Part 9/11:
In situations where one city refuses to back a team financially, another city within the same metro area may present a lucrative alternative. For example, the 49ers and Warriors took advantage of this decentralized setup to establish themselves in more economically favorable locations, leading to a drastically altered connection between franchises and local fan bases.
The rivalry between San Francisco and Oakland fans illustrates this phenomenon well. While the teams rarely found themselves in the same leagues or competitions, their supporters have passionately maintained a rivalry rooted in regional pride and identity. This showcases a unique relationship between geography, fandom, and sports culture growing from deep-seated local loyalties.