Cities' World Championships, 1871-2025

Just in case someone feels like calling Los Angeles "The City of Champions."

This includes the big four: Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL, counting a Super Bowl won in January toward the previous calendar year, so the 1969 Jets are 1968 World Champions), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Hockey League (NHL).

It also includes the pre-NBA National Basketball League from 1936 to 1946, the American Basketball League from 1926 to 1946, Stanley Cups won in the pre-NHL era from 1893 to 1917, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), the old North American Soccer League (NASL, 1968 to 1984), and Major League Soccer (MLS Cup). It does not, however, include the Canadian Football League (CFL)'s Grey Cup; or "rebel leagues" like the AAFC, the AFL, the ABA and the WHA.

Ties will be broken by the most recent title.

For NFL teams, in the Super Bowl era, 1967-onward, the years listed will be the calendar year for the regular season, not the calendar year of the Super Bowl. In other words: The Philadelphia Eagles are the 2025 Super Bowl winners, but that makes them the 2024 NFL Champions.

Also, despite what we now know to be true, and what we suspect to be true, none of these titles will be given an asterisk. Giving Boston a higher ranking than they deserve.

1. New York (includes North Jersey & Long Island), 74: 

* Baseball: New York Giants, 1888, 1889, 1905, 1921, 1922, 1933 and 1954; Brooklyn Dodgers, 1899, 1900 and 1955; New York Yankees, 1923, 1927, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1939, 1941, 1943, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1977, 1978, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2009; New York Mets, 1969 and 1986.

* Football: New York Giants, 1927, 1934, 1938, 1956, 1986, 1990, 2007 and 2011; New York Jets, 1968.

* Basketball: Original Celtics, 1927 and 1928; Brooklyn Visitations, 1931 and 1935; Jersey Reds, 1938; New York Jewels, 1939; New York Knicks, 1970 and 1973; New York Liberty, 2024. The team now known as the Brooklyn Nets lost NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003, as the New Jersey Nets; and won the ABA Championship in 1974 and 1976, as the New York Nets.

* Hockey: New York Rangers, 1928, 1933, 1940 and 1994; New York Islanders, 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983; New Jersey Devils, 1995, 2000 and 2003.

* Soccer: New York Cosmos, 1972, 1977, 1978, 1980 and 1982; New York City FC, 2021. The New York Red Bulls lost the MLS Cup Final in 2008 and 2024.

2. Boston (includes Foxboro, Providence, Hartford & Mohegan Sun), 55: Boston Braves, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1883, 1884, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1897, 1898 and 1914; Boston Red Sox, 1903, 1904, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2004, 2007, 2013 and 2018; New England Patriots, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016 and 2018; Boston Celtics, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974, 1976, 1981, 1984, 1986, 2008 and 2024; Boston Bruins, 1929, 1939, 1941, 1970, 1972 and 2011.

The Connecticut Sun lost the WNBA Finals in 2004 and 2005. The New England Revolution have lost 5 MLS Cup Finals, most recently in 2014.

3. Montreal, 41: Montreal AAA, 1893, 1894, 1902 and 1903; Montreal Victorias, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898 and 1901; Montreal Shamrocks, 1899 and 1900; Montreal Wanderers, 1906, 1907, 1908 and 1910; Montreal Canadiens, 1916, 1924, 1930, 1931, 1944, 1946, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1986, 1993; Montreal Maroons, 1926 and 1935.

The Montreal Expos never reached the World Series. CF Montréal, formerly the Montreal Impact, have never reached the MLS Cup Final. The Montreal Alouettes have won 8 Grey Cups, most recently in 2023.

4. Los Angeles (includes Anaheim & Inglewood), 39: Los Angeles Dodgers, 1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988, 2020, 2024, 2025; Los Angeles Angels, 2002; Los Angeles Rams, 1951 and 2021; Los Angeles Raiders, 1983; Los Angeles Lakers, 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2009, 2010 and 2020; Los Angeles Sparks, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2016; Anaheim Ducks, 2007; Los Angeles Kings, 2012 and 2014; Los Angeles Aztecs, 1974; L.A. Galaxy, 2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2024, plus the CONCACAF Champions League in 2000; Los Angeles FC, 2022.

The Los Angeles Clippers have never reached the NBA Finals.

5. Chicago, 38: Chicago Cubs, 1876, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1907, 1908 and 2016; Chicago White Sox, 1906, 1917 and 2005; Chicago Bears, 1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963 and 1985; Chicago Cardinals, 1925 and 1947; Chicago American Gears, 1947; Chicago Bulls, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997 and 1998; Chicago Sky, 2021; Chicago Blackhawks, 1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013 and 2015; Chicago Sting, 1981 and 1984; Chicago Fire, 1998.

6. Philadelphia (includes South Jersey & Delaware), 30: Philadelphia Athletics (National Association version), 1871; Philadelphia Athletics (American League version), 1910, 1911, 1913, 1929 and 1930; Philadelphia Phillies, 1980 and 2008; Frankford Yellow Jackets, 1926; Philadelphia Eagles, 1948, 1949, 1960, 2017 and 2024; Philadelphia Warriors (formerly the ABL's SPHAs), 1934, 1936, 1937, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1945, 1947 and 1956; Wilmington Bombers, 1942 and 1944; Philadelphia 76ers, 1967 and 1983 Philadelphia Flyers, 1974 and 1975; Philadelphia Atoms, 1973.

The Philadelphia Union reached the 2022 MLS Cup Final, but lost. Philadelphia is scheduled to get a WNBA team in 2030, upon the completion of a new arena.

7. Detroit (includes Pontiac & Auburn Hills), 26: Detroit Wolverines, 1887; Detroit Tigers, 1935, 1945, 1968 and 1984; Detroit Lions, 1935, 1952, 1953 and 1957; Detroit Pistons, 1989, 1990 and 2004; Detroit Shock, 2003, 2006 and 2008; Detroit Red Wings, 1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2008.

Detroit is scheduled to get a WNBA team in 2029.

8. San Francisco (includes Oakland & San Jose), 22: Oakland Athletics, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1989; San Francisco Giants, 2010, 2012 and 2014; Oakland Raiders, 1976 and 1980 (1983 doesn't count, they were then representing Los Angeles); San Francisco 49ers, 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989 and 1994; Golden State Warriors, 1975, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022; San Jose Earthquakes, 2001 and 2003.

The Golden State Valkyries are a new WNBA team. The San Jose Sharks reached the 2016 Stanley Cup Finals, but lost. The Oakland Seals, a.k.a. the California Golden Seals, never reached the Finals.

9. Milwaukee (includes Green Bay, Oshkosh & Sheboygan), 19: Milwaukee Braves, 1957; Green Bay Packers, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1996, and 2011; Oshkosh All-Stars, 1941 and 1942; Sheboygan Redskins, 1943; Milwaukee Bucks, 1971 and 2021.

The Milwaukee Brewers have won just 1 Pennant, and lost the World Series.

10. Toronto, 19: Toronto Blue Jays, 1992 and 1993; Toronto Raptors, 2019; Toronto Blueshirts, 1914; Toronto Maple Leafs, 1918, 1922, 1932, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967; Toronto Metros, 1976; Toronto FC, 2017.

The Toronto Argonauts have won the most Grey Cups, 19, most recently in 2024. The Toronto Tempo will begin play in the WNBA in 2026.

11. Cleveland (includes Akron & Richfield), 17: Cleveland Guardians, 1920 and 1948 (then as the Cleveland Indians); Akron Pros, 1920; Canton Bulldogs, 1922, 1923 and 1924; Cleveland Browns, 1950, 1954, 1955 and 1964; Cleveland Rosenblums, 1926, 1929 and 1930; Akron Wingfoots, 1938; Akron Non-Skids, 1939 and 1940; Cleveland Cavaliers, 2016.

The Cleveland Rockers reached the 2008 WNBA Finals, but lost. Cleveland is scheduled to get a new WNBA team, as yet unnamed, in 2028.

12. St. Louis, 16: St. Louis Cardinals, 1885, 1886, 1926, 1931, 1934, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1964, 1967, 1982, 2006, 2011; St. Louis Rams, 1999; St. Louis Hawks, 1958; St. Louis Blues, 2019.

The NFL's Cardinals never reached a championship game while they played in St. Louis. St. Louis City have not yet reached the MLS Cup Final.

13. Pittsburgh, 16: Pittsburgh Pirates, 1909, 1925, 1960, 1971 and 1979; Pittsburgh Steelers, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005 and 2008; Pittsburgh Penguins, 1991, 1992, 2009, 2016 and 2017.

The Pittsburgh Pipers won the 1968 ABA Championship.

14. Washington (includes Landover), 14: Washington Senators, 1924; Washington Nationals, 2019; Washington Commanders, 1937, 1942, 1982, 1987 and 1991 (then the Washington Redskins); Washington Wizards, 1978 (then the Washington Bullets); Washington Mystics, 2019; Washington Capitals, 2018; D.C. United, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2004, plus the CONCACAF Champions League in 1998.

15. Baltimore, 12: Baltimore Orioles (National League version), 1894, 1895 and 1896; Baltimore Orioles (American League version), 1966, 1970 and 1983; Baltimore Colts, 1958, 1959 and 1970; Baltimore Ravens, 2000 and 2012; Baltimore Bullets, 1948.

That original version of the Bullets folded in 1954. The team that replaced them in 1963 reached the 1971 NBA Finals, but lost, and moved to Washington in 1973, and are now the Washington Wizards.

16. Minneapolis (includes St. Paul & Bloomington), 11: Minnesota Twins, 1987 and 1991; Minneapolis Lakers, 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953 and 1954; Minnesota Lynx, 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017.

The Minnesota Vikings are 0-4 in Super Bowls. The Minnesota Timberwolves have never reached the NBA Finals. The Minnesota Wild have not yet reached the Stanley Cup Finals, while the Minnesota North Stars lost them in 1981 and 1991. Minnesota United have never reached the MLS Cup Final.

17. Ottawa, 11: Old Ottawa Senators, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1920, 1921, 1923, 1927. The new Senators reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007, but lost. The Ottawa Rough Riders won 9 Grey Cups, while the Ottawa Redblacks won the Grey Cup in 2016.

18. Houston, 10: Houston Astros, 2017 and 2022; Houston Rockets, 1994 and 1995; Houston Comets, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000; Houston Dynamo, 2006 and 2007. The Houston Texans have not yet reached a Super Bowl. Nor did the Houston Oilers, although they did win the 1st 2 AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961.

19. Kansas City (includes K.C., Missouri & K.C., Kansas), 9: Kansas City Royals, 1985, 2015; Kansas City Chiefs, 1969, 2019, 2022, 2023; Kansas City Spurs, 1969; Sporting Kansas City, 2000 and 2013. The Kansas City Kings, now the Sacramento Kings, never reached the NBA Finals.

20. Seattle, 9: Seattle Seahawks, 2013; Seattle SuperSonics, 1979; Seattle Storm, 2004, 2010, 2018, 2020; Seattle Metropolitans, 1917; Seattle Sounders, 2016, 2019. The Seattle Mariners have reached 4 American League Championship Series, but have never won a Pennant.

21. Dallas (includes Arlington & Irving), 9: Texas Rangers, 2023; Dallas Cowboys, 1971, 1977, 1992, 1993 and 1995; Dallas Mavericks, 2011; Dallas Stars, 1999; Dallas Tornado, 1971. The Dallas Wings have not yet reached the WNBA Finals under that name, despite winning 3 titles as the Detroit Shock. FC Dallas reached the MLS Cup Final in 2010, but lost.

22. Miami (includes Fort Lauderdale), 9: Miami Marlins, 1997 and 2003; Miami Dolphins, 1972 and 1973; Miami Heat, 2006, 2012 and 2013; Florida Panthers, 2024 and 2025. Inter Miami have not yet reached the MLS Cup Final.

23. Denver, 7: Denver Broncos, 1997 and 1998; Denver Nuggets, 2023; Colorado Avalanche, 1996, 2001 and 2022; Colorado Rapids, 2010. The Colorado Rockies have never won a World Series, getting swept in their only attempt in 2007. The hockey team of the same name only reached 1 Playoff series in its 6 seasons.

24. Tampa Bay (includes Tampa & St. Petersburg), 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2002, 2020; Tampa Bay Lightning, 2004, 2020, 2021; Tampa Bay Rowdies, 1975. The Tampa Bay Rays are 0-2 in World Series.

25. San Antonio, 5: San Antonio Spurs, 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014.

26. Cincinnati, 5: Cincinnati Reds, 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976 and 1990. The Cincinnati Bengals won the AFC Championship in 1981, 1988 and 2021, but lost all 3 Super Bowls. The Cincinnati Royals never reached the NBA Finals. FC Cincinnati have not reached the MLS Cup Final.

27. Edmonton, 5: Edmonton Oilers, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988 and 1990. The Edmonton Elks, formerly the Edmonton Eskimos, have won 14 Grey Cups, most recently in 2015.

28. Las Vegas, 4: Las Vegas Aces, 2022, 2023 and 2025; Vegas Golden Knights, 2023. The Las Vegas Raiders have not reached a Super Bowl since arriving.

29. Atlanta, 4: Atlanta Braves, 1995, 2021; Atlanta Chiefs, 1968; Atlanta United, 2018. The Atlanta Falcons won the 1998 NFC title, but lost the Super Bowl. The Atlanta Hawks have never reached the NBA Finals (not since they were in St. Louis, anyway). The Atlanta Dream are 0-3 in WNBA Finals. Neither the Atlanta Flames (before they moved to Calgary) nor the Atlanta Thrashers (now the new Winnipeg Jets) got anywhere near the Stanley Cup Finals. 

30. Phoenix (includes Glendale), 4: Arizona Diamondbacks, 2001; Phoenix Mercury, 2007, 2009 and 2014. The Arizona Cardinals won the 2008 NFC Championship, but lost the Super Bowl. The Phoenix Suns are 0-3 in NBA Finals. The Arizona Coyotes never reached the Stanley Cup Finals.

31. Indianapolis (includes Fort Wayne & Anderson), 4: Indianapolis Colts, 2006; Fort Wayne Pistons, 1944 and 1945; Indiana Fever, 2012. The Indiana Pacers won 3 ABA titles, but lost their only NBA Finals appearance in 2000.

32. Buffalo (includes Orchard Park, Rochester & Syracuse), 4: Rochester Royals, 1946 and 1951; Syracuse Nationals, 1955; Rochester Lancers, 1970. That's it. Despite the temporary status of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020 and 2021, Buffalo has not officially been represented in MLB since 1915 (and if you don't count the Federal League, not since 1885). The Buffalo Bills' 1964 and 1965 AFL titles don't count, and they're 0-4 in Super Bowls. The Buffalo Braves never reached an NBA Finals. The Buffalo Sabres are 0-2 in Stanley Cup Finals.

33. Columbus (not close enough to counted with Cincinnati), 3: Columbus Crew, 2008, 2020, 2023. The Columbus Blue Jackets have never reached the Stanley Cup Finals.

34. Winnipeg, 3: Winnipeg Victorias, 1896, 1901 and 1902. The old Winnipeg Jets won the Avco Trophy, the World Hockey Association title, in 1976, 1978 and 1979; but neither the old Jets (who became the Phoenix/Arizona Coyotes and may be about to move again) nor the new ones (the former Atlanta Thrashers) have ever been to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have won 12 Grey Cups, most recently in 2021.

35. Oklahoma (includes Oklahoma City & Tulsa), 2: Tulsa Roughnecks, 1983; Oklahoma City Thunder, 2025. The team that won 3 WNBA titles as the Detroit Shock, and now known as the Dallas Wings, did not reach the WNBA Finals as the Tulsa Shock.

36. Portland, 2: Portland Trail Blazers, 1977; Portland Timbers, 2015 MLS Cup. The Portland Fire are scheduled to debut in the WNBA in 2026.

37. Vancouver, 2: Vancouver Millionaires, 1915; Vancouver Whitecaps, 1979. The Vancouver Canucks are 0-3 in Stanley Cup Finals. The reborn Whitecaps haven't yet reached an MLS Cup Final. The BC Lions have won 6 Grey Cups, most recently in 2011.

38. Quebec City, 2: Quebec Bulldogs, 1912 and 1913. The Quebec Nordiques won the Avco Trophy in 1977, but never made the Stanley Cup Finals.

39. New Orleans, 1: New Orleans Saints, 2009. The city's NBA teams (the Jazz, 1974 to 1979; and the Hornets/Pelicans, since 2002) have never reached the NBA Finals. The Buccaneers won the 1st ABA title in 1968, but that doesn't count here.

40. Salt Lake City, 1: Real Salt Lake, 2009. The Utah Jazz are 0-2 in NBA Finals, although the Utah Stars won the 1971 ABA title.

41. Carolina (includes Charlotte & Raleigh), 1: 2006 Carolina Hurricanes. The Carolina Panthers won the 2003 and 2015 NFC titles, but lost both Super Bowls. The Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte FC have never made their sports' finals.

42. Sacramento, 1: Sacramento Monarchs, 2005. The Kings have never reached the NBA Finals, though some think their 2001 denial was asterisk-worthy. The Sacramento Athletics have newly arrived, and have not reached the World Series.

43. Calgary, 1: Calgary Flames, 1989. The Calgary Stampeders have won 8 Grey Cups, most recently in 2018.

44. Victoria (British Columbia, not close enough to be counted with Vancouver), 1: Victoria Cougars, 1925.

45. Orlando, none: The Orlando Magic have been to the NBA Finals in 1995 and 2009, but lost both. Orlando City have won the 2022 U.S. Open Cup, but have not reached the MLS Cup Final.

46. Tennessee (includes Memphis & Nashville), none: The Tennessee Titans won the AFC title in 1999, but lost the Super Bowl. The Nashville Predators reached the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals, but lost. Nashville SC have won the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, but have not reached the MLS Cup Final. The Memphis Grizzlies have not yet reached the NBA Finals.

47. San Diego, none: The closest they've come is the San Diego Chargers winning the 1963 AFL Championship. The Chargers won the AFC title in 1994, but lost the Super Bowl. The San Diego Padres are 0-2 in the World Series. The San Diego Clippers got nowhere near the NBA Finals before moving to Los Angeles. San Diego FC are a new team in MLS, and have not yet reached the MLS Cup Final.

48. Jacksonville, none: Their closest call is the 2 AFC Championship Games reached by the Jacksonville Jaguars, in the 1996, 1999 and 2017 seasons.

49. Austin, none: With the advent of Austin FC in MLS in 2021, Austin is the newest metropolitan area currently with a team in either MLB, the NFL, the NBA, the NHL or MLS.

50. Hamilton, Ontario, none: The long-defunct hockey version of the Hamilton Tigers never reached the Stanley Cup Finals. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have won 8 Grey Cups, most recently in 1999. Of the teams that are part of their heritage, the Hamilton Tigers won 5, and the Hamilton Wildcats won 1.

51. Regina, Saskatchewan, none: The Saskatchewan Roughriders have won 4 Grey Cups, most recently in 2013.

52. Sarnia, Ontario, none: The long-defunct Sarnia Imperials won 2 Grey Cups.

Major League Sports Team Rankings (If You Count Moves)

Note: This includes Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association, and the National Hockey League. If a team currently in one of those leagues won a title in a previous league, that gets counted as a trip to the Finals, but not as a World Championship. It does not include the Women's National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, or the National Women's Soccer League.

But it counts all titles won by a franchise, even if it moved. Ties broken by titles won in another league (if any), then by whether a move was involved, then by most Finals appearances, then by Semifinals appearances, then by most recent World Championship.

1. New York Yankees, 27 World Series

2. Montreal Canadiens, 24 Stanley Cups

3. Boston Celtics, 18 NBA Championships

4. Los Angeles Lakers, 17 NBA Championships, including 5 as Minneapolis Lakers

5. Atlanta Braves, 16 MLB Championships including 13 as Boston Braves and 1 as Milwaukee Braves, including 4 World Series, 6 Finals, 13 Semifinals

6. Sacramento Athletics, 9 World Series including 5 as Philadelphia Athletics and 4 as Oakland Athletics, 15 Finals

7. St. Louis Cardinals, 13 MLB Championships including 11 World Series, 23 Finals

8. Toronto Maple Leafs, 13 Stanley Cups, 21 Finals

9. Green Bay Packers, 13 NFL Championships including 4 Super Bowls, 16 Finals

10. Los Angeles Dodgers, 12 MLB Championships including 4 as Brooklyn Dodgers, including 9 World Series

11. Detroit Red Wings, 11 Stanley Cups

12. Boston Red Sox, 10 World Series

13. San Francisco Giants, 10 MLB Championships including 7 as New York Giants, 8 World Series, 16 Finals, 18 Semifinals

14. Chicago Bears, 9 NFL Championships including 1 Super Bowl

15. New York Giants, 8 NFL Championships including 4 Super Bowls, 20 Finals

16. Chicago Cubs, 7 MLB Championships including 3 World Series, 17 Finals

17. Golden State Warriors, 7 NBA Championships including 2 as Philadelphia Warriors

18. Pittsburgh Pirates, 7 MLB Championships including 5 World Series, 9 Finals

19. Boston Bruins, 6 Stanley Cups, 20 Finals

20. Chicago Blackhawks, 6 Stanley Cups, 12 Finals

21. New England Patriots, 6 Super Bowls, 11 Finals

22. Pittsburgh Steelers, 6 Super Bowls, 8 Finals

23. Chicago Bulls, 6 NBA Championships, 6 Finals

24. Detroit Pistons, 5 World Championships including 3 NBA Championships and 2 NBL Championships as Fort Wayne Pistons, 11 Finals

25. Cincinnati Reds, 5 World Series, 10 Finals, 13 Semifinals

26. Washington Commanders, 5 NFL Championships including 3 Super Bowls as Washington Redskins, 11 Finals including 1 as Boston Redskins, 12 Semifinals, only the 12th as Washington Commanders 

27. Philadelphia Eagles, 5 NFL Championships including 2 Super Bowls, 9 Finals

28. Edmonton Oilers, 5 Stanley Cups, 9 Finals, 13 Semifinals

29. Dallas Cowboys, 5 Super Bowls, 8 Finals

30. San Francisco 49ers, 5 Super Bowls, 7 Finals

31. San Antonio Spurs, 5 NBA Championships, 6 Finals, 14 Semifinals

32. Pittsburgh Penguins, 5 Stanley Cups, 6 Finals, 10 Semifinals

33. Cleveland Browns, 4 NFL Championships, none of them Super Bowls, 12 Finals

34. New York Rangers, 4 Stanley Cups, 11 Finals

35. Kansas City Chiefs, 4 Super Bowls, 8 Finals including 1 AFL Championship as Dallas Texans

36. Detroit Tigers, 4 World Series, 7 Finals

37. Indianapolis Colts, 4 NFL Championships including 3 as Baltimore Colts, 2 Super Bowls, 6 Finals, 9 Semifinals

38. Detroit Lions, 4 NFL Championships, none of them Super Bowls, 5 Finals, 8 Semifinals including 1 as Portsmouth Spartans

39. New York Islanders, 4 Stanley Cups, 5 Finals, 7 Semifinals

40. Los Angeles Rams, 4 NFL Championships including 1 as Cleveland Rams and 1 as St. Louis Rams, including 2 Super Bowls, 10 Finals

41. Denver Broncos, 3 Super Bowls, 8 Finals

42. Baltimore Orioles, 3 World Series, 7 Finals including 1 as St. Louis Browns

43. Minnesota Twins, 3 World Series including 1 as Washington Senators, 6 Finals, 9 Semifinals

44. Miami Heat, 3 NBA Championships, 6 Finals, 8 Semifinals

45. Chicago White Sox, 3 World Series, 5 Finals, 7 Semifinals

46. New Jersey Devils, 3 Stanley Cups, 5 Finals, 7 Semifinals

47. Las Vegas Raiders, 3 NFL Championships, all as Super Bowls, 2 as Oakland Raiders and 1 as Los Angeles Raiders, 5 Finals

48. Tampa Bay Lightning, 3 Stanley Cups, 4 Finals

49. Colorado Avalanche, 3 Stanley Cups, 4 Finals including 1 WHA Championship at Quebec Nordiques

50. Philadelphia 76ers, 3 NBA Championships including 1 as Syracuse Nationals, 9 Finals, 12 Semifinals

51. Philadelphia Flyers, 2 Stanley Cups, 8 Finals

52. Philadelphia Phillies, 2 World Series, 7 Finals, 12 Semifinals

53. New York Knicks, 2 NBA Championships, 6 Finals, 15 Semifinals

54. Cleveland Guardians, 2 World Series, 6 Finals, 9 Semifinals, all but the 9th Semifinal as Cleveland Indians

55. Houston Astros, 2 World Series, 5 Finals, 11 Semifinals

56. New York Mets, 2 World Series, 5 Finals, 9 Semifinals

57. Oklahoma City Thunder, 2 NBA Championships including 1 as Seattle SuperSonics, 5 Finals, 8 Semifinals

58. Miami Dolphins, 2 Super Bowls, 5 Finals, 7 Semifinals

59. Kansas City Royals, 2 World Series, 4 Finals, 8 Semifinals

60. Houston Rockets, 2 NBA Championships, 4 Finals, 8 Semifinals

61. Milwaukee Bucks, 2 NBA Championships, 3 Finals, 9 Semifinals

62. Toronto Blue Jays, 2 World Series, 3 Finals, 8 Semifinals

63. Los Angeles Kings, 2 Stanley Cups, 3 Finals, 5 Semifinals

64. Arizona Cardinals, 2 NFL Championships as Chicago Cardinals, 3 Finals, 4 Semifinals

65. Baltimore Ravens, 2 Super Bowls, 2 Finals, 5 Semifinals

66. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2 Super Bowls, 2 Finals, 4 Semifinals

67. Florida Panthers, 2 Stanley Cups, 3 Finals, 3 Semifinals

68. Miami Marlins, 2 World Series, 2 Finals, 2 Semifinals

69. Dallas Stars, 1 Stanley Cup, 5 Finals including 2 as Minnesota North Stars

70. Atlanta Hawks, 1 NBA Championship, 4 Finals, all as St. Louis Hawks, 14 Semifinals

71. St. Louis Blues, 1 Stanley Cup, 4 Finals, 8 Semifinals

72. Washington Wizards, 1 NBA Championship as Washington Bullets, 4 Finals including 1 as Baltimore Bullets, 5 Semifinals

73. Cleveland Cavaliers, 1 NBA Championship, 4 Finals, 4 Semifinals

74. Carolina Hurricanes, 1 Stanley Cup, 3 Finals including 1 WHA Championship as New England Whalers, 8 Semifinals

75. Portland Trail Blazers, 1 NBA Championship, 3 Finals, 7 Semifinals

76. Seattle Seahawks, 1 Super Bowl, 3 Finals, 4 Semifinals

77. Calgary Flames, 1 Stanley Cup, 3 Finals, 4 Semifinals

78. Texas Rangers, 1 World Series, 3 Finals, 3 Semifinals

79. Sacramento Kings, 1 NBA Championship as Rochester Royals, 2 Finals, 10 Semifinals including 4 as Rochester Royals, 4 as Cincinnati Royals, 1 as Kansas City Kings

80. Dallas Mavericks, 1 Super Bowl, 2 Finals, 5 Semifinals

81. Anaheim Ducks, 1 Stanley Cup, 2 Finals, 5 Semifinals

82. Vegas Golden Knights, 1 Stanley Cup, 2 Finals, 4 Semifinals

83. Arizona Diamondbacks, 1 World Series, 2 Finals, 3 Semifinals

84. Washington Capitals, 1 Stanley Cup, 2 Finals, 2 Semifinals

85. Denver Nuggets, 1 NBA Championship, 1 Final, 6 Semifinals

86. Los Angeles Angels, 1 World Series, 1 Final, 6 Semifinals

87. New York Jets, 1 Super Bowl, 1 Final, 6 Semifinals

88. New Orleans Saints, 1 Super Bowl, 1 Final, 3 Semifinals

89. Washington Nationals, 1 World Series, 1 Final, 2 Semifinals including 1 as Montreal Expos

90. Toronto Raptors, 1 NBA Championship, 1 Final, 1 Semifinal

91. Buffalo Bills, 6 Finals including 2 AFL Championships

92. Indiana Pacers, 5 Finals including 3 ABA Championships

93. Brooklyn Nets, 4 Finals including 2 ABA Championships

94. Minnesota Vikings, 4 Finals

95. Winnipeg Jets, 3 Finals including 3 WHA Championships

96. Phoenix Suns, 3 Finals, 10 Semifinals

97. Tennessee Titans, 3 Finals including 2 AFL Championships as Houston Oilers, 7 Semifinals

98. Cincinnati Bengals, 3 Finals, 4 Semifinals

99. Vancouver Canucks, 3 Finals, 3 Semifinals

100. Los Angeles Chargers, 2 Finals as San Diego Chargers including 1 AFL Championship, 7 Semifinals

101. Utah Jazz, 2 Finals, 6 Semifinals, 17 Quarterfinals

102. Buffalo Sabres, 2 Finals, 6 Semifinals, 15 Quarterfinals

103. Carolina Panthers, 2 Finals, 4 Semifinals, 7 Quarterfinals

104. Atlanta Falcons, 2 Finals, 4 Semifinals, 6 Quarterfinals

105. Orlando Magic, 2 Finals, 4 Semifinals, 5 Quarterfinals

106. San Diego Padres, 2 Finals, 3 Semifinals

107. Tampa Bay Rays, 2 Finals, 2 Semifinals

108. San Jose Sharks, 1 Final, 4 Semifinals

109. Milwaukee Brewers, 1 Final, 3 Semifinals, 8 Quarterfinals, 11 Playoff Berths

110. Ottawa Senators, 1 Final, 3 Semifinals, 7 Quarterfinals

111. Nashville Predators, 1 Final, 1 Semifinal, 5 Quarterfinals

112. Colorado Rockies, 1 Final, 1 Semifinal, 4 Quarterfinals

113. Seattle Mariners, 4 Semifinals

114. Jacksonville Jaguars, 3 Semifinals, 6 Quarterfinals

115. Minnesota Timberwolves, 3 Semifinals, 3 Quarterfinals

116. Los Angeles Clippers, 1 Semifinal, 9 Quarterfinals including 3 as Buffalo Braves

117. Memphis Grizzlies, 1 Semifinal, 4 Quarterfinals

118. Utah Mammoth, 1 Semifinal as Phoenix Coyotes

119. Houston Texans, 6 Quarterfinals

120. Charlotte Hornets, 3 Quarterfinals

121. New Orleans Pelicans, 2 Quarterfinals

122. Minnesota Wild, 1 Quarterfinal, 14 rounds of 16

123. Columbus Blue Jackets, 1 Quarterfinal, 6 rounds of 16

124. Seattle Kraken, 1 Quarterfinal, 1 round of 16

Dick Barnett, 1936-2025

The New York Knicks are in what looks like a serious Playoff run. They've had a few. But only 2 have resulted in an NBA Championship: 1970 and 1973.

There is now one fewer surviving member of those teams.

Richard Barnett (no middle name) was born on October 2, 1936 in Gary, Indiana, outside Chicago. A guard on the Tennessee State University basketball team at the same time that Wilma Rudolph was leading their "Tigerbelles" women's track team, he was then known as "Dick the Skull." He won a championship with the Cleveland Pipers in the short-lived American Basketball League in 1962. They were the 1st sports team owned by George Steinbrenner, then just 31 years old.

When the ABL folded a few months later, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers, and helped them reach the NBA Finals in 1963 and 1965. His fallaway jump shot led Laker announcer Chick Hearn to nickname him "Fall Back Baby Barnett." The nickname followed him to the Knicks, where he became an All-Star in 1968, and an NBA Champion in 1970 and 1973.

He retired after the 1973 title, got a Ph.D. in education from Fordham University in The Bronx, and taught sports management at St. John's University in Queens until retiring in 2007. Due to his doctorate, he was nearly always referred to as "Dr. Dick."

The Knicks retired his Number 12 on March 12, 1990. He is a member of the College Basketball and Tennessee Sports Halls of Fame, along with his Tennessee State coach, John McLendon. He was finally elected to the main Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts last year.

He still attended Knicks home games until age caught up with him, and he was moved to a senior assisted-living facility in Largo, Florida, on the St. Petersburg side of Tampa Bay. He died yesterday, April 27, 2025, at the age of 88.

 

Last Titles Won By Cities, as of Super Bowl LIX

The Philadelphia Eagles are World Champions. They beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. It had been 34-0, before the Chiefs mounted a comeback that was too little, too late.

The Eagles were absolutely dominant. The Chiefs had been the best team in football in the last 6 seasons, but all that fine performance -- and all that good luck -- seemed to even out in one night.

This was the 5th NFL Championship for the Eagles, who also won for the seasons of 1948, 1949, 1960 and 2017, winning Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018. A previous Philadelphia-based team, the Frankford Yellow Jackets, won the NFL Championship in 1926.

*

When did your city last win a World Championship, in one of the "big four" sports in North America? Note that this doesn't include Canadian teams, as, then, we would have to include the CFL.

1. Philadelphia: 2025 Eagles, Super Bowl.

2. Los Angeles: 2024 Dodgers, World Series.

3. Miami: 2024 Florida Panthers, Stanley Cup.

4. New England: 2024 Celtics, NBA Champions.

5. Kansas City: 2024 Chiefs, Super Bowl.

6. Dallas: 2023 Texas Rangers, World Series.

7. Las Vegas: 2023 Vegas Golden Knights, Stanley Cup.

8. Colorado: 2023 Denver Nuggets, NBA Champions.

9. Houston: 2022 Astros, World Series.

10. San Francisco Bay Area: 2022 Golden State Warriors, NBA Champions.

11. Winnipeg: 2021 Blue Bombers, Grey Cup Champions.

12. Atlanta: 2021 Braves, World Series.

13. Tampa Bay: 2021 Lightning, Stanley Cup.

14. Wisconsin: 2021 Milwaukee Bucks, NBA Champions.

15. Washington: 2019 Nationals, World Series.

16. St. Louis: 2019 Blues, Stanley Cup.

17. Pittsburgh: 2017 Penguins, Stanley Cup.

18. Chicago: 2016 Cubs, World Series.

19. Cleveland: 2016 Cavaliers, NBA Champions.

20. San Antonio: 2014 Spurs, NBA Champions.

21. Seattle: 2014 Seahawks, Super Bowl.

22. Baltimore: 2013 Ravens, Super Bowl.

23. New York Tri-State Area: 2012 Giants, Super Bowl.

24. New Orleans: 2010 Saints, Super Bowl.

25. Detroit: 2008 Red Wings, Stanley Cup.

26. Indiana: 2007 Indianapolis Colts, Super Bowl.

27. Carolina: 2006 Carolina Hurricanes, Stanley Cup

28. Arizona: 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks, World Series.

29. Minnesota: 1991 Minnesota Twins, World Series.

30. Cincinnati: 1990 Reds, World Series.

31. Portland: 1977 Trail Blazers, NBA Champions.

32. Western New York: 1955 Syracuse Nationals, NBA Champions.

33. San Diego: Never, 1 current and 1 former team are 0-3 in Finals.

34. Tennessee: Never, 3 teams are 0-2 in Finals.

35. Orlando: Never, 1 team is 0-2 in Finals.

36. Utah: Never, 1 team is 0-2 in Finals.

37. Oklahoma: Never, 1 team is 0-1 in Finals.

38. Columbus: Never, 1 team has never reached Finals since expansion into existence.

39. Jacksonville: Never, 1 team has never reached Finals since expansion into existence.

40. Sacramento: Never, 1 team has never reached Finals since moving there.

*

However: If you do count the CFL, the WNBA, MLS and the NWSL:

1. Philadelphia: 2025 Eagles, Super Bowl.

2. Toronto: 2024 Argonauts, Grey Cup Champions.

3. Los Angeles: 2024 Dodgers, World Series.

4. Orlando: 2024 Orlando Pride, NWSL Champions.

5. Miami: 2024 Florida Panthers, Stanley Cup.

6. New England: 2024 Celtics, NBA Champions.

7. Kansas City: 2024 Chiefs, Super Bowl.

8. Columbus: 2023 Columbus Crew, MLS Champions.

9. Montreal: 2023 Alouettes, Grey Cup Champions.

10. Dallas: 2023 Texas Rangers, World Series.

11. New York Tri-State Area: 2023 NYNJ Gotham FC, NWSL Champions.

12. Las Vegas: 2023 Las Vegas Aces, WNBA Champions.

13. Colorado: 2023 Denver Nuggets, NBA Champions.

14. Houston: 2022 Astros, World Series.

15. Portland: 2022 Portland Thorns, NWSL Champions.

16. San Francisco Bay Area: 2022 Golden State Warriors, NBA Champions.

17. Atlanta: 2021 Braves, World Series.

18. Tampa Bay: 2021 Lightning, Stanley Cup.

19. Wisconsin: 2021 Milwaukee Bucks, NBA Champions.

20. Chicago: 2021 Sky, WNBA Champions.

21. Washington: 2021 Washington Spirit, NWSL Champions.

22. Seattle: 2020 Storm, WNBA Champions.

23. Carolina: 2019 North Carolina Courage, NWSL Champions.

24. St. Louis: 2019 Blues, Stanley Cup.

25. Calgary: 2018 Stampeders, Grey Cup Champions.

26. Minnesota: 2017 Minnesota Lynx, WNBA Champions.

27. Pittsburgh: 2017 Penguins, Stanley Cup.

28. Ottawa: 2016 Redblacks, Grey Cup Champions.

29. Western New York: 2016 Western New York Flash (Rochester), NWSL Champions.

30. Cleveland: 2016 Cavaliers, NBA Champions.

31. Edmonton: 2015 Eskimos (team now named Elks), Grey Cup Champions.

32. Arizona: 2014 Phoenix Mercury, WNBA Champions.

33. San Antonio: 2014 Spurs, NBA Champions.

34. Saskatchewan: 2013 Saskatchewan Roughriders, Grey Cup Champions.

35. Baltimore: 2013 Ravens, Super Bowl.

36. Indiana: 2012 Indiana Fever, WNBA Champions.

37. Vancouver: 2011 B.C. Lions, Grey Cup Champions.

38. New Orleans: 2010 Saints, Super Bowl.

39. Utah: 2009 Real Salt Lake, MLS Champions.

40. Detroit: 2008 Shock, WNBA Champions.

41. Sacramento: 2005 Sacramento Monarchs, WNBA Champions.

42. Hamilton: 1999 Tiger-Cats, Grey Cup Champions.

43. Cincinnati: 1990 Reds, World Series.

44. Oklahoma: 1983 Tulsa Roughnecks, North American Soccer League Champions.

45. San Diego: Never, 1 current and 1 former team are 0-3 in Finals.

46. Tennessee: Never, 3 teams are 0-2 in Finals.

47. Austin: Never, their only team is an MLS expansion team.

48. Louisville: Never, their only team is a NWSL expansion team.

49. Jacksonville: Never, 1 team has never reached Finals since expansion into existence.

What Is a "Dynasty," In Sports?

The official 1990-91 record book for the NHL, published at the start of the season, had a special section on "dynasties." They defined "dynasty" as follows: 3 straight Stanley Cups, or 4 out of 5, or, to cover the one then just completed, that of the Edmonton Oilers, 5 out of 7.

That definition was good enough for me then. I'll extend it a little now, and say that 4 out of 6 qualifes.

Tomorrow, the Kansas City Chiefs will attempt to become only the 4th team to win 3 straight NFL Championships, the 2nd to win 3 straight NFL Championship Games under any name, and the 1st to do so since the name "Super Bowl" began to be used. The Philadelphia Eagles stand in their way.

Here goes:

Baseball

1. 1872-78 Boston Red Stockings: 6 out of 8 World Championships, as that was then defined. That's 4 straight Pennants in the National Association, 1872-75; missing 1876; then 2 straight in the National League, 1877-78. This is the franchise now known as the Atlanta Braves.

2. 1880-82 Chicago White Stockings, 3 straight World Championships. This is the franchise now known as the Chicago Cubs.

Just missed: 1885-88 St. Louis Browns: 4 straight Pennants in the American Association, but won the World Championship only in the 1st 2, losing in the last 2. This is the franchise now known as the St. Louis Cardinals.

3. 1891-93 Boston Beaneaters: 3 straight World Championships. Same team as 1, now the Braves.

4. 1894-96 Baltimore Orioles: 3 straight World Championships. Despise this success, they went out of business after the 1899 season, and have no connection to the current team of the same name.

Just missed: 1901-03 Pittsburgh Pirates. Losing the 1st World Series, in 1903, cost them.

Just missed: 1906-08, and 1906-10, Chicago Cubs. 3 straight Pennants, and 4 out of 5, but 2-2 in World Series play.

Just missed: 1910-14 Philadelphia Athletics. 4 Pennants in 5 years, but 3-1 in World Series play.

Just missed: 1912-18 Boston Red Sox: 4 out of 7 is close, but not quite there.

Just missed: 1921-23 New York Yankees: 3 straight Pennants, but 1-2 in World Series play.

Just missed: 1921-24 New York Giants: 4 straight Pennants, but 2-2 in World Series play.

Just missed: 1926-28 New York Yankees: 3 straight Pennants, but 2-1 in World Series play. It could be extended to 1921-28: 6 Pennants in 8 years, but 3-3 in World Series play.

Just missed: 1929-31 Philadelphia Athletics: 3 straight Pennants, but losing Game 7 of the 1931 World Series cost them.

5. 1936-39 New York Yankees: 4 straight World Series. If you want to extend it to 1936-43, that's 8 seasons, 7 Pennants, and 6 World Series.

Just missed: 1942-46 St. Louis Cardinals: 4 Pennants and 3 World Series wins in 5 seasons.

6. 1949-53 New York Yankees: 5 straight World Series. Never done before, never done since. If you want to extend it, 1947-64: 16 seasons, 13 Pennants, 10 World Series wins.

Just missed: 1959-66 Los Angeles Dodgers: 4 Pennants and 3 World Series wins in 8 seasons.

Just missed: 1966-71 Baltimore Orioles: 4 Pennants and 2 World Series wins in 6 seasons.

Just missed: 1970-76 Cincinnati Reds: 4 Pennants and 2 World Series wins in 7 seasons. This team often gets talked about as the greatest of all time, especially the back-to-back titles of 1975 and '76. But it wasn't as good as the Baltimore team that beat them in the 1970 World Series, must less the Oakland team that beat them in the 1972 edition.

7. 1972-74 Oakland Athletics: 3 straight World Series. They are the only franchise other than the Yankees ever to do it. If you want to extend it to 1971-75, that's 5 straight Division titles, but no other Pennants. Sadly, the franchise's owner has now abandoned Oakland.

Just missed: 1976-81 New York Yankees: 5 Division titles, 4 Pennants and 2 World Series wins in 6 seasons.

Not even close: 1984-90 New York Mets: 7 seasons, just 2 Division titles, 1 Pennant, 1 World Series win. As Michael Wilbon would say on ESPN's Pardon the Interruption, "Dynasty of One."

Just missed: 1988-92 Oakland Athletics: 4 Division titles, including 3 straight Pennants, in 5 seasons, but only 1 World Series win.

Just missed: 1991-93 Toronto Blue Jays: 3 straight Division titles, and 2 World Series wins. But they had already been broken up in 1994, before the strike hit.

Just missed: 1991-99 Atlanta Braves: 9 seasons, 8 Division titles, and 5 Pennants, but just 1 World Series win, in 1995.

8. 1998-2000 New York Yankees: 3 straight World Series. If you extend it to 1996-2003, that's 8 seasons, 7 Division Titles, 6 Pennants and 4 World Series.

Just missed: 2010-14 San Francisco Giants: 3 World Series wins in 5 years.

Just missed: 2017-22 Houston Astros: 6 seasons, 4 Pennants, 2 World Series wins.

Just missed: 2017-24 Los Angeles Dodgers: 8 seasons, 4 Pennants, 2 World Series wins. They could add to this total.

Football

1. 1922-24 Canton/Cleveland Bulldogs: 3 straight NFL Championships. This was the original, single-division version of the NFL that ran from 1920 to 1932. This team moved from the smaller city of Canton to the nearby larger city of Cleveland for the 1924 season, then moved back to Canton for 1925, then were moved to become the Detroit Wolverines in 1929, and then went out of business.

2. 1929-31 Green Bay Packers: 3 straight NFL Championships. Unofficially, the 1st NFL Championship Game was played the next season; officially, the season after that.

Just missed: 1940-46 Chicago Bears: 4 NFL Championships in 7 years. I'm tempted to say this one counts, because the 1944 and '45 seasons were depleted due to the manpower drain of World War II, which would make it 4 out of 5, and nearly 5 straight as they were undefeated in 1942 before losing the NFL Championship Game to the Washington Redskins, having beaten the Redskins in the title game in 1940 (73-0!) and 1943. But, strictly speaking, the Monsters of the Midway just miss.

Just missed: 1947-49 Philadelphia Eagles: 3 straight NFL Championship Games, but lost the 1st of them.

Just missed: 1950-55 Cleveland Browns: 3 NFL Championships in 5 years. They won the title in all 4 seasons of the All-America Football Conference, 1946-49; and made 10 straight league championship games, 1946-55, winning 7. But the AAFC was not a major league. The Browns would make their point in the NFL, but fall a little short of dynasty status.

Just missed: 1952-57 Detroit Lions: 3 NFL Championships in 6 years, plus one other Championship Game appearance.

3. 1965-67 Green Bay Packers: 3 straight NFL Championships, including the 1st 2 Super Bowls. If you extend it to 1961-67, that's 5 World Championships in 7 seasons.

Just missed: 1971-73 Miami Dolphins: 3 Super Bowls, but won only 2.

4. 1974-79 Pittsburgh Steelers: 4 Super Bowl wins in 6 seasons.

Just missed: 1981-89 San Francisco 49ers: 4 Super Bowls in 9 seasons, including, 1984-89, 3 in 6.

A bit short of a "just missed," but I want to mention them, anyway: 1982-91 Washington Redskins, 3 Super Bowl wins and 1 other appearance in 10 seasons.

Not even close: 1984-90 Chicago Bears: 7 seasons, 6 Division titles, 3 NFC Championship Games, 1 trip to the Super Bowl, winning it. Wilbon, a Chicago native who loved that team, has to concede that, like the 1980s Mets, Da Bears of the 1980s were a "Dynasty of One."

Just missed: 1992-95 Dallas Cowboys: 3 Super Bowls in 4 seasons.

Just missed: 2001-04 New England Patriots: 3 Super Bowls in 4 seasons. Had they completed the 19-0 season for 2007, that would have been 4 out of 7, and still wouldn't have qualified under these parameters.

Just missed: 2015-19 New England Patriots: 3 Super Bowls in 5 seasons. Had they beaten the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2017 title, that would have been 3 straight, and 4 out of 5, and qualified. But they didn't.

Would qualify if they win tomorrow: 2022-24 Kansas City Chiefs: 3 straight Super Bowls. Extending it to 2019, and it would be 4 out of 6, plus 1 other Super Bowl that was lost.

If the Eagles win, that's 8 seasons, 3 appearances, 2 wins. Most teams would love to have it, but it wouldn't qualify as a dynasty.

Basketball

1. 1949-54 Minneapolis Lakers: 5 out of 6 NBA Championships. They won the National Basketball League title in 1948, but did not play the NBA Champion Baltimore Bullets for a "world championship." Then they joined the NBA, and won the title in 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953 and 1954.

2. 1957-69 Boston Celtics: 11 out of 13 NBA Championships. The dynasty of all dynasties in North American major league sports, and the only way to question that is to say that the reason the Celtics were so far ahead of the rest of the league is that the league wasn't getting the best possible athletes at the time. (For example: Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson both played college basketball, but are remembered as baseball pitchers.) The Boston run included 8 straight titled, 1959-66. Never done before, never done since.

Just missed: 1981-86 Boston Celtics: 3 out of 6 NBA Championships. If you extend it 1 more year, that's 3 titles and 5 Finals appearances in 7 seasons, but that doesn't get them over the top.

3. 1982-88 Los Angeles Lakers: 5 out of 7 NBA Championships. If you extend it to 1980-88, that's 6 out of 9. If you extend it to 1980-91, that's 6 titles and 9 Finals appearances in 12 seasons.

Just missed: 1988-90 Detroit Pistons: 3 straight Finals appearances, but 2-1 in Finals.

4. 1991-93 Chicago Bulls: 3 straight NBA Championships.

5. 1996-98 Chicago Bulls: 3 straight NBA Championships. If you combine this into a single "dynasty," that's 6 out of 8.

Just missed: 1999-2007 San Antonio Spurs: 4 titles in 9 seasons. If you truncate it to 2002-07, that's 3 out of 5, but that doesn't quite make it, either.

6. 2000-02 Los Angeles Lakers: 3 straight NBA Championships. They also had a "just missed" from 2008 to 2010: 3 straight Finals appearances, going 2-1. If you extend it to 2000-10, that's 11 seasons with 7 Finals appearances, winning 5 titles.

Just missed: 2011-14 Miami Heat: 4 straight Finals appearances, but went 2-2.

Just missed: 2015-18 Cleveland Cavaliers: 4 straight finals appearances, but went 1-3.

Just missed: 2015-22 Golden State Warriors: 4 NBA Championships, and 1 other trip to the Finals, in 8 seasons.

Hockey

Being a "challenge trophy" up until 1914, the list of winners of the Stanley Cup is a bit complicated. Teams could win it, then have it taken from them literally within days, and win in multiple times within, say, 3 years. So I'm only going to count who had it at the end of each season.

Just missed: 1895-98 Montreal Victorias: 3 out of 4. Won it for 1894-95, lost it for 1895-96, won it for 1896-97, won it for 1897-98, then lost it for 1898-99.

1. Ottawa Hockey Club: 3 straight Stanley Cups. Won it for 1902-03, won it for 1903-04, won it for 1904-05, then dethroned. This team was nicknamed the Ottawa Silver Seven, and would become the 1st team named the Ottawa Senators, but moved to St. Louis in 1934, and went out of business after just 1 season there.

Just missed: 1906-10 Montreal Wanderers: 4 out of 6 Stanley Cups. Won it for 1905-06, lost it but quickly regained it for 1906-07, won it for 1907-08, lost it for 1908-09, won it for 1909-10.

Just missed: 1920-27 Ottawa Senators: 4 out of 8 Stanley Cups. Won it in 1920, 1921, 1923 and 1927.

2. 1947-49 Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 straight Stanley Cups. This can be extended to 1945-51, and 5 Cups in 7 seasons; or even 1942-51, and 6 Cups in 10 seasons.

Just missed: 1950-55 Detroit Red Wings: 4 Stanley Cups in 6 seasons. If extended to 1948-56, they appeared in 3 more Finals, but lost them all.

3. 1956-60 Montreal Canadiens: 5 straight Stanley Cups. Never done before, never done since. It could be extended back to 1953, making it 6 out of 9.

4. 1962-64 Toronto Maple Leafs: 3 straight Stanley Cups. If extended to 1967, that's 4 out of 7.

5. 1965-69 Montreal Canadiens: 4 Stanley Cups in 5 seasons. It could be extended to 1973, and then it's 6 out of 9.

6. 1976-79 Montreal Canadiens: 4 straight Stanley Cups. If you want to combine the last 2, into 1965-79, that's 10 Cups in 15 seasons.

7. 1980-83 New York Islanders: 4 straight Stanley Cups. They made it 5 straight Finals, but the next great team ended "The Drive for Five.

8. 1984-90 Edmonton Oilers: 5 Stanley Cups in 7 seasons. And for the last one, Wayne Gretzky was already gone. So was Jari Kurri. So was Paul Coffey. And Andy Moog, not Grant Fuhr, was now the starting goalie.

A bit short of a "just missed," but I want to mention them, anyway: 1995-2003 New Jersey Devils: 3 Cups and a 4th Finals in 9 seasons.

Just missed: 1997-2002 Detroit Red Wings: 3 Cups in 6 seasons.

Just missed: 2010-15 Chicago Blackhawks: 3 Cups in 6 seasons.

TOTAL: MLB 8, NFL 6, NBA 6. NHL 8. All told, 28.

New York 4, Boston 3, Chicago 3, Montreal 3, Green Bay 2, Los Angeles 2, Toronto 2, Baltimore 1, San Francisco Bay Area 1, Cleveland 1, Pittsburgh 1, Minneapolis 1, Ottawa 1, Edmonton 1.

June 18, 1924: Basketball's 1st Great Big Man

June 18, 1924, 100 years ago: George Lawrence Mikan Jr. is born in Joliet, Illinois. Basketball's 1st great "big man," the 6-foot-10 center led DePaul University to the 1945 NIT title, then considered more prestigious than the NCAA title.

He won National Basketball league titles with the 1947 Chicago American Gears and the 1948 Lakers. The Lakers then went into the nascent NBA, and he led them to the title in 1949, 1950, 1952, 1953 and 1954. That's 7 league titles in 8 seasons.

It's been 68 years since he last strode the hardwood in a game that counted, but he is still responsible for 5 of the 7 World Championships that Minnesota basketball teams have won.

He was NBL Most Valuable Player in 1948, a 5-time scoring champion (twice in the NBL, 3 times in the NBA), and played in the NBA's 1st 4 All-Star Games (1951-54). He was bigger than the league: A game against the Knicks had the marquee at the old Madison Square Garden not mention the Lakers, just him: "GEO MIKAN v/s KNICKS."

That's a legend, but it's no myth, and it's no joke.

He was named the greatest basketball player of the half-century by the Associated Press, was a charter inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959, and was named to the NBA's 25th Anniversary Team and its 50th Anniversary 50 Greatest Players. The Minnesota Timberwolves dedicated a statue of him outside the Target Center in Minneapolis. He lived long enough to receive all of these honors.

Shaquille O'Neal paid for his funeral, saying,

"Without Number 99, there is no me."

He died on June 1, 2005 at the age of 80, from the long-term effects of diabetes. In 2021, he was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary 75 Greatest Players. In 2022, the now-Los Angeles Lakers finally retired his number, even though 99 is a number rarely seen in the NBA. They also have a banner honoring their Minneapolis-era Hall-of-Famers.

Willis Reed, 1942-2023

The Captain is dead. No, not Derek Jeter. Not Scott Stevens. Not Denis Potvin. Not Mark Messier. Not Harry Carson. The most important Captain in the history of New York Tri-State Area sports.

Willis Reed Jr. (no middle name) was born on June 25, 1942 in Hico, Louisiana, and grew up in nearby Bernice. He played basketball at the nearby historically black Grambling State University, which is better known for its football program. He led them to 3 Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship and an NAIA Championship. He was also a member of the U.S. team that won the Gold Medal at the 1963 Pan American Games, although he turned professional before the 1964 Olympics, and was the ineligible to participate under the rules of the time.

The New York Knicks drafted him in 1964, and in the 1964-65 season, he was named the NBA's Rookie of the Year, and was named to the 1st of 7 straight NBA All-Star Games. He had been a center in college, but the Knicks already had All-Star Walt Bellamy, so Reed was moved to forward.

The Knicks had struggled since the mid-1950s, but changes were being made. Head coach Dick McGuire was "kicked upstairs" to become chief scout, and William "Red" Holzman was brought in. In 1968, a few months after moving from the old Madison Square Garden to the new one, general manager Eddie Donovan traded Bellamy and Howie Komives to the Detroit Pistons for Dave DeBusschere.

This remains by far the greatest trade in the history of New York City basketball. Not only did this allow Reed to be moved back to his natural position, but, between Reed, DeBusschere, forward Bill Bradley, and guards Walt Frazier and Dick Barnett, the Knicks had developed the best defense in the NBA. And they could all play well on offense, too.

Reed was 6-foot-9, the same height as Bill Russell, the Boston Celtics legend who retired in 1969. But with Russell out of the way, Reed still had to face such centers as Wilt Chamberlain of the Los Angeles Lakers, Nate Thurmond of the San Francisco Warriors, Wes Unseld of the Baltimore Bullets, and, starting that season, Lew Alcindor (soon to rename himself Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) of the Milwaukee Bucks. He also had to oppose what would now be called power forwards in Elgin Baylor of the Lakers, John Havlicek of the Celtics, Jerry Lucas of the Cincinnati Royals and Elvin Hayes of the San Diego Rockets. You name the great big man of the era, and Reed, by this point named Captain of the Knicks, was the man assigned to stop him. In 1968-69, he grabbed 1,191 rebounds, still a franchise record.

In 1969-70, the Knicks won 60 games, then a team record, including an 18-game winning streak, an NBA record that lasted only 2 years. Reed was named the Most Valuable Player of the NBA's regular season and its All-Star Game, and to the league's First Team and All-Defensive First Team.

The Knicks faced the Baltimore Bullets in the 1st round of the Playoffs. Hayes wouldn't join the Bullets until 1972, but they still had Unseld and guard Earl "the Pearl" Monroe, along with Frazier 1 of the 3 best guards in the game at that point. The Bullets extended them to 7 games, but the Knicks won. In the Eastern Division Finals, the Knicks beat the Bucks of Alcindor and the veteran genius Oscar Robertson in 5 games, to reach the NBA Finals for the 1st time in 17 years.

But they would have to face the Lakers, who had Chamberlain, Baylor, and the other of the 3 best guards, Jerry West. The 1st 2 games were in New York, and while the Knicks won Game 1, the Lakers won Game 2. The next 2 games were in Inglewood, and went to overtime: The Knicks won Game 3, the Lakers won Game 4.

The Knicks won Game 5 in New York, but Reed got hurt. Without Reed to guard Chamberlain, the Lakers easily won Game 6 at home, 135-113. The 1st 5 games, with both Willis and Wilt available, were decided by a total of 30 points. Game 6, with Wilt overwhelming DeBusschere and backup center Nate Bowman for 45 points and 27 rebounds, was a 25-point Laker win.

Game 7 would be played at Madison Square Garden on May 8, 1970. There were 19,500 paying customers at The Garden that Friday night. Among them, Woody Allen was sitting courtside. Also from Brooklyn, but sitting up at the very top, in what were then known as the Blue Seats, was 13-year-old Shelton "Spike" Lee, who would also later become a renowned film director, and would also eventually be sitting courtside. And the one thing on the minds of Woody, Spike, and everybody in between was, "Will Willis play?" At what could have been their moment of greatest triumph, Knick fans were at their moment of greatest despair.

On radio station WHN, 1050 AM (now WEPN, the flagship of ESPN Radio), Marv Albert asked, "The big question is, 'Will Willis Reed play tonight?'" Shortly, he got his answer, "And here comes Willis! The crowd is going wild!"

Reed limped out onto the court for warmups, and hit a few shots. The Lakers stopped and watched. It was over: He was in their heads. They were already beaten.

When the game began, Willis dragged his bad leg around the court, took the Knicks' 1st 2 shots, and made them both. It was effectively over. Willis played only 27 of the 48 minutes. That was more than enough.

Everyone remembers it as The Willis Reed Game. But Frazier had his best game: 36 points to lead all players, 19 assists to lead all players, 7 rebounds. Barnett had 21 points. DeBusschere had 18 points and 17 rebounds. Bradley had 17, Nate Bowman 6, Mike Riordan 5, Dave Stallworth 4, Cazzie Russell 2.

Despite 28 points from West, 21 points and 24 rebounds from Chamberlain, and 19 points from Baylor, the Knicks won 113-99, and were World Champions for the 1st time. It became a particular point of pride for the Knicks that they held the Lakers to under 100 points in that Game 7.

Nationally, the game was broadcast on ABC -- but only on tape delay. The only people who saw it live were inside The Garden. In the locker room afterward, Howard Cosell told Reed, "You exemplify the very best that the human spirit can offer." Bradley said, “It was the best example of inspiration by an individual in a sporting event I’ve ever seen.”

Cosell (before his infamous toupee, but dripping with champagne),

Reed and Holzman

The Knicks finally had their title, and this game has only grown in New York sports legend. It's one of those games where a person who doesn't remember it must think that the venue must have held a million people, because that's how many people have said they were there that day.

In 1997, NBC had a promo for their sitcom Mad About You, with the following exchange:

Jamie Buchman (Helen Hunt): "What was the most amazing moment of your life?"

Paul Buchman (Paul Reiser): "Okay, you ready? 1970, NBA Finals, Game 7, Willis Reed limps onto the court, scores 4 points, Knicks win. I was there."

Jamie: "For me, it was our wedding."

Paul: "Okay, ask me that same question again." (Too late, fool.)

In 2006, as part of the league's 60th Anniversary celebrations, the NBA took an online poll to determine "The NBA's 60 Greatest Playoff Moments." Willis Reed taking the court on May 8, 1970 came in 3rd, behind Michael Jordan's last shot to clinch the 1998 title for the Chicago Bulls, and Magic Johnson switching to center for an injured Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to win the 1980 title for the Lakers.

The moment is still there. Willis limping up the court is up there with the fans storming the field at Shea 7 months earlier, and Joe Namath waving that "We're Number 1" finger 14 months earlier. There have been huge moments since: The Yankees and Mets having many, the Giants having their Super Bowl wins, the Islanders winning 4 Stanley Cups, the Devils 3, and the Rangers the 1 that "will last a lifetime!"

But the Knicks have won just 1 title since, and that 1972-73 title just didn't have a signature moment that everybody remembers. Ask the average Knick fan how many games the '73 Finals took, or if the title was clinched at home or on the road, or who the leading scorer was in the clincher, and they might not even know. (It was Game 5, at The Forum, and Earl Monroe, obtained from Baltimore early in the 1971-72 season, scored 23. It was May 10, and the Knicks won 102-93.)

The Knicks lost the 1971 Eastern Conference Finals to the Baltimore Bullets; got to the NBA Finals again in 1972, after trading for Monroe and Jerry Lucas, but lost to the Lakers; then beat the Lakers for the title in 1973. But Reed, DeBusschere and Lucas all retired after the 1974 season, and that was it for that generation of Knicks.

They didn't get back to the Finals until 1994, losing to the Houston Rockets in 7 games. They made it back in 1999, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in 5. They got back to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2000, losing to the Indiana Pacers. Since then, in 19 completed seasons, they have won a grand total of 9 Playoff games, and just 1 Playoff series, the last of each coming in 2013.

*

For his career, Reed averaged 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game. In 1977, he was named to replace Holzman as head coach, and led them into the Playoffs in 1978. But he was fired early in the 1978-79 season. He was head coach at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska from 1981 to 1985, an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks from 1985 to 1987, and an assistant with the Sacramento Kings in 1987-88.

He nearly became a legend with the New York Tri-State Area's other NBA team. He was head coach of the New Jersey Nets in 1988-89, and their general manager of the Nets from 1989 to 1996. He built a team by drafting Derrick Coleman and Kenny Anderson; trading for Dražen Petrović and Jayson Williams; signing veteran stars Bernard King, Maurice Cheeks and Rick Mahorn as free agents; and hiring 2-time title-winning head coach Chuck Daly.

However, in 1993, a clothesline from the Knicks' John Starks led to Anderson falling on his wrist and breaking it, and he was never the same. Petrović was killed in a car crash in the off-season, and wasn't available the next season. Both seasons, the Nets lost in the 1st round. After that, they collapsed.

But Reed rebuilt, putting together a team with Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin, Richard Jefferson, Eddie Griffin and Jason Collins. They made the NBA Finals in 2002 and '03, the franchise's only Finals berth since joining the NBA in 1976. From 2004 to 2007, Reed served as vice president of basketball operations for the New Orleans Hornets (now the New Orleans Pelicans), in his home State.

In 1976, he became the 1st Knick to have his uniform number retired, 19.  In 1982, he was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame. He was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary 50 Greatest Players in 1996, and to its 75th Anniversary 75 Greatest Players in 2021.

Reed married his 1st wife, Geraldine, while they were both at Grambling State. They had a son, Karl, who died in 2017; and a daughter, Veronica. His 2nd wife, Gale Kennedy, was a nurse.

Willis Reed died today, March 21, 2023, of heart failure, at the Texas Heart Institute in Houston. He was 80 years old.

Walt Frazier: "Willis Reed embodied what it meant to be a New York Knick."

Mike Greenberg, ESPN: "There have been greater players than Willis Reed. There has never been a greater leader. Rest in peace, Captain. Fans of the #Knicks will love you until the end of time." 

Bill Simmons, alleged basketball expert: "Of all the legendary playing-in-pain performances, Willis Reed had the only one that swung the deciding game of the entire season. Top that, Dave Cowens."

Otis Livingston, sports anchor at WCBS-Channel 2 in New York: "A true sports icon who was an even better man off the court."

No argument.