Detroit a rising star in sports universe

However the stars of the sports/entertainment world align themselves -- and Indianapolis is the epicenter of the galaxy this week for hosting Super Bowl XLVI -- Detroit is casting an increasingly brighter glow.

In terms of star power, Detroit has emerged to take a position among the nation's top sports cities.

Detroit is a major brand name unto itself that should be in the conversation for any ranking of sports cities based on the number of sports stars and franchises with a national identity.

Because of market size, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago have a natural advantage to eclipse any city that is rising on the horizon.

But that doesn't keep other cities from establishing their identity, and Detroit has become a major contender.

"I would say ‘emerging' is the key word there," said Eric Wright, president and executive director of Joyce Julius & Associates, an Ann Arbor-based company that tracks and measures corporate sponsorships for a hefty roster of clients in sports and entertainment.

"I think the factors that go into these discussions are things like history and also market size. While Detroit has decent history, it may not have iconic history.

"Certainly, there are some market limitations in terms of population — in Detroit vs. Los Angeles, New York and Chicago."

Winning is the obvious factor in any equation. The Tigers and Lions benefited from a surge in the standings last season.

"That's when you start to build that national name recognition," Wright said. "That's what you need to boost these performers into the national spotlight.

"If the Lions were poised to make a Super Bowl appearance this weekend, this conversation would be different, but they're not there yet -- not yet."

The Motor City's roster of supernovas is led by Calvin Johnson of the Lions, Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera and the recently acquired Prince Fielder of the Tigers and Pavel Datsyuk of the Red Wings.

A step behind on a national scale are rising stars such as Matthew Stafford of the Lions, Jimmy Howard of the Wings and Alex Avila of the Tigers.

And there are others who are in a class by themselves.

Nicklas Lidstrom of the Red Wings is in the discussion for greatest defenseman in hockey history, even though his quiet precision and dominance make him less heralded than his ability warrants.

The Lions' Ndamukong Suh is one of the NFL's most recognizable players and a popular commercial pitchman. His performance and demeanor in 2011, though, made him a divisive figure with as many detractors as supporters.

The proximity of two major college powers -- Michigan State and Michigan -- expands the border of Detroit's constellation in a way few metropolitan areas can match. Both schools have had quarterbacks with national appeal, Kirk Cousins of the Spartans and Denard Robinson of the Wolverines.

The Piston have a championship tradition -- the Bad Boys of the late 1980s and early 90s and the 2004 surprise champs -- but they've hit a black hole with the current team.

Detroit's talk-show hosts know better than most that star power, winning and controversy make the phone lines buzz.

Johnson is a prime example of a player whose name recognition rose to the level of his ability when the Lions made the playoffs with a 10-6 record in 2011.

"As far as star power, Calvin Johnson took a giant leap this year, compared to where he was even a year ago," said Scott 'The Gator' Anderson, co-host with Doug Karsch of an immensely popular mid-morning show on WXYT-97.1 FM.

"People have looked at Calvin as the best in the game, the best player at his position in the NFL, and now he's ours," Anderson said...

...Our list is more subjective and relies heavily on star power of individual athletes.

Following is FOX Sports Detroit's Big 6, listed in alphabetical order.

Let the arguments begin.

1) BOSTON

2) CHICAGO

3) DALLAS

4) DETROIT

5) LOS ANGELES/ANAHEIM

6) NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY