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Los Angeles ranked No. 2 college basketball town in US fueled by UCLA
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- Los Angeles ranked No. 2 college basketball town in US fueled by UCLA
Los Angeles is known for its sunshine, beaches, celebrities, and historical landmarks.
Rarely would it be listed as a hub for college basketball, but according to a new study from The Action Network, Los Angeles is the No. 2 best college basketball town in America, trailing only Lexington, Kentucky.
An elevated wide angle view of the court during the California Baptist Lancers versus UCLA Bruins NCAA Women's Championship first round game on March 21, 2026, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Not bad for a city more commonly associated with palm trees and parades down Figueroa.
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The methodology for the study was constructed — layer by layer — through a weighted formula measuring long-term success, recent performance, arena scale, and fan interest across every Division I program.
What emerged was that L.A. has a long history of college hoops success.
Los Angeles has many teams in the area when it comes to college basketball.
USC, Pepperdine, and Loyola Marymount all contribute threads to the city's rich tapestry of college hoops, but at the center of it all is UCLA .
The Bruins are what sway this ranking. Eleven national championships. Nineteen Final Four appearances. Fifty-three trips to the NCAA Tournament.
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And now, there's a new chapter.
UCLA Bruins guard Kiki Rice and forward Gabriela Jaquez celebrate with the trophy on the podium after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The UCLA Bruins women's basketball delivered a statement of their own, dismantling South Carolina 79–51 to capture their first NCAA-era national title on Sunday.
"What stands out is how often these programs return to the national stage," said Steve Petrella, Senior Director of Content at Action Network. "UCLA has remained relevant across multiple eras."
Four of the top five cities in college basketball are found in Kentucky and North Carolina.
Los Angeles is the only city in California and on the West Coast to finish in the top 25.
The top 10 list features a lot of tradition and blue bloods as well:
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