The latest issue of ESPN: The Magazine has their "Ultimate Standings" for US sports franchises. It will come as little surprise to learn that Detroit scored three teams in the top 20 for the 2007 rankings. The rankings are a combination of record, ownership/management, coaching, players, affordability, fan relations, stadium experience and "bang for the buck" and anyone who has been to a game in the Motor City knows there are few better sports experiences anywhere.

The Detroit Pistons lead the way at #5 despite the fact that coach Flip Saunders was rated #73. Fans appear to love the players (#13), the arena (#11) and owner Bill Davidson (#6 - you have to think Joe Dumars is a big part of that as well).

Not far behind at #12 are the Detroit Tigers who are led by skipper Jim Leyland (#2), a great team (#21) and a little thing called the World Series!

At #18 are the Detroit Red Wings whose perennial contention combined with an ownership rated #2 (in large part for their stellar community engagement) ... and hey, they don't call it Hockeytown for nothing!

It seems to be true that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, because the Detroit Lions have fought their way to the absolute bottom of the list #122 out of 122. Fire Millen anyone?

Photo credits:

• 365 67 "DEEEEEEEEEEEE troit...." by Artsy_T
  
• 10,000 by Radiospike
• Hasek by McPhloyd
• Lions by Shogun13