There is no doubt that New York is a city of sports enthusiasts. From the Yankees and Mets of Major League Baseball to the Knicks and Nets of the National Basketball Association to the Rangers and Islanders of the National Hockey League, New York City has a team for everyone’s favorite sport. But what are the best New York City sports franchises of all time?
That is a question that has been asked by many over the years, and various answers have been given. For example, some people might say that the Yankees or Mets are the best franchises in New York City history, while others might put their money on teams like the Giants or Jets in football or even the Liberty or Knicks in women’s basketball.
But what does history say? That is what we will be exploring in this article. We will take a look at some of the most successful teams in New York City sports history, as well as some of the less-than-successful ones. We will also examine how each franchise has fared over time and try to come up with an answer to our original question: What are the best New York City sports franchises of all time? So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
New York Yankees
New York sports fans are some of the most loyal and passionate in the country. They have an intense love for their teams and are always ready to support them, win or lose. New York is home to a number of professional sports franchises and New York sportsbooks, but none is more successful or beloved than the New York Yankees. The Yankees have been one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball for over a century and show no signs of slowing down. They have won 27 World Series titles, more than any other team in MLB history.
They also boast a long list of All-Star players, including Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Derek Jeter. The Yankees are always in contention for the playoffs and routinely sell out their home games at Yankee Stadium. New York sports fans may debate endlessly about which team is the best, but there is no denying that the Yankees are one of the greatest sports franchises of all time.
New York Jets
Few sports franchises have inspired as much passion and loyalty as the New York Jets. Founded in 1959 as the Titans of New York, the Jets have been a mainstay of the New York sports scene for over 60 years. The Jets have won one Super Bowl, appeared in another, and produced some of the most iconic players in NFL history, including Joe Namath, Mark Gastineau, and Darrelle Revis.
The Jets are also known for their passionate fan base, which has been lovingly dubbed “Gang Green.” Whether they’re cheering on their team at MetLife Stadium or tailgating before the game, Jets fans are always ready to show their support for their favorite team. There’s no question that the Jets are one of the best sports franchises in New York’s history.
New York Knicks
Among the many professional sports teams that have represented the city of New York over the years, the Knicks are certainly one of the most successful. Founded in 1946, the Knicks have won two NBA championships and have been to the Finals eight times. With a rich history that includes such legendary players as Patrick Ewing and Willis Reed, the Knicks are one of the most recognizable franchises in basketball.
Despite a lack of on-court success in recent years, the Knicks remain among the most valuable and popular franchises in the NBA. There is no doubt that for many fans, the Knicks are the quintessential New York sports team.
New York Red Bulls
The New York Red Bulls have only been around since 1996, but in that short time, they have quickly established themselves as one of the best sports franchises in New York. Part of that is due to their on-field success. The Red Bulls have won two Supporters’ Shields (an annual award given to the MLS team with the best regular season record) and are consistently one of the top teams in the league. But it’s not just their on-field success that makes them one of the best franchises in New York.
The Red Bulls also have a reputation for being a well-run organization with a passionate and loyal fanbase.
Furthermore, they play their home games at Red Bull Arena, one of the world’s most renowned venues.
New York Giants
From its humble beginnings as a baseball team in Upper Manhattan to its current status as one of the most successful sports franchises in the world, the New York Giants have a long and storied history. Founded in 1883, the Giants were originally known as the New York Gothams. They would soon establish themselves as one of the premier teams in baseball, winning their first National League pennant in 1888. The Giants would go on to win 11 more pennants over the next 50 years, cementing their place as one of the most successful baseball teams in America.
They relocated from the Polo Grounds to Yankee Stadium in 1925, where they would remain for the next 60 years. During this time, they won 14 Pennants and three World Series championships. The Giants are also one of only two clubs (together with the Los Angeles Dodgers) to have won a World Series title in each of its three locales (New York City, San Francisco, and Anaheim).
The Giants have been just as successful in recent years, winning 3 World Series titles in 5 seasons between 2010 and 2014.