Maple Leafs improve to 120th out of 122 pro teams in ESPN ranking

Yes ladies and gentlemen the Toronto Maple Leaf franchise is on the move. The Leafs have move up from 121st to 120th in ESPN's annual ranking of pro sports teams. This is their 9th year doing the ranking which does not just measure success but measures how much MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL franchises give back to the fans in exchange for all the time, money and emotion the fans invest in them. In other words they look at value for money which confirms what we all know - Leaf fans are continually being ripped off.

Only the Washington Redskins and Cincinnati Bengals ranked below the Leafs. The top raked team was the Green Bay Packers and the top hockey team wha the Tampa Bay Lightning (ranked 2nd)

Here are the categories that make up the ranking and how the Maple Leafs rank in each one:

Bang For The Buck: Wins during the past three years (regular season plus postseason) per revenues directly from fans, adjusted for league schedules. No surprise Maple Leafs rank 122.

Fan Relations: Openness and consideration toward fans by players, coaches and management. With all the talking that Brian Burke does the Leafs rank just 103.

Ownership: Honesty and loyalty to core players and local community. Teachers rank just 94. You wonder what it would be if they weren't holding the free exhibition game.

Affordability: Price of tickets, parking and concessions. Maple Leafs rank 122 - worse than the Yankees, Red Sox and Cowboys.

Stadium Experience: Quality of arena and game-day promotions as well as friendliness of environment. Maple Leafs rank 100.

Players: Effort on the field and likability off it. Leaf players rank 105.

Coaching: Strength of on-field leadership. Looks like Ron Wilson isn't loved. He ranks 111.

Title Track: Championships already won or expected in the lifetime of current fans. 44 years and counting. We rank 110.

This is how the Maple Leafs have ranked in the 9 years.

2011 - 120
2010 - 121
2009 - 120
2008 - 121
2007 - 99
2006 - no ranking due to lockout
2005 - no ranking due to lockout
2004- 88
2003 - 65