It’s the state with the lowest population density that’s home to an N.F.L. team
On the May 20, 2025 episode of Jeopardy, the Final Jeopardy clue was presented under the category “N.F.L. Geography.” The clue read: “It’s the state with the lowest population density that’s home to an N.F.L. team.”
What is Nevada?
The correct response was Nevada. While many might assume a more rural or less populated state such as Wyoming or Montana, the key to solving this clue lies in identifying which of the least densely populated states actually hosts a National Football League team. Nevada, despite having a few major metropolitan centers, has large stretches of uninhabited land, which drives down its overall population density compared to other N.F.L. host states.
Understanding Nevada’s Population and N.F.L. Presence
Nevada ranks among the least densely populated states in the United States, largely due to the expansive desert landscapes and vast rural areas outside its urban centers. The state’s total population hovers around 3.2 million people, but most of it is concentrated in the Las Vegas and Reno metropolitan areas. When averaged across Nevada’s 110,000 square miles, the result is a notably low population density — fewer than 30 people per square mile.
Despite this sparse overall population, Nevada has made a major mark on the professional sports landscape. The state became home to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, following the team’s relocation from Oakland, California. Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas now serves as the team’s home, cementing Nevada’s role in the National Football League.
Why Not Other Sparsely Populated States?
While states like Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota have even lower population densities than Nevada, they do not host any N.F.L. teams. The distinction in the clue lies in the combination of both population density and the presence of an N.F.L. franchise. This narrows the eligible pool significantly, and Nevada stands out as the correct — and only — answer that fits both criteria.
Las Vegas’ rapid growth in recent years, especially in the areas of entertainment, tourism, and professional sports, has enabled the city to support major league teams despite the state’s overall sparse population. In addition to the Raiders, Las Vegas is also home to the NHL’s Golden Knights and will soon welcome an MLB team, further anchoring Nevada’s rising profile in the sports world.
The Role of Las Vegas in Shifting N.F.L. Geography
Las Vegas’ emergence as a professional sports hub reflects broader changes in the N.F.L.’s geographic and market strategies. Historically, major sports leagues have concentrated teams in high-density urban markets, but that trend has shifted as new stadiums and fan bases develop in nontraditional cities. The Raiders’ move to Nevada underscores the league’s willingness to embrace cities with a strong tourism infrastructure, even if they lack the population density of older N.F.L. markets.
The Las Vegas Raiders have seen significant support since relocating, aided by the city’s status as a major travel destination. With a brand-new stadium and a growing local fan base, the team’s presence in Nevada highlights how population density is just one factor in determining the viability of an N.F.L. team location.
A Clue That Blends Geography, Demographics, and Sports History
This Final Jeopardy clue required contestants to draw from both demographic knowledge and N.F.L. team geography. It challenged assumptions by focusing on population density — not total population — and tested awareness of relatively recent changes in league geography. The correct response, Nevada, is a reminder of how states with relatively sparse populations can still play a major role in national sports.
As the N.F.L. continues to evolve and expand into new markets, the presence of teams in states like Nevada illustrates how the landscape of professional football is shaped not just by traditional metrics but by broader strategic decisions. Tuesday’s clue served as a concise window into that shift.