Social Media and Sports: The 25 Most Influential Twitter Accounts
April 29, 2011Social Media and Sports: The 25 Most Influential Twitter Accounts
I have been writing a lot about social media and MLB lately.
For a change of pace, I decided it would be interesting to look at the most influential Twitter accounts in the sports world.
In general, these rankings are based upon Klout Scores.
I merely compiled all of the data and ranked each account accordingly.
If your not familiar with Klout, they are a company that has devised a brilliant metric for determining online influence.
The three important elements of a Klout Score are: True Reach, Amplification Probability and Network Influence.
You can read more about the Klout score and how it is determined here.
No. 25 Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints)---NFL
Twitter Handle: @reggie_bush
Twitter Followers: 1,637,324
Klout Score: 80
PeerIndex Score: 66
Twitter Ranking: No. 179
Recent Tweets: It's been fun New Orleans.
Congrats to Mark Ingram on being selected to New Orleans. He will be a great addition to the Saints backfield just as he was in Alabama
Did you guys see the green guy taunting the Chicago Blackhawks player in the penalty box last night?LMAO!! http://plixi.com/p/96614835
@Oneandonlycp3 out there looking like he been in a boxing match! Leaving it all on the line I respect that! Heart of a champion!
This white lady has her baby with her who's screaming and yelling and the black lady next to her is PISSED! LMAO! Gonna be a funny flight!
No. 24 Chris Jericho---WWE
Twitter Handle: @IAmJericho
Twitter Followers: 288,721
Klout Score: 81
PeerIndex Score: 37
Twitter Ranking: No. 678
Recent Tweets: Fozzy is coming back to Toronto in June! Go to fozzyrock.com for details and info about all summer tourdates and VIP packages @fozzyrock
Sidewinder, nightmare and Beast Harlot- RT @Alleyezonme282 @IAmJericho what's ur favorite Avenged Sevenfold song? Mines Unholy Confessions
Stoked to be filling in for @nikkisixx on the Sixx Sense radio show next Wed! Its gonna be the ipso facto return of the Rock Of Jericho!
After watching Mondays tango, I'm a little confused as to what dance the judges were commenting on. Feeling a little ripped off right now...
Just want u guys to know that my votes went up a lot this week thanks to all of u! My exit was a lot closer than u might think...
No. 23 NHL
Twitter Handle: @NHL
Twitter Followers: 580,636
Klout Score: 81
PeerIndexScore: 56
Twitter Rank: no. 570
Recent Tweets: #NHLDucks Perry, #Canucks D. Sedin & #TBLightning St. Louis named Hart Trophy finalists http://bit.ly/l0pPC6 #NHLAwards Who'd get your vote?
RT AnyChanceLand Victoria Beckham shows her @NHL #StanleyCupPlayoffs spirit by wearing a giant puck on her head to royal wedding! http://yhoo.it/knTdpB
Luongo robs Fisher on breakaway in Game #1 shutout. #VanNas Check it out! http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=112049
#NHLDucks Perry, #Canucks D. Sedin & #TBLightning St. Louis named Hart Trophy finalists http://bit.ly/l0pPC6 #NHLAwards Who'd get your vote?
Respect! Two star goalies show sportsmanship between periods. #BosMtl #NHLPlayoffs http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=111706
No. 22 Chelsea FC---Soccer
Twitter Handle: @chelseafc
Twitter Followers: 184,497
Klout Score: 81
PeerIndex Score: 61
Twitter Rank: No. 760
Recent Tweets: Salomon Kalou talks about his best goals, his end to the season and his country: http://bit.ly/mBG69c #CFC
Well, you wanted it, so here is a little David Luiz for you tweeps... http://bit.ly/fQDG56 #CFC
David Luiz has told me he wants to see his face on Chelseafc.com's home page... what do we think? #CFC
An update on Michael Essien's fitness following his injury against West Ham... http://bit.ly/dLjIiF #CFC
Here's the maanger's reaction to today's win: http://bit.ly/ged5zT
No. 21 Chicago Bulls---NBA
Twitter Handle: @chicagobulls
Twitter Followers: 119,839
Klout Score: 81
PeerIndexScore: 63
Twitter Rank: No. 863
Recent Tweets: The Hawks 84-81 victory over Orlando means the Bulls will play Atlanta in Round 2 beg. Mon. http://Bulls.com/Playoffs for all Playoff info.
Not just a jump shooter... @KyleKorver is featured in the Werner Ladder Dunk of the Week (as promised by @swirsk054) http://bit.ly/btvpotw
Not sure, but stay tuned, we'll pass on info. as we get it. RT @sir_druha_2you: @chicagobulls when do they announce the league mv
Postgame analysis from @SamSmithHoops "Bulls finish off Pacers in five" http://bit.ly/fN3SRY
RT NBA Bulls/Pacers series in the books. Here's our #wordcloud of tweets. TRIVIA: Who did we most associate "Clutch" with? http://on.nba.com/fjgWra
No. 20 Lamar Odom (Los Angeles Lakers)---NBA
Twitter Handle: @RealLamarOdom
Twitter Followers: 1,415,793
Klout Score: 81
PeerIndexScore: 72
Twitter Rank: No. 235
Recent Tweets: Great win! Thanks 4 the support Laker Nation! Back 2 LA
Support us through the playoffs fam! Let's get a win tonight! http://powerbalance.moontoast.com/estore/embed/184/facebook
Happy Birthday! RT @affiliated_Ink: @RealLamarOdom what's good fam, can I get a birthday retweet.
Thanks Bruh! Good luck! RT @Ty2Nyce: Good to see my fellow Queens natives, @RealLamarOdom & Ron Ron, ... http://tmi.me/9rtBX
What's good Twit Fam? Just got a cut and read the playoff issue of Slam Mag. Gettin' ready 4 the game tonite! http://plixi.com/p/96221607
No. 19 MLB
Twitter Handle: @MLB
Twitter Followers: 1,199,257
Klout Score: 81
PeerIndex Score: 81
Twitter Ranking: No. 309
Recent Tweets: Ben Zobrist had eight RBIs today. This is what they looked like … http://atmlb.com/mfCGOP
Here's Nick Blackburn doing the old slide n' scoop maneuver to get the runner out at home ... http://atmlb.com/l3zl4M
White Sox stars Gordon Beckham and Adam Dunn are stopping by the MLB Fan Cave today at noon ET. Tweet @MLBFanCave your questions.
Do you even need to guess who hit the Dodgers' 10th-inning, game-winning homer? ... http://atmlb.com/lvQJxz (It's Andre Ethier)
Watch Joey Votto take Yovani Gallardo deep and then learn all the different things the letter "V" stands for ... http://atmlb.com/m96LGo
No. 18 Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)---Soccer
Twitter Handle: @Wazzaroon08
Twitter Followers: 314,390
Klout Score: 82
PeerIndex Score: N/A
Twitter Ranking: No. 665
Recent Tweets: Gonna get my lawyers to deal with phone hacking until end of season. So I can focus on helping MUFC win trophies. Thx for all ur support
@yolkie_ filming new tv ad for FIFA 12 end of this month. Trust me this will be best FIFA game ever
Just watching lion king with Kai for the 100th time haha. Still not bored of it though. Think I like it more than him haha
@themichaelowen is getting worked on ronnie osullivan snooker on iPad. I am destroying him haha
Celebrity juice time. Keith lemon. Funniest man on tv.
No. 17 Esporte Interativo
Twitter Handle: @Esp_Interativo
Twitter Followers: 229,792
Klout Score: 82
PeerIndex Score: N/A
Twitter Rank: No. 715
Recent Tweets: Não deixe de participar da transmissão da NBA! Deixe seu comentário na nossá página no Facebook em http://on.fb.me/f6U3k9
ZICO NA ÁREA! O que acharam da estreia do programa do Galinho? Comente com "Zico" no seu texto!
RT wedsonsalvador @Esp_Interativo Rapaz tou assistindo o #zico na rede bom debate.Parabéns zico e muito sucesso =)
Vamo botar o Zico nos Trending Topics? Mande sua mensagem sobre o programa com "Zico" no tweet e daremos RT nos mais legais!
ZICO NA ÁREA! Assista AGORA a estreia do novo programa do @esp_interativo! Convidado: Bebeto! Veja em http://bit.ly/stxIB e dê RT!
No. 16 WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
Twitter Handle: @WWE
Twitter Followers: 330,379
Klout Score: 82
PeerIndex Score: 70
Twitter Ranking: No. 651
Recent Tweets: #WWE VIDEO: Raw: The Rock celebrates his birthday live on Raw - This Monday http://wwe.me/1coAwC
Don’t miss #WWE Extreme Rules this Sunday, only on PPV! Watch the HD live stream on WWE.com, here’s how: http://wwe.me/4JLJj #WWERules
#WWE VIDEO: Extreme Rules: Randy Orton and CM Punk square off in a Last Man Standing Match - This Sunday http://wwe.me/1cokSm
Predictions for @WWE Extreme Rules begin today on the official http://Facebook.com/WWE page. SmackDown your votes! #WWERules
RT TitusNXT Please pray for those that were affected by the tornadoes in Alabama.Be grateful 4what u have in life bc there is always some1 that has less
No. 15 FC Barcelona---Soccer
Twitter Handle: @FCBarcelona
Twitter Followers: 514,572
Klout Score: 82
PeerIndex Score: 60
Twitter Rank: No. 587
Recent Tweets: Players in Barcelona enjoy win too http://bit.ly/jc4xLZ #FCBarcelona
Messi steps up amongst the Barça greats http://bit.ly/iQm8yG #FCBarcelona
RM 0 FCB 2; two 2nd half goals from Leo Messi give Barça an historic victory over Madrid and move them closer to Wembley #fcblive
min 87; Leo Messi dances around the entire Madrid defence before slipping the ball past Casillas to score a wonderful goal #fcblive
World press hails Barça and Messi http://bit.ly/kuRcJu #FCBarcelona
No. 14 John Cena---WWE
Twitter Handle: @JohnCena
Twitter Followers: 533,626
Klout Score: 83
PeerIndexScore: N/A
Twitter Ranking: No. 578
Recent Tweets: No sir.... I am a WWE superstar....and damn proud of it. Anything else that may come with that is just bonus.
I do...and I miss those days but as the USMC says "Adapt and Overcome."
I don't even know how to work an iphone but I got one with app installed. Great was to pass the time. Wonder who broski of week is this
Saw great things out of ziggler, morrison, evan, Sheamus, and D.B. this makes the draft 2 morrow that much more exciting .
For your last match to be a championship win at WrestleMania ...is a damn good finish to one helluva career.
No. 13 Los Angeles Lakers---NBA
Twitter Handle: @Lakers
Twitter Followers: 1,976,065
Klout Score: 83
PeerIndex Score: 61
Twitter Rank: No. 105
Recent Tweets: STATS: Kobe 24pts 2asts 3stls. @AndrewBynum 18pts 12rebs 2blks. @paugasol 16pts 8rebs 2blks. LA dominates the offensive glass 14-7.
RT @paugasol: Great win tonight. The Hornets gave us a tough series, it's helped us get better. Time to get ready for our next rival.
RT LakersReporter Dominance of LAL's bench to start 4th (15-6 run) may keep Kobe (22 P) from his 9th straight 30+ point close out game.
Lakers close out another series on the road, defeating @hornets 98-80 to advance to the 2nd round. They'll play the winner of DAL/POR.
15 hours after finishing off Game 5 the Lakers have finished their morning practice & are loading up the team plane headed back to NOLA.
No. 12 SportsCenter (ESPN)
Twitter Handle: @SportsCenter
Twitter Followers: 844,636
Klout Score: 83
PeerIndex Score: 71
Twitter Rank: no. 462
Recent Tweets: Herm's final thought - So we know Cam Newton went first overall - but, really - who had the best watch? #NFLDraft
#Browns trade up with #Chiefs to take Phil Taylor (DT, Baylor) - Herm - Need 2 guys to block Taylor. Not surprised KC traded down.
RT AdamSchefter Bottom line: No free-agent signings during draft, no player trades during draft, only pick trades during draft. Free agency could start Mon.
#NFLDraft - Did You Know: Cam Newton - Heisman, National Champ & 1st overall draft pick in same academic year? http://twitpic.com/4qczn0
#MLB - #Dodgers owner Frank McCourt blasts Bud Selig - http://es.pn/lJxlZM
No. 11 LeBron James (Miami Heat)---NBA
Twitter Handle: @KingJames
Twitter Followers: 1,756,953
Klout Score: 83
PeerIndex Score: 71
Twitter Ranking: No. 149
Recent Tweets: This is hilarious, the interviewer's face is priceless http://bit.ly/hDB0l8 shout out to @takeasheet.
RT @RichPaul4: Great dinner tonight with @KingJames and @dwadeofficial, always fun times!!(yes sir!! Best of times)
Great win last night and new episode of The LeBrons today www.youtube.com/watch?v=coHmU2qrQVI #itsagoodday
Man 2morrow can't get here fast enough. Tried to sleep today away after my work day was done til the morning, didn't work! Haaaaa.
Today is the launch day for #theLebrons. Go check em out and let me know what u guys think
No. 10 Ricardo Kaka (Real Madrid)---Soccer
Twitter Handle: @KAKA
Twitter Followers: 3,617,093
Klout Score: 84
Peer Index Score: 64
Twitter Rank: No. 30
Recent Tweets: Boa mestre !! “@Branquinho: I'm feeding 400 hungry children with the cost of my favorite meal. How many can YOU feed?
Let’s make Easter a special day feeding hungry kids. Their future is in our hands. God bless you !! @wefeedback http://bit.ly/g3yBL8
Linda foto, meus amores !! RT @cacelico: ultimas semanas antes da Isabella chegar! Para que inspire a mtos sobre a VIDA http://t.co/6pBq8s6
@HugoGloss muchas gracias !! Ganhou teu presente ne ? Ficou feliz com nosso titulo quarta ?
Vamos aproveitar essa pascoa e alimentar milhoes de crianças ?? O futuro delas esta nas nossa maos. @wefeedback http://bit.ly/g3yBL8
No. 9 NBA
Twitter Handle: @NBA
Twitter Followers: 2,497,398
Klout Score: 84
Peer Index Score: 90
Twitter Rank: No. 63
Recent Tweet: Night of the #CloseOut continues as #Mavs finish off #Blazers 103-96 & will face #Lakers in Western Conf. Semis #NBAPlayoffs
Get to TNT RT @sekousmithnba: The Blazers are going to try and pull off some 4th quarter magic again. Mavs better dig in right now
RT SekouSmithNBA Gerald Wallace is playing for Alabama tonight. Saw him before the game. He's playing with a heavy heart tonight after those storms.
Down to wire on NBA TV... #Hawks 82 #Magic 81 w/ 34.1 sec remaining #NBAPlayoffs
Strong finish to 1st half for #Lakers (14-6 run) to take 40-34 lead over #Hornets into break on TNT. Kobe 9 pts #NBAPlayoffs
No. 8 Bill Simmons (Sports Journalist)---ESPN
Twitter Handle: @sportsguy33
Twitter Followers: 1,389,667
Klout Score: 84
Peer Index Score: 91
Twitter Rank: No. 243
Recent Tweets: My dad wants to get drunk and pretend that New England had New Orleans' draft.
Suh and Fairley???? We need another Eminem commercial - Detroit is back!!!!!! This is a wildly entertaining draft.
BS Report: @adamcarolla and I spend nearly as much time breaking down "Fast Five" as the movie lasted. http://es.pn/jtphaK
Wow. Does Bob Delaney know about You Tube? We can put this pro-SA calls online in a sequence, Bob. I'd ease up a little, buddy.
I have some bad news for @blakegriffin ... I hooked up with my ex Kevin Durant tonight. We might be getting back together.
No. 7---Ronaldo (Retired)---Soccer
Twitter Handle: @ClaroRonaldo
Twitter Followers: 1,594,340
Klout Score: 85
PeerIndex Score: 57
Twitter Rank: No. 191
Recent Tweet: Galera, o dia foi ótimo aqui em Belém, obrigado ao povo e ao pessoal da Claro, que me receberam muito bem aqui. Espero voltar logo!
Eai curtiram , Na trasmissao da globo ? O Messi joga demais !!!!! Parabens ao barca!!
meus seguidores de belem ,onde tem um lugar com todos os sucos de fruta da regiao?lembro q qndo estive aqui com a selecao tomei os melhores!
Acabamos de encontrar a equipe de vendas da Claro de Belem! Daqui a pouco entrego os premios da promo recarga fenomenal !5 carros !!
RT biaantony As 4 feiras, às 20h na www.clictv.uol.com.br "Alterna-Vida"com Zaquie. Curando c/ consciencia. Emocoes, mente e corpo. www.zaquie.com
No. 6 ESPN
Twitter Handle: @espn
Twitter Followers: 1,216,032
Klout Score: 85
Peer Index Score: 83
Twitter Rank: No. 303
Recent Tweets: The Carolina @Panthers just took Cam Newton #1 overall. Good pick? #NFLDraft
RT notthefakeSVP First newsroom WOW. Locker, huh ? Good for him.
Microphone, check. Notes, check. Hair gel, check. @MelKiperESPN is ready to rock - http://twitpic.com/4qoa61 #NFLDraft
Major League Baseball is reviewing Ozzie Guillen tweeting after getting ejected - http://es.pn/kD4XPV
"Press Hop 2" (@SportsNation's Sports REMIX) is up for a #Webby Award. Show some love. Vote for it here-> http://bit.ly/hPiZND
No. 5 Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid CF)---Soccer
Twitter Handle: @Cristiano
Twitter Followers: 2,628,834
Klout Score: 85
PeerIndex Score: 84
Twitter Rank: No. 56
Recent Tweets: Mourinho's positive energy makes him a great coach, and we have a trophy to show our success! http://say.ly/pIFgIO
Join with other fans to cheer @realmadrid to victory against Zaragoza this Saturday. http://say.ly/VeBhYe
Here is one of my interviews for Real Madrid. What do you think? http://say.ly/WcpgeV
Every match, I play to enjoy myself and do my best for the team. My Safari boots help me do this and are very import... http://say.ly/pzHfCg
The team is very happy with today's result. We have reason to celebrate but need to be focused in the second leg. Thanks for supporting.
No. 4 Neymar (Santos FC)---Soccer
Twitter Handle: @Njr92
Twitter Followers: 906,260
Klout Score: 87
PeerIndex Score: N/A
Twitter Rank: No. 432
Recent Tweets: esse seu jeito mexe comigo ... "Eu to apaixonado ,eu to contando tudo e nao to nem ligando pro vão dizer"
Infelizmente não deu pra assistir a matéria do Globo esporte com o @ivan_more ... Depois vou ver pela net
"calma amor, por favor é melhor ficar de boa, um pouquinho de ciúmes é bom, mais muito nao"
Daqui a pouco heim !!! Vai passar um comercial da Nextel comigo na AXN e no intervalo do O Aviador na TNT as oito da noite. Show!
“@ivanfera: @camiiisvelasco @Njr92 calma J..... por favor é melhor ficar de boa!!” @JotaC92 kkkkkkk
No. 3 Real Madrid CF---Soccer
Twitter Handle: @realmadrid
Twitter Followers: 1,556,217
Klout Score: 88
PeerIndex Score: 82
Twitter Rank: No. 201
Recent Tweets: Vuelta a los entrenamientos en Valdebebas http://bit.ly/ktujwF #realmadrid
Mourinho: “Ahora tengo más ganas todavía de seguir aquí por todo lo que significa este club” http://bit.ly/lTmQLC #realmadrid
Última sesión antes de medirse al Zaragoza http://bit.ly/kD7O8S #realmadrid
La Fundación Realmadrid renovó su convenio con las escuelas en Colombia http://bit.ly/mwTEJN #realmadrid
El Corazón Classic Match 2011 enfrentará a los veteranos del Real Madrid y el Bayern http://bit.ly/joalJM #realmadrid
No. 2 Chad Ochocinco (Cincinnati Bengals)---NFL
Twitter Handle: @ochocinco
Twitter Followers: 1,958,864
Klout Score: 88
PeerIndex Score: 29
Twitter Rank: No. 107
Recent Tweets: Prayer #1 answered getting a beast at wide receiver in AJ Green,God please answer pray #2 __________
Just walked in #ClubOpera in Atlanta and once again with this only being my 5th visit to ATL I take my hat off and salute the A #WOW
Depending on what team you are a fan of who would you like to see your team take if they haven"t picked to this point yet?
This is what today's workout on Georgia Tech field consist of!! #Torture http://twitpic.com/4qjlaa
@PRSportsGirl tell Tyler Perry to call me, I missed his call thee other day, I'm lying but tell him call me anyway about my next role :)
No. 1 Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)---Soccer
Twitter Handle: @rioferdy5
Twitter Followers: 892,471
Klout Score: 89
PeerIndex Score: 87
Twitter Rank: No. 437
Recent Tweets: If u ever see me go off on a stretcher then run back on to play i give every1 on here the green light to hit me with a #2footedtackle !
BBQ on the go....hope the family like a bit of burnt chicken!! Masterchef at work!! http://plixi.com/p/96748793
The winner of the Five Star Holiday to Cyprus for 2 has been chosen and will be announced here later today. Watch this space. Ooof!!
A funny name is a funny name tweeps no matter where its from....some eeeeeeeediot touchy people on here tonight!
Royal Wedding...good luck to Kate + Wills hope it goes smooth. Alexander McQueen they saying made the dress-great choice if so.
Wrap-Up
As you can see...soccer rules sports on Twitter. This shouldn't be too much of a surprise given its international fan base.
The NBA also has a huge influence on Twitter as well.
MLB and the NHL have some work to do, but two accounts that just missed the cut were the San Francisco Giants and the Vancouver Canucks.
ESPN has the media side of sports covered on Twitter with three accounts ranking in the Top 25.
I'm also surprised to see the WWE with such a big presence, but to be honest I know nothing about wrestling.
I would love to hear your opinions and feedback.
...and of course you can find me on Twitter: @Raysinbanners