Waco, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco and the state’s collegiate and professional sports programs are gaining national recognition. The University of Texas Longhorns lead preseason polls, while the Hall of Fame has been ranked among top sports attractions in the U.S. A nationwide poll closes soon, highlighting public interest in Texas sports history. With a rich sports legacy and participation in major leagues and college football, Texas continues to be a significant player in the sports landscape, drawing attention from fans and media alike.
Waco — The Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco and the state’s collegiate and professional programs are drawing national attention as preseason polls and attraction rankings place Texas at the forefront of U.S. sports. The University of Texas Longhorns have been rated at the top of preseason polls, while the Hall of Fame is polling among the country’s top sports attractions in a nationwide poll whose voting closes on August 18, with final results scheduled for release on August 27.
Key developments and immediate impact
The combined momentum from strong college preseason rankings and rising recognition of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame underscores growing interest in the state’s sports legacy. The Longhorns’ top preseason position positions them as a primary draw for college football fans and media attention. Simultaneously, the Hall of Fame’s placement in a national attractions poll highlights public interest in Texas’s sports history and memorabilia.
Supporting details: teams, schools and notable figures
Texas currently hosts eight teams across the four major professional leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL). When Major League Soccer and the Women’s National Basketball Association are included, the total number of professional franchises in Texas reaches 12. At the collegiate level, Texas has 13 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) schools, the most of any U.S. state, reinforcing its role as a major center for high-level college football.
The state has produced numerous world-class athletes across sports eras, including early 20th-century stars and modern Olympic contenders. Historical and contemporary figures associated with Texas include Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Tim Duncan, Sheryl Swoopes, Patrick Mahomes, Emmitt Smith and Nolan Ryan. Several elite competitors tied to Texas are expected to represent the country at major international meets, including sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson and gymnast Simone Biles.
Historical context and franchise evolution
Historically, the nation’s most concentrated professional sports franchises arose on the East and West Coasts, but Texas has developed its own deep sports tradition. The state’s first professional team attempt dates to 1952 with an NFL franchise that began as the New York Yanks and later became known as the Dallas Texans in that era; the early effort did not endure. By 1960, Texas had two NFL franchises: the Dallas Texans (which later relocated and became the Kansas City Chiefs) and the Dallas Cowboys. That expansion set the stage for the current multi-league presence across the state.
Recent draft, college valuations and memorabilia market
In the latest NFL Draft, the first overall pick was Cam Ward, who began his football career in West Columbia and later played college football at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. In collegiate commercial valuation, Texas quarterback Arch Manning holds the highest reported Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) valuation in college football at $6.5 million.
An active sports memorabilia auction tied to Texas and national sports history is also drawing attention. High-profile items include a 1970s passport once owned by Houston native George Foreman, valued in the current auction at about $3,661. A ball from Shohei Ohtani’s 300th career home run has a current bid near $25,000. A rare 1914 baseball autographed by “Shoeless Joe” Jackson has surpassed $27,500 in bidding after the player’s lifetime ban was lifted earlier this year. A 1997 Michael Jordan autographed card carries a starting bid of $15,000 and is expected to command a significantly higher final price.
About the Texas Sports Hall of Fame
The Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco is the state’s first and only official state sports museum and was the first of its kind in the United States. The museum chronicles Texas athletic history and currently honors the stories and achievements of 432 inductees. Its recognition in a nationwide attractions poll reflects interest in both the physical museum and the broader sports heritage it represents.
Timeline and next steps
Polling related to top sports attractions closes on August 18, and poll organizers plan to announce results on August 27. The Hall of Fame and the Longhorns’ preseason status will remain focal points for fans and observers as final poll results and the competitive season approach.
Why this matters
Texas’s mix of professional franchises, a high concentration of major college programs, prominent athletes, and a dedicated state sports museum creates a large and multifaceted sports ecosystem. The convergence of preseason rankings, museum recognition and a high-profile memorabilia market signals expanding public interest in Texas sports both regionally and nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent recognitions has the Texas Sports Hall of Fame received?
The Texas Sports Hall of Fame in Waco is polling among the nation’s top sports attractions in a nationwide poll. Voting for the poll closes on August 18 and results will be released on August 27.
How many professional sports teams are based in Texas?
Texas has eight teams across the four major professional leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL). Including Major League Soccer and the Women’s National Basketball Association, the total reaches 12 professional franchises.
How many FBS college football programs are in Texas?
Texas is home to 13 schools competing at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, the highest number for any U.S. state.
Which Texas athletes are mentioned as notable or Olympic prospects?
Notable athletes connected to Texas include Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Tim Duncan, Sheryl Swoopes, Patrick Mahomes, Emmitt Smith and Nolan Ryan. Athletes expected to compete internationally include Sha’Carri Richardson and Simone Biles.
Key figures and items at a glance
| Feature | Number / Current Value |
|---|---|
| Professional teams (Big Four: NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL) | 8 |
| Total pro teams including MLS and WNBA | 12 |
| FBS college football programs in Texas | 13 |
| Texas Sports Hall of Fame inductees | 432 |
| Top NIL valuation (college football) | Arch Manning: $6.5 million |
| Shohei Ohtani 300th HR ball (current bid) | $25,000 |
| Shoeless Joe Jackson 1914 autographed baseball (current bid) | Over $27,500 |
| George Foreman 1970s passport (auction value) | $3,661 |
| 1997 Michael Jordan card (starting bid) | $15,000 (expected to sell for much more) |
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Additional Resources
- KWTX News
- Wikipedia: Texas Sports Hall of Fame
- KHOU News
- Google Search: Texas Sports
- CBS Sports
- Google Scholar: Texas college football
- KXXV News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas sports
- New York Post
- Google News: Texas football rankings
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
