All 24 EFL League One clubs ranked by the size of their global fanbase | OneFootball

Which League One sides have the strongest global reach at present?

In the current footballing landscape, the importance of having a fanbase wider than those within the local community is being talked about like never before.

This has seen several clubs switch stadiums in order to increase revenue streams which, in turn, allow for a higher class of facilities and expenditure which can have a massively positive impact when it comes to on-pitch matters.

It's fair to say, though, that throughout the EFL, be it the Championship, League One and League Two, there is a disparity between several of the organisation's 72 clubs when it comes to aspects which impact the aforementioned predicament.

The third-tier is perhaps the most intriguing to look at on paper regarding this, with the division home to several ex-Premier League sides, as well as clubs who found themselves in League Two or even non-league not too long ago.

With that being said, Football League World have ranked all 24 League One sides based on the size of their global fanbases, largely measured through social media followings.

It's worth noting that these figures will be subject to change, although the global reach and audience of each third-tier outfit can be soundly measured nonetheless.

24 ? ? Stockport County

It may be a surprise, but adhering to followings on both X and Instagram, Stockport County have the smallest 'global' fanbase with an approximate figure of 130,400.

However, this quite clearly is bearing no impact on the Hatters' current trajectory, as they are looking to back up a defeat in last season's play-off semi-finals with yet another promotion bid under Dave Challinor.

Mansfield Town have the second-smallest global reach in League One based off such metrics.

Across the two most notable social media platforms, developments at Field Mill are reaching just 143,500 people, although the core of those will still be based in Nottinghamshire and attending matches week-in, week-out.

22 ? ? Port Vale

The first newly-promoted side to enter this list is Port Vale, with Darren Moore's side having a global reach of 145,600 people.

Like many other clubs, the Valiants are still grateful for the passionate core support they receive though, particularly when competing against cross-city rivals, Stoke City, who have recently featured in the Premier League.

21 ? ? Stevenage

Stevenage are up next, and like Stockport, a combined following of just 147,700 on X and Instagram hasn't impacted the feel-good factor in this part of Hertfordshire.

Alex Revell's side have adjusted strongly to life back in the third-tier since being promoted in 2023, and are now hoping to finish inside the top six after an impressive start.

20 ? ? Rotherham United

Despite spending a fair chunk of recent history in the Championship, Rotherham United have one of the smallest 'global' support bases in the division, according to the aforementioned data with a figure of 160,300 followers.

After a disappointing first season back in League One, the Millers are hoping to make great strides of improvement throughout Matt Hamshaw's first full season in charge.

19 ? ? Exeter City

Exeter City are up next with a combined Instagram and X follow count of 162,900.

The Grecians are in the midst of a second successive season in League One after being promoted from League Two, which is bound to have some impact on how much global attention they have received.

18 ? ? Lincoln City

Despite gaining plenty of attention through their run to the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2016/17 as a National League club, Lincoln City's global reach is 163,100 across the two platforms.

However, the locals will not care about such feats as they continue to pack out the LNER Stadium whilst the Imps hope to, eventually, achieve promotion to the Championship under Michael Skubala.

17 ? ? Burton Albion

Burton Albion's recent two-year stint in the Championship and run to the EFL Cup semi-finals against Manchester City in 2018/19 is bound to have had a strong influence on the Brewers' global reach of 165,700 followers.

At present, though, the Staffordshire side are showing strong signs of progression under Gary Bowyer, despite being constantly tipped for relegation by outsiders.

16 ? ? Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster Rovers are the second newly-promoted side to feature with a combined X and Instagram following of 182,300 people.

The South Yorkshire side and their hierarchy are likely to be pleased by such numbers, especially when taking into account the cluster of local sides they are competing against in order to continue growing their fanbase.

15 ? ? Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient's global reach is believed to be in the region of 186,000, which, again, is a respectable number when sandwiched in between two Premier League giants in the form of West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.