12/20: Cubbies’ World Series Win Takes Top 2016 Honors

Marist National Poll

By nearly three to one, American sports fans, 56%, consider the Chicago Cubs’ first World Series win since 1908 to be the best single sports accomplishment of 2016.  The U.S. women’s gymnastics team winning consecutive Olympic team gold medals places second with 20%.  Eight percent mention the Cleveland Cavaliers bringing home the NBA title to give the city its first major championship since 1964 as the greatest accomplishment in sports this year.  Seven percent cite the Denver Broncos winning the Super Bowl in Peyton Manning’s final NFL game, and 5% think Leicester City’s first Premier League victory despite 5,000 to 1 odds takes the top spot in sports.

This Marist Poll has been conducted in conjunction with the Marist College Center for Sports Communication.

“These results affirm the narrative that the Cubs’ championship is indeed historic in the view of American sports fans, even if other victories may have come at longer odds,” says Keith Strudler, Director of the Marist College Center for Sports Communication.

60% of Americans say they are sports fans.  40% are not sports enthusiasts.

Click Here for Complete December 20, 2016 Marist Poll Release and Tables

Marist Poll Methodology

Nature of the Sample