rangers next door or the countless bars, restaurants, and hotels that exist solely because Jerry Jones decided to build his palace there. Over 15 million fans attend games annually across Texas's major venues, and each one of them is buying overpriced nachos and contributing to the state's economy.
The ripple effects are massive. When cities land professional teams, they see immediate impacts on tourism, job creation, and urban development. Houston's sports venues have played a huge role in downtown revitalization efforts, while San Antonio basically exists in a symbiotic relationship with the Spurs. Even Austin, late to the professional sports party, has seen its urban core transformed since Austin FC arrived in 2021.
Stadium wars: When billionaires compete to build the biggest toys
Texas stadiums are architectural marvels that cost more than some countries' annual budgets. Combined stadium investments exceed $5 billion across the state, and honestly, it shows.
AT&T Stadium leads the pack
Jerry World, as locals affectionately call it, cost $1.15 billion to build and features the world's largest HD video board at 160 feet long. The stadium holds 80,000 for Cowboys games but can expand to 105,000 for special events like the Super Bowl or WrestleMania. It's so massive that punters occasionally hit the video board with kicks, which is both hilarious and slightly problematic.
The venue hosts approximately 17 million visitors annually for all events, not just Cowboys games. With 200 luxury suites and art installations by 18 contemporary artists, it's essentially a museum that happens to host football games. Some fans spend more time taking selfies than watching the actual game, which… fair.
Houston's triple threat
Houston went a different route, clustering three major venues within walking distance of each other. Daikin Park features a retractable roof that closes in 20 minutes, perfect for those sudden Texas thunderstorms. The Astros' home also has that iconic train that chugs along the outfield wall after home runs, because why not?
NRG Stadium was the NFL's first retractable roof stadium, creating a unique indoor-outdoor experience that's perfect for Houston's swampy climate. Meanwhile, Toyota Center was built 32 feet below street level and achieved LEED Silver certification, making it Texas's first environmentally certified arena. The Rockets literally play in a hole in the ground, which somehow feels appropriate.
The newest kids on the block
Globe Life Field, the Rangers' new home, cost $1.1 billion and features the world's largest single-panel retractable roof. The stadium maintains a constant 72°F, solving the age-old problem of watching baseball in 105-degree Texas heat. No more sweating through nine innings!
Austin FC's Q2 Stadium might be smaller, but it sold out every home game in its inaugural 2021 season, the only MLS team to achieve that feat. Austin waited decades for major league sports, and when they finally got it, they showed up in force.
Championship DNA runs deep in Texas
Texas teams have captured 11 major professional championships, though the distribution is… uneven. The Cowboys lead with five Super Bowls, all won between 1971 and 1995. Cowboys fans will remind you of this approximately every 3.5 seconds.
The Spurs matched that total with five NBA championships between 1999 and 2014, establishing one of basketball's greatest dynasties. Unlike the Cowboys, they did it without the drama and with a guy named Tim Duncan who was about as exciting as watching paint dry (but incredibly effective).
Recent champions and the Wembanyama phenomenon
The Astros won World Series titles in 2017 and 2022, though the 2017 title comes with an asterisk the size of Texas due to the sign-stealing scandal. The Rangers finally broke through in 2023, defeating Arizona for their first championship after decades of heartbreak.
But let's talk about the Wembanyama effect, because holy cow:
- 2,500 season ticket deposits placed immediately after the draft lottery
- Average attendance jumped from 15,014 to 17,848
- Ticket prices increased 35%
- Franchise value nearly doubled to $3.85 billion
One 7-foot-4 French teenager basically saved basketball in San Antonio. Not bad for a kid who probably still can't legally rent a car.
What it actually costs to be a fan in 2025
Brace yourself, because Texas sports aren't cheap. Unless you're talking about the upper deck of an Astros game on a Tuesday, in which case, surprisingly affordable!
NFL pricing reality check
Cowboys season tickets average $6,540, though individual games range from $37 in the nosebleeds to $593 for premium seats. But wait, there's more! The Cowboys require fans to purchase "Seat Options" before they can even access season tickets, because Jerry Jones didn't become a billionaire by leaving money on the table.
NBA ticket innovations
The Mavericks increased prices 8.61% for 2025-26, though 80% of packages rose less than 10%. Meanwhile, the Spurs introduced something actually innovative: the "Spurscription" at $49 monthly for three pre-selected games. It's like Netflix, but for basketball.
Rockets season packages start at $1,540, with individual games from $6 on secondary markets. Yes, you can watch an NBA game for less than a Chipotle burrito.
Baseball and soccer keep it (relatively) real
Here's where families can actually afford to go:
- Astros games start at $4
- Rangers tickets from $17
- Rangers offer $62 all-you-can-eat sections
- Austin FC tickets start at $6
- FC Dallas season memberships from $78/month
That FC Dallas deal includes parking and MLS streaming access, which is honestly pretty solid. Check current prices on SeatGeek for the best deals across all Texas teams.
Game day experiences that justify the price (maybe)
Modern stadiums compete on amenities as much as athletics. AT&T Stadium employs multiple fan engagement teams including the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Rowdy the mascot, and percussion drummers. It's sensory overload in the best possible way.
Houston knows food
Houston venues emphasize local cuisine, with Daikin Park offering legitimate Houston-style BBQ and Tex-Mex options. Toyota Center features the Frost East & West Clubs and Corona Beach House Bar, plus a dedicated children's Sky Court area. The 2,500-space Toyota Tundra Garage means you might actually find parking.
Austin brings the party
Austin FC created what fans call "the best party in ATX." Season members get a 10% concession discount, Q2 Stadium sits next to The Domain shopping district, and the supporter groups create an atmosphere that rivals European soccer. It's loud, it's fun, and it's very Austin.
Semi-pro sports: Where dreams meet reality
Beyond the big leagues, Texas supports a thriving semi-professional scene that provides affordable entertainment and genuine competition.
Spring football is a thing
The United Football League runs from March to June, filling the football void with three Texas teams. The Arlington Renegades lead at 8-2, while the San Antonio Brahmas average 14,427 fans at the Alamodome. Season tickets cost around $20 per game, making it perfect for families.
Cricket arrives in grand fashion
Major League Cricket chose Grand Prairie as its headquarters, investing $20 million in stadium renovations. The sport generated over $100 million in economic impact during the 2024 T20 World Cup. With tickets starting at $20 and cricket's 2.5 billion global fanbase, this could be huge.
Women's sports on the rise
The Dallas Wings won the 2025 WNBA draft lottery and will move to a new downtown arena by 2027. The NWSL surpassed 2 million attendance in 2024, becoming America's most-attended women's professional sports league. Austin also hosts ultimate frisbee and softball teams, because of course they do.
Rivalries that define Texas sports culture
Texas sports rivalries run deeper than the Rio Grande. The Cowboys-Eagles matchup represents the NFL's most heated division battle, with fans literally fighting in parking lots (please don't do this).
Within state borders, the intensity multiplies:
- The Texas Derby between FC Dallas and Houston features "El Capitán" cannon trophy
- Austin FC created Texas's first three-way soccer rivalry
- Rockets-Spurs rivalry dates to the 1980s
- The Lone Star Series between Astros and Rangers intensified after both won titles
These games command premium prices regardless of standings, because bragging rights matter more than playoff positioning.
The future looks even bigger
Texas prepares to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with seven matches at NRG Stadium and nine at AT&T Stadium. The projected combined revenue exceeds $3.5 billion, showcasing Texas venues to a global audience.
Looking ahead, Dallas Wings get a new downtown arena in 2027, cricket continues expanding its American footprint from Grand Prairie, and women's sports experience unprecedented growth across all leagues. The UFL provides spring football, filling calendar gaps and keeping venues busy year-round.
Your game plan for Texas sports
Ready to join the 15 million fans attending Texas sports annually? Start with official team websites for the best season ticket deals, use secondary markets like StubHub for individual games, and remember that Tuesday baseball games and upper-deck seats offer the best value.
Texas sports represent more than entertainment… they're economic engines generating billions, cultural touchstones defining city identities, and community builders bringing together diverse populations. From the Cowboys' global brand worth billions to Austin FC's grassroots energy, each franchise contributes something unique to the Texas sports ecosystem.
With franchise values approaching $40 billion collectively and new developments constantly emerging, one thing's certain: everything really is bigger in Texas, especially the sports scene. Whether you're a die-hard fan or casual observer, there's never been a better time to experience professional sports in the Lone Star State. Just remember to bring sunscreen for those day games and your credit card for everything else.
