Sports Leagues TOP Franchises.

[Deleted User]

Was having a discussion with a friend and we were trying to figure out which teams are the TOP teams in their respective league. Meaning they have the highest prestige, legacy, history, value to their league. If these teams left the league or disappeared overnight, the league would suffer.

MLB (in no particular order)
Yankees
Red Sox
Cubs
Dodgers

NBA
Lakers
Celtics
Knicks
Bulls

NFL
Cowboys
Bears
Steelers
Packers
Giants

NHL
Red Wings
Maple Leafs
Canadiens
Bruins
Rangers
Blackhawks

Am I missing a team? Care to argue for your team?

 

[Member138406]

NHL wise, The Hawks, Bruins, and Rangers have some pretty rich history, but besides being a in a major US city would not have such impact on the sport if they were not around. I think the Penguins deserve a spot, they have a storied history and have been home to 3 of the best players to ever play. Mario, Jagr and Crosby.


I think Pats and Niners deserve a spot in NFL too.

 

[cfoley23]

I am in no way trying to be a homer but three key ones you are missing are the Phillies, Eagles and Flyers.

Phillies- highest attendance in MLB in a mid sized stadium with 100+ sell outs in a row, they are one of the oldest franchises in sports, yes we've only won two world series but we have had some of the greatest players of all time in their respective postions play(ed) here for many years: Richie Ashburn, Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Grover Cleveland Alexander, and some would argue Chase Utley.

Eagles- Forbes has them ranked the #11 most valuable sports teams in the world, they are contenders every year (at least since 2000) and are almost always in super bowl talk (except for maybe this year), One of the largest fan bases in the NFL, from school i met a lot of people from all over the country who are die hard Brids fans.

Flyers- this is the easiest one to argue for. They have they second highest winning percentage among active teams behind the Habs. They have only missed the playoffs (im not 100% sure on the number but its in that general area) 9 times since the team was made in 1967. Broad Street Bullies. Legion of Doom. Everyone loves to hate them. Two Stanley cups and many more cup appearances.

i could go on for all, but dont have the time to. once again i am not trying to be a homer, but those are just a small case for each team.

 

[jayjay1122]

NHL wise, The Hawks, Bruins, and Rangers have some pretty rich history, but besides being a in a major US city would not have such impact on the sport if they were not around. I think the Penguins deserve a spot, they have a storied history and have been home to 3 of the best players to ever play. Mario, Jagr and Crosby.


I think Pats and Niners deserve a spot in NFL too.

Ya know, I could see why you would say that, but I have to disagree a little bit. Historically the NHL has had a spike in popularity every time an original 6 team (other than the Wings only cause they have been winning) wins the cup.

I think the sport needs it.

Think back to how popular the NHL was nationally in the mid 90's after the Rangers won the cup, even hip hop was all about hockey jerseys!

 

[NYCHitman1]

Well, the Yankees are the top franchise in all of sports. That's just a fact (even if you hate them - it's the truth).

 

[Member138406]

Ya know, I could see why you would say that, but I have to disagree a little bit. Historically the NHL has had a spike in popularity every time an original 6 team (other than the Wings only cause they have been winning) wins the cup.

I think the sport needs it.

Think back to how popular the NHL was nationally in the mid 90's after the Rangers won the cup, even hip hop was all about hockey jerseys!

Better for hockey in the USA, which is good for me cause I live here. But move the Rangers to even a small Canadian city and the fan base will be more dedicated then it is now in New York and rating regionally will be good all the time not just when they are winning.

What Jayefefe is asking is not completely clear to me tho. You can be an incredible team historically but have little to no value to the league today. Look at the Islanders or the Blackhawks 3-4 years ago.

 

[Deleted User]

Well, the Yankees are the top franchise in all of sports. That's just a fact (even if you hate them - it's the truth).

I think Manchester United has them beat but I limited it to US sports leagues. I think more people here care about MU than care about the Yanks in the UK.

 

[cfoley23]

Well, the Yankees are the top franchise in all of sports. That's just a fact (even if you hate them - it's the truth).

In Baseball? yes. In America? possibly. but in ALL of sports? that title belongs to Manchester United

Edit: I didn't see the post above this. glad to see someone else agrees haha.

 

[NYCHitman1]

I think Manchester United has them beat but I limited it to US sports leagues. I think more people here care about MU than care about the Yanks in the UK.

If you wanna get that technical about it.. then Real Madrid > Manchester United

We live in the states so obviously I would only be referring to North American sports.

 

[Member138406]

If you wanna get that technical about it.. then Real Madrid > Manchester United

We live in the states so obviously I would only be referring to North American sports.

Man U is worth almost half a billion more then Real Madrid.

I think the Cowboys are worth more then the Yankees too right?

 

[NYCHitman1]

Man U is worth almost half a billion more then Real Madrid.

I think the Cowboys are worth more then the Yankees too right?

In Pictures: The 10 Most Valuable Teams In Sports - No. 1 Manchester United - Forbes.com

Top 5:
1) Manchester United
2) Dallas Cowboys
3) Washington Redskins (I have no idea how this is even possible lol)
4) New York Yankees
5) New England Patriots

I was a little more baffled that the Texans ranked #10 even though they have never reached the postseason in their short existence.

So I suppose I should change my previous statement to the Yankees are the most successful North American sports franchise.

 

[Deleted User]

What Jayefefe is asking is not completely clear to me tho. You can be an incredible team historically but have little to no value to the league today. Look at the Islanders or the Blackhawks 3-4 years ago.

I try to take into account history and success but I was going for market size and total number of fans spread across the country also.

The Bears and Cubs havent had successful years recently but if they disappeared many people would be hurting even non fans of those teams..