Roughriders, Leafs have most committed fans in Canada: study

Published Sep 04, 2021 • 2 minute read

Fans of the Saskatchewan Roughriders cheer on their team as they take on the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Photo by Derek Leung /Getty Images

New data has found the most dedicated supporters of all CFL and NHL teams belong to the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Maple Leafs, respectively.

Story continues below

According to a study by Casino En Ligne, researchers analyzed the physical, social and financial commitment of fans across both leagues.

The price of a game ticket, the cost of a jersey, weather conditions and social media engagement were taken into consideration to determine fans’ loyalty.

Perhaps the most interesting trend researchers found was that the staunchest followers belong to some of the least successful teams.

Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) celebrates scoring a touchdown during second half CFL football game action against the Toronto Argonauts in Toronto on Saturday, September 28, 2019. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker)

The Riders might not have the most Grey Cups, but it doesn’t matter to fans. In fact, Saskatoon professor Chris Hyrnkow once likened football fandom in the province to a civil religion.

The Riders were revealed to be the most expensive team to support, mostly due to their merchandise prices like team jerseys, which costs fans about 80% more than the average price.

Story continues below

The Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats round out the top three, and it’s all due to their unwavering financial support, willingness to endure extreme weather, and how active they are on social media.

As for NHL fans, Casino En Ligne only looked at Canadian teams (for obvious reasons.)

From leafs, Mitch Marner #16, Auston Matthews #34 and T.J. Brodie #78 of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs became a better team with moves made at the trade deadline. (Derek Leung/Getty Images) Photo by Derek Leung /Getty Images

Leafs fans came up on top because they’ve made it clear they’ll pay anything to attend a game, not to mention fork out the cash for a jersey.

Leafs Nation also boast strong engagement on social media, never backing down from their ride-or-die attitude.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Unsurprisingly, the Buds are the most expensive team to support because of their ticket costs and prices of services offered at the Scotiabank Arena.

The Winnipeg Jets are second, thanks to their costly jerseys, while the Montreal Canadiens are in third, following the Leafs as the second least affordable game tickets.

Most committed CFL fans:

1. Saskatchewan Roughriders
2. Winnipeg Blue Bombers
3. Hamilton Tiger-Cats
4. Toronto Argonauts
5. Edmonton Elks
6. BC Lions
7. Calgary Stampeders
8. Montreal Alouettes
9. Ottawa RedBlacks

Most committed NHL fans:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs
2. Montreal Canadiens
3. Edmonton Oilers
4. Winnipeg Jets
5. Vancouver Canucks
6. Calgary Flames
7. Ottawa Senators

You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.

Create an Account

Join the Conversation

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.