Missoula Named Best College Sports Town in USA TODAY Poll

Missoula, the home of the University of Montana Grizzlies, recently came out on top in the USA TODAY Sports Readers’ Choice 2026 for ‘Best College Sports Town.’

This accolade recognizes the University of Montana’s athletic programs and the Missoula community’s enthusiastic support, highlighting their structural role in regional identity and economic activity. The announcement on August 26, 2026, underscores Missoula’s prominence among college sports towns nationwide.

The poll, selected by USA TODAY Sports Readers, placed Missoula ahead of other well-known college sports communities. UM’s 15 athletic programs, including the historically strong Lady Griz basketball team and the women’s soccer team with three consecutive outright regular-season titles, contribute to this distinction. According to a 2025 report by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Griz Athletics generates over $94 million annually in spending for Missoula-area businesses and supports 728 local jobs. UM President Jeremiah Shinn emphasized that Grizzly Athletics serves as the “front door” to both the university and the community.

With the school year underway and Griz Volleyball returning this fall, local sports engagement remains robust.

While Missoula was the only Big Sky Conference city recognized, this achievement could enhance Montana’s broader reputation for community-driven sports culture. For Montana businesses, the economic impact of sustained athletic success may reinforce local spending patterns and job support tied to collegiate athletics.

Missoula Named ‘Best College Sports Town’ in USA TODAY Poll
By University of Montana