In ESPN's Ultimate Team Rankings, a ranking system which attempts to determine the top franchise based on what the fans want, ranked the Red Wings as the best franchise in the city of Detroit.
↵ESPN lays out its criteria for the rankings as the following:
↵↵↵Bang For The Buck (BNG): Wins during the past three years (regular season plus postseason) per revenues directly from fans, adjusted for league schedules.
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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.
The Red Wings ranked tops in Detroit in fan relations, ownership, players, coaching and title track. They finished last in the city in stadium experience. The overall rankings placed the Red Wings first, Tigers second, Lions third and Pistons last. Overall, the Red Wings are the 30th best "Ultimate Franchise" in all of sports.
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