Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Fayetteville has moved up to No. 61 on The Sporting News’ annual list of top sports cities in North America.

That puts Fayetteville — by our count — No. 10 among markets without a major pro sports franchise (MLB, MLS, NBA, NFL, NHL). And it puts Fayetteville fourth among SEC towns (fifth if you count College Station, home of 2012 league member Texas A&M).

Here’s how the list is calculated:

It's more than just championships.

Sporting News’ Best Sports Cities rankings, which look at the 12 months from summer 2010 to summer 2011, are based on point values assigned to various categories, including but not limited to, won-lost records, postseason appearances, applicable power ratings, number of teams and attendance.

Also appearing on the Sporting News list are Jonesboro (No. 142), Little Rock (No. 182), Pine Bluff (269) and Conway (270). Dropping off from 2010 was Springdale, home to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. It’s worth noting that the list was 131 spots shorter this year than last.