Ranking the Top Professional Sports Towns in America

As a Minnesota sports fan, the past 12 months have been extremely rough. Not only have all four professional teams failed to make the playoffs, three of the four finished last in their respective division. A couple took it even further, with the Twins finishing with the worst record in the American League, and the Timberwolves with the worst record in the NBA.

It's required changing the colors on the bag I wear over my head as each season progressed.

Yet, every season brings hope. Perhaps the latest draft choice will be the next savior of the franchise, and lead my favorite team to respectability.  There's got to be another Kirby Puckett, Kevin Garnett, Fran Tarkenton, or Neal Broten out there that can turn a struggling franchise around.

Because it is the season to reflect and be thankful for all the good things in our lives, for just a moment, I stopped lamenting about the professional landscape in the Twin Cities.

Without the Vikings, Twins, Wild, and even the Wolves, the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul would just become a colder version of Omaha, Des Moines, or Topeka. Even in losing, there's an identity that comes to a city, or area with a professional sports team.

I compiled a list of the 49 cities with professional franchises from or the four major sports leagues and ranked them. I apologize in advance to all the fans of MLS, MLL, WNBA, and CFL for not including these teams in the rankings.

In an attempt to remove emotion from the ranking (and my distaste for everything "NY"), the ranking was based on the the combined years the current teams have played in their current location, the combined winning percentage since 1960, and the total number of championships won.

While it is obvious there a several, major metropolitan, areas that will dominate because of the total number of franchises, there may be some surprises along to the way to the top town.

Remember, no matter where your favorite teams landed, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

No. 49: Winnipeg, Home, Once Again, to the Jets

We open the ranking with Winnipeg, home of the Jets.

After 14 seasons without an NHL franchise, hockey has returned to Winnipeg in 2011.

The Jets played professionally in Winnipeg from 1972 to 1979 as part of the WHA, and then a member of the NHL until 1996. In 1997 they would relocate South to Arizona becoming the Phoenix Coyotes.

With a 1-0 victory over the Coyotes on December 1st, fans of the Winnipeg Jets got a small measure of revenge.

No. 48: Oklahoma City, Home of the Thunder

While the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder has been around for 44 seasons, they've only called OK home for three years. 

In those three years they have made the playoffs twice, losing the Western Conference Finals to the Dallas Mavericks, four games to one last season. 

Since relocating from Seattle, where they were known as the SuperSonics, the Thunder have a .520 winning percentage.

No. 47: Columbus, Home of the Blue Jackets

Coming in at No. 47 is Columbus, Ohio—home of the NHL Blue Jackets.

The Blue Jackets entered the NHL in 2000, and have made the playoffs only once in 10 seasons, in 2009.

It's also the only season the Blue Jackets have won more games than they've lost. The Blue Jackets all-time winning percentage sits at a lowly 0.377.

No. 46: Memphis, Home of the Grizzlies

The Grizzlies started as an NBA expansion team in Vancouver. After six losing seasons the team relocated to Memphis in 2001—not to imply that the team moved because they were losing.

While in Vancouver the team had a pathetic .220 winning percentage with a 101-359 record.

Since making the move to Memphis, the Grizzlies still have lost more games than they've won, with a 349-471 record, but the winning percentage has improved to .426.

Last season, the team made their fourth playoff appearance, advancing to the second round for the first time in their short, 10-year history, as the Memphis Grizzlies.

No. 45: Ottawa, Home of the Senators

Ottawa has been home to the NHL Senators for 19 seasons.

Over that span the Senators have made 12 playoff appearances—11 straight from 1997 to 2008. They made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2008, losing 4-1 to the Anaheim Ducks. 

They currently have a .442 winning percentage

No. 44: San Jose, Home of the Sharks

The Sharks opened their 20th season in San Jose this year.

In the previous 19 seasons, they have failed to make the playoffs only five times, with a stretch of 12 playoff appearances over the past 13 seasons.

Since the 2003-2004 season, when they reached the Stanley Cup Finals, the Sharks have finished either first or second in the Western Conference. 

They currently have a 0.447 winning percentage.   

No. 43: Sacramento, Home of the Kings

The NBA franchise that currently plays in Sacramento has been around for 64 seasons, moving from Rochester, Cincinnati, and Kansas City before calling Sacramento home in 1985.

In the 26 years the Kings have played in Sacramento, they have 10 playoff appearances—eight straight from 1999 to 2006—the last time the Kings have qualified for the postseason. 

Their highwater mark came in 2002 when they made it to the Western Conference Finals, only to be swept by the Lakers.

No. 42: Vancouver, Home of the Canucks

The Canucks opened their 41st season in Vancouver in 2011. They currently have a .409 winning percentage. 

They have 24 playoff appearances, and last season made their third trip of the Stanley Cups Finals.

Their Game 7 loss at home to the Bruins left them waiting to win their first championship.

No. 41: Jacksonville, Home of the Jaguars

The Jaguars joined the NFL in 1995, and after 17 seasons, are one of several teams rumored to be on the list of candidates to move to Los Angeles.

The Jaguars have made six playoff appearances, and currently have a .506 winning percentage.

No. 40: Orlando, Home of the Magic

The Magic joined the NBA in 1989 and have called Orlando home for 22 seasons.

In those 22 seasons they made it to the postseason 13 times and have a .520 winning percentage.

In 1992 the Magic would use the first overall pick in the draft to select Shaquille O'Neal. They would add Penny Hardaway the following year. These two would play together in Orlando for three seasons.

It would be the start of eight playoff appearances in 10 seasons for the Magic.

No. 39: Salt Lake City, Home of the Utah Jazz.

This year will mark the 37th season for the Jazz in the NBA, and the 33rd in Salt Lake City after relocating from New Orleans in 1979.

For 18 of those 33 years, the tandem of John Stockton and Karl Malone played together.

The two Hall of Famers led the Jazz to the playoffs every year they were teammates.

Stockton and Malone led the Jazz to back-to-back NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998. Both times they would lose to Michael Jordan and the Bulls.

Overall the Jazz have made 24 playoff appearances, and while in Salt Lake have a .568 winning percentage.

No. 38: Nashville, Home of the Titans and the Predators

Nashville is the first city in the ranking with more than one professional franchise.

The Titans franchise has been in existence for 52 years, the first 37 years as the Houston Oilers. In 1997 the team moved to Memphis. After one year they moved across state to Nashville where they have played for 14 seasons.

Later that year the Predators joined the NHL as an expansion team.

Combined, the two teams have played 27 seasons in Nashville, with 12 playoff appearances, and a combined winning percentage of .482.

In 1999 the Titans would make it to the Super Bowl and finish one yard short of the city's first championship.

No. 37: Seattle, Home of the Mariners and Seahawks

Seattle is home to the NFL's Seahawks, MLB's Mariners, and until 2008, was the home of the SuperSonics.

The Seahawks joined the NFL in 1976 as an expansion team. The Mariners started play a year later, in 1977.

They have played a combined 71 seasons in Seattle, with a .468 winning percentage.

The Mariners have made the playoffs four times, their last appearance in 2001, while the Seahawks have made 11 trips to the postseason.

Following the 2005 season, the Seahawks would earn a berth to Super Bowl XL, losing a competitive game, 21-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Mariners best season came in 2001 when they would finish with the best record in baseball at 116-46. They would eventually lose in the ALCS to the New York Yankees. 

No. 36: Calgary, Home of the Flames

The Flames are the first team on the list with a championship.

The franchise is in its 39th season, the first eight played in Atlanta. Since 1980 the Flames have called Calgary home.

In 31 seasons in Calgary, they have a .471 winning percentage, and made the playoffs 20 times with three appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals—winning it all in 1989 over the Montreal Canadians.

No. 35: Portland, Home of the Trailblazers

Portland has been home to the NBA's Trailblazers since 1970. Over those 41 seasons the Blazers have a .535 winning percentage, and 29 postseason appearances.

In 1977, they won the NBA Finals in six games over the 76ers. It was the first season the team qualified for the playoffs.

Since then they have returned to the Finals twice, in 1990 and 1992. 

No. 34: San Diego, Home of the Chargers and Padres

The Chargers have called San Diego home since 1960, and the Padres joined them in 1969.

In a combined 95 seasons these two teams have a .467 winning percentage, with 22 playoff appearances.

The Chargers lost Super Bowl XXIX following the 1994 season to the San Francisco 49ers, 49-26.

The Padres have made the postseason five times, with two appearances in the World Series, losing to the Tigers in 1984 and the Yankees in 1998.

No. 33: New Orleans, Home of the Saints and Hornets

Until the Saints won Super Bowl XLIV following the 2009 season, New Orleans had long been a city of sports futility.

They lost the Jazz to Salt Lake City in 1979, and had to share the Hornets for a couple of seasons with Oklahoma City.

The Saints have been a part of New Orleans for 45 years. The NBA returned to the city when the Hornets relocated from Charlotte in 2002.

Over a combined 54 years there have been only 13 playoff appearances, and a .468 winning percentage.

No. 32: Carolina, Home of the Panthers, Bobcats and Hurricanes

Since Charlotte, home of the Panthers and Bobcats, and Raleigh, home of the Hurricanes are only 150 miles apart, I took the liberty of combining the franchises in North Carolina for the ranking.

The Panthers are the longest tenured team of the three, having joined the NFL in 1995. The Hurricanes came to town two years later, when the Whalers relocated from Hartford, and the Bobcats joined the NBA in 2004.

The Panthers made it to Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003, falling to the Patriots 32-29.

The Hurricanes have made it to the Stanley Cup Finals twice, losing to the Red Wings in five games in 2002, and defeating the Oilers in seven games in 2006, capturing the city's first championship.

The Bobcats have made one playoff appearance in their seven years in Charlotte.

These three teams have only combined for 38 seasons, with 10 playoff appearances, and a .433 winning percentage.

No. 31: Cleveland, Home of the Browns, Indians and Cavaliers

Cleveland is the first city in the ranking with three teams.

While the Browns have been a part of Cleveland since 1946, there is a three year gap, after the franchise relocated to Baltimore following the 1995 season. 

The city was able to retain the Browns name, and after being awarded an expansion franchise in 1999, the Browns were once again a part of Cleveland.

Since then they have made the playoffs only once.

The Cavaliers joined the NBA in 1970. Over 41 seasons they have made the playoffs 18 times. In 2007, behind the leadership of LeBron James, they made their only appearance in the NBA Finals, falling 4-0 to the Spurs.

The Indians have the longest tenure in town beginning play in 1901 when they were called the Blues. The next season they changed their name to the Broncos, and then the Naps.

In 1915 they became the Indians. In 111 seasons they have made the postseason 10 times with three trips to the World Series. In 1948 they defeated the Boston Braves in six games to win the city's only championship.  

Combined these three teams have played 165 seasons in Cleveland with a .479 winning percentage.

No. 30: Kansas City, Home of the Chiefs and Royals

Kansas City has come close to being a four-sport town.

The Chiefs and Royals have been a part of Kansas City for a combined 92 seasons.They have a combined 22 postseason appearances, and a .483 winning percentage.

The Chiefs, a member of the AFL, moved to Kansas City from Dallas in 1963. 

The Royals joined the American League in 1969.

Both teams have made two trips to their respective championships. The Chiefs represented the AFL in the first Super Bowl following the 1966 season, losing 35-10 to the Packers.

They would return three years later and defeat the Vikings 23-7 in Super Bowl IV. 

In 1980 the Royals won the American League Pennant and faced the Phillies in the World Series, losing in six games.

Five years later, in 1985, they faced their in-state rival, the St. Louis Cardinals, winning Game 7 at home. It was the last time the Royals have made the postseason.

For 10 seasons from 1975 to 1985, Kansas City was also home to the Kings of the NBA. The Cincinnati Royals would relocate in 1972, becoming the Kings. They split three seasons between Kansas City and Omaha before settling in Kansas City.

The Kings would move to Sacramento in 1986.  

Kansas City was also the short two-year home to the Scouts of the NHL playing the 1974-1975 and 1975-1976 seasons. The Scouts would move to Denver, becoming the Rockies in 1976.

No. 29: Atlanta, Home of the Braves, Falcons and Hawks

Atlanta is home to three professional franchises, having, not once, but twice, losing an NHL team.

Two of the three franchises came to Atlanta from Milwaukee—the Braves relocated in 1966, and the Hawks came to Atlanta in 1968 after spending four years in Milwaukee, then 13 in St. Louis.

The Falcons joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1966.

Combined these three teams have played 135 seasons in Atlanta, with 54 playoff appearances, and a combined winning percent of .505. 

The Braves won 14 division titles in 15 years from 1991 to 2005. They also made it to the World Series five times in 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, and 1999. They defeated the Indians in six games in 1995 for their only World Series Championship.

The Falcons made it to Super Bowl XXXIII following the 1998 season. The Broncos would defeat the Falcons 34-19 for their second Super Bowl title.

No. 28: Newark, Home of the Devils and Nets

Newark has been home to the New Jersey Nets and New Jersey Devils for a combined 63 seasons.

These two teams have made 36 playoff appearances and have played in six finals—four for the Devils and two for the Nets.

Combined they have .447 winning percentage.

The Nets franchise played 10 seasons in New York, and moved to Newark in 1977. They would represent the Eastern Conference in back-to-back NBA Finals, losing 4-0 to the Lakers in 2002, and 4-2 to the Spurs in 2003.

The Devils started out as the Kansas City Scouts in 1974. After two seasons they became the Colorado Rockies where they played from 1976 - 1981.

They opened the 1982 season as the New Jersey Devils.

The Devils have three Stanley Cup Championships in four trips to the Finals.

In 1995 they swept the Red Wings for their first title. From 2000 to 2003 they would make another three appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals, defeating the Stars in six games in 2000, losing to the Avalanche in seven games in 2001, and defeating the Ducks in seven games in 2003.

Sure, with the proximity to New York City, I could have included them with all the other New York teams, but since these franchises went to the trouble to differentiate themselves, I decided not to.

No. 27: Buffalo, Home of the Bills and Sabres

Buffalo has been home to the Bills since 1960 when they entered the AFL.

The Bills won back-to-back AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965. Since the merger with the NFL, the Bills won four straight AFC conference titles from 1990 - 1993.

Unfortunately, they lost every Super Bowl giving them a share of Super Bowl futility with four losses. 

The Sabres joined the NHL in 1970.

The Sabres lost the Stanley Cup Finals twice, in 1975 to the Flyers and 1999 to the Stars, both times 4-2.

Combined these two franchises have played 93 seasons with a .436 winning percentage, and 46 postseason appearances.

No. 26: Edmonton, Home of the Oilers

I realize that placing Edmonton, with only one professional sports team, ahead of cities like Cleveland, and Atlanta with three teams, may cause some debate—especially since the Oilers have only been in existence for 32 years.

The algorithm I employed placed a high value on championships—and the Oilers have five of them.

The Oilers joined the NHL in 1979, and within four seasons made it to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Over 32 seasons the Oilers have made the postseason 20 times. Once in the playoffs, there's a better than 30 percent chance they will make it to the finals, with seven trips in 20 playoff appearances.

The Oilers dominated the NHL from 1982 to 1990 when they made it to the Finals in six of eight seasons.

The Oilers won championships in 1984 ,1985, 1987, and 1990. 

No. 25: Tampa Bay, Home of the Buccaneers, Lightning, and Rays

Tampa Bay is home to three professional teams, and two championships.

The Buccaneers were the first team to call Tampa Bay home when they joined the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1976. They opened to a rough start, winning only seven games the first three years.

In 36 seasons the Bucs have made the playoffs 10 times, and won it all following the 2002 season with a 48-21 win over the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII.

The Lightning were the next team to come to Tampa Bay as an expansion team in 1992. Over their 19 seasons they have six playoff appearances, winning the Stanley Cup Finals in 2004 with a Game 7 victory over the Flames.

The Rays are the newcomers to town, joining the American League East in 1998. In 14 seasons they've made the playoffs three times.

Combined, the Bucs, Lightning and Rays, have 69 seasons in Tampa Bay with 19 postseason appearances and a .419 winning percentage.

No. 24: San Antonio, Home of the Spurs

The Spurs have been playing in San Antonio for 38 years since moving from Dallas, where they were the Chaparrals, in 1973. 

They are a perfect 4-for-4 in the NBA Finals, winning championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007.

While the Spurs have one fewer championship than the Edmonton Oilers, their .602 winning percentage and 34 trips to the playoffs in 38 seasons elevates their ranking.

Not having to combine records with any teams with a losing record, certainly helps their ranking.

No. 23: Houston, Home of the Astros, Rockets, and Texans

The Astros have called Houston home since 1962.

In their 50 years, the Astros have made the playoffs nine times, making it to the World Series in 2005 where they were swept by the White Sox.

The Rockets relocated from San Diego in 1971. In 41 seasons, the Rockets have made the playoffs 25 times. They own the city's two championships, winning back-to-back NBA Finals in 1994 and 1995.

After playing their last season in Houston in 1996, the Oilers relocated to Tennessee in 1997. The NFL returned to Houston when the NFL awarded them an expansion team in 2002. The Texans will make their first playoff appearance this season. 

Combined these three franchises have played 100 seasons in Houston with a .502 winning percentage and, with the Texans' first postseason berth, 35 playoff appearances.

No. 22: Phoenix, Home of the Suns, Cardinals, Coyotes, and Diamondbacks

Coming in at No. 22 is Phoenix, the first four-team city in the ranking.

The Suns were the first team to come to Phoenix when they joined the NBA in 1968.

The NFL Cardinals came to town 20 years later when they relocated from St. Louis.

The NHL made a move South when the Winnipeg Jets became the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996.

The Diamondbacks completed the set when they joined the National League as an expansion team in 1998.

Combined they have played 96 seasons, making the postseason 44 times and have a combined winning percentage of .515.

The Diamondbacks own the city's only championship, winning the 2001 World Series in seven games over the Yankees.

The Suns, with 29 trips to the playoffs in 43 years, have made it to the NBA Finals twice, losing both in six games—to the Celtics in 1976, and the Bulls in 1993.

The Cardinals have made the playoffs only three times in 24 years, but they surprised a lot of people when they made it to Super Bowl XLIII following the 2008 season. They lost a close contest, 27-23 to the Steelers.

No. 21: Indianapolis, Home of the Pacers and the Colts

I admit that this one gave me pause.

The Pacers have been playing in Indianapolis since 1967, and have three titles to their name—albeit ABA titles before joining the NBA in 1976.

In their 44 years, the Pacers have made the playoffs 28 times, making the finals six times, five while in the ABA and once in the NBA.

The Colts sneaked out of Baltimore under the cover of darkness, moving to Indianapolis in 1984. In their 28 seasons in Indianapolis they have made 14 trips to the postseason and two to the Super Bowl.

Following the 2006 season, the Colts defeated the Bears in Super Bowl XLI 29-17. Three years later they lost to the Saints 31-17 in Super Bowl XLIV.

Combined these two teams have played 72 seasons in Indianapolis with a .505 winning percentage, 42 playoff appearances, and four titles—if you count the ABA titles for the Pacers.

If not, it drops Indianapolis to 30th.

No. 20: Baltimore, Home of the Orioles, and the Ravens

Baltimore's two professional sports franchises both relocated from other cities.

The American League's St. Louis Browns moved to Baltimore in 1954, and became the Orioles.

In 1996, 12 years after losing the Colts to Indianapolis, the Browns relocated from Cleveland and became the Ravens.

In 58 seasons in Baltimore, the Orioles went to the playoffs 10 times with six World Series appearances and three titles in 1966 over the Dodgers, 1970 over the Reds, and 1983 over the Phillies.

The Ravens have seven postseason trips in their 16 years in Baltimore, including 2000, when they won Super Bowl XXXV 34-7 over the Giants.

Combined, the Orioles and Ravens have played 74 seasons, with a .519 winning percentage, 17 playoff appearances, and four championships.

No. 19: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Home of the Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves and Wild

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul are the second four-team city to make the ranking.

There are rumors that the Vikings are one of several teams being wooed to Los Angeles. Having already lost two franchises—the Lakers to Los Angeles, and the North Stars to Dallas, this would be as devastating as the move of the Colts or Browns.

The Vikings joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1961. In their 51-year history, they have made the playoffs 26 times, and along with the Bills, own the futility of losing four Super Bowls.

The Washington Senators moved to Minnesota and became the Twin in the same year. Over their 51 seasons in Minnesota, the Twins have 11 postseason appearances with three World Series appearances and two titles, the first in 1987 over the Cardinals, and the second in 1991 over the Braves—both series going all seven games, with the home team winning every game.

In 1960, the Minneapolis Lakers left town for Los Angeles, taking their five titles with them. It would take 29 years for the NBA to return when the Timberwolves joined the league as an expansion team. In 22 seasons the Wolves have made the playoffs eight times.

The NHL returned to Minnesota when St. Paul was awarded an expansion franchise in 1999. The Wild started play in 2000. In 11 seasons they made the playoffs only three times.

Combined these four teams have played 135 seasons in Minnesota, with a .485 winning percentage, 48 playoff appearances, and the two championships for the Twins.

No. 18: Denver, Home of the Broncos, Nuggets, Rockies, and Avalanche

The Broncos started play in 1960 as a member of the AFL. It took 17 seasons before their first playoff appearance. In 52 seasons they have made the playoffs 17 times, with six of them ending at the Superbowl.

Until winning back-to-back Super Bowls following the 1997, and 1998 seasons, the Broncos shared the Super Bowl futility with Minnesota and Buffalo with four losses.

Denver became a two-sport town when the Rockets came to town as part of the ABA. In anticipation of the merger with the NBA, they changed their name to the Nuggets in 1974. In their 44 seasons they have made the playoffs 31 times. Their only trip to the finals was their last season in the ABA in 1976.

Baseball came to town when the Colorado Rockies opened play in 1993. It was the second time Rockies was used. From 1976 to 1982 they played in the NHL before relocating to Newark, New Jersey.

The Rockies have made the postseason three times in their 19 seasons. In 2007 they won the National League Pennant and faced the Red Sox in the World Series, losing in four games. 

The NHL returned to Denver with the relocation of the Quebec Nordiques in 1995, and renamed the team to the Avalanche. To add insult to injury to their former fans, the Avalanche won their first of two Stanley Cups that year.

Over the next five seasons the Avalanche would return to the Stanley Cup Finals four more times. In 2001 they would capture their second championship. Since moving to Denver, they have failed to make the playoffs only three seasons. 

Combined these four teams have played 131 seasons, with a combined winning percentage .494, with 63 playoff appearances and four titles. 

No. 17: San Francisco, Home of the 49ers and Giants

San Francisco is buoyed in the ranking due mostly to the success of the 49ers.

The 49ers started playing in the All-American Football Conference in 1946. In 1950 the league merged with the NFL. In 66 seasons the 49ers have made the postseason 23 times. With quarterbacks Joe Montana, and then Steve Young, the 49ers would win five Super Bowls. 

From 1981, the season of their first Super Bowl title, until 2002, the 49ers would make the playoffs 18 of 22 seasons.

The Giants would make the cross-country trek from New York to San Francisco in 1958. In 54 seasons they would make the postseason nine times, with four trips to the World Series—finally winning a title their fourth time in 2010 in five games over the Rangers.

The Giants and 49ers have combined to play 120 seasons, making 32 postseason appearances, with a .520 winning percentage, and six titles.

No. 16: Cincinnati, Home of the Reds and Bengals

The Reds have been a part of Cincinnati since 1882—an incredible 130 seasons.

With only 13 trips to the playoffs, the Reds have nine World Series appearances, with five titles in 1919, 1940, 1975, 1976 and 1990.

The Bengals have not been around quite as long, joining the AFL in 1968, a mere 44 seasons. Unlike the Reds, the Bengals do not have a championship in their nine playoff appearances, but they have made two trips to the Super Bowl. Both times they were defeated by the 49ers in close games—26-21 in Super Bowl XVI, and 20-16 in Super Bowl XXIII.

Combined, these teams have played 174 seasons with 22 appearances in the playoffs, and a .436 winning percentage since 1960.

Cincinnati edges out San Francisco with 54 more seasons of play for their teams—and to give a little measure of revenge for the two Super Bowl losses.

No. 15: Oakland, Home of the A's, Raiders, and Warriors

All right, I admit it, trying to figure out how to rank Oakland gave me some problems.

First of all, there's the Warriors. They've been playing their home games at the Oracle Arena in Oakland since 1966, but were called the San Francisco Warriors until 1971. So, that's when I started using their record towards Oakland.

In the 40 years since being called Golden State, the Warriors have 11 playoff appearances, and an NBA title, winning the finals in 1975, sweeping the Bullets in four games.

Then the Raiders took a 13-year hiatus while they played in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994. Because of the move, I only used their record since returning to Oakland in 1995.

In 17 seasons, the Raiders have made the playoffs only three times. They did make it to Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003, losing to former head coach Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers. 

The A's moved to town from Kansas City in 1968, becoming the third city in franchise history. In 44 seasons the A's have made 15 trips to the playoffs, playing in six World Series, winning four of them. 

The A's won three straight World Series Championships from 1972 to 1974. They won their fourth in 1989.

Combined, these three have played 101 seasons with a .493 winning percentage, 29 playoff appearances and five titles.

I suppose the right thing would have been to combine Oakland and San Francisco for the ranking, but these two cities just feel different from a mid-westerner's view.

No. 14: Miami, Home of the Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, and Panthers

All four of Miami's professional sports teams has made it to the title game, or series—with three of the four winning the championship, and two of them repeating the feat. 

The Dolphins have been in Miami the longest, starting as a member of the AFL in 1966. In their 46 seasons they made the playoffs 22 times with five trips to the Super Bowl, three of them in consecutive years from 1972 to 1974. 

They won Super Bowls VII and VIII, the latter completing a perfect season.

The Miami Heat joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1988. Over 23 seasons the Heat have 15 playoff appearances, winning the NBA Finals in 2006 over the Mavericks in six games. 

The Marlins and Panthers both started play in 1993 as expansion teams.

In 19 seasons the Marlins have made only two trips to the playoffs, but they made the most of them. In 1997 they won the World Series in seven games over the Indians. Six years later, in 2003, they would upset the Yankees in six games for their second World Series title.

The Panthers opened their 19th season this year. In only their third season, they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals and were swept by the Avalanche.

Combined they have played 106 seasons in Miami, with a .473 winning percentage, 42 playoff appearances, and five titles.

No. 13: Washington D.C., Home of the Redskins, Capitals, Wizards, and Nationals

Our nation's capital is home to four professional sports teams and six titles.

The Redskins are the city's elder statesman, moving from Boston to Washington in 1937.

They promptly won the NFL Championship that year. In the 75 years playing in Washington, they have 21 postseason appearances, adding a second NFL title in 1942, and three Super Bowl titles in 1983, 1988, and 1992.

The NBA came to town in 1973 when the Baltimore Bullets would become the Capital Bullets. A year later they changed the name to the Washington Bullets. In 1997 they would change the mascot to the Wizards. 

In 38 seasons the Bullets/Wizards have made 18 trips to the playoffs, making it to the finals three times, winning the NBA Finals in 1978 in seven games over the Supersonics.

The Capitals joined the NHL in 1974. In their 37th season, the Caps have made 22 playoff appearances, making it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998. They would be swept by the Red Wings.

Washington had been home to the Senators from 1901 until 1971. In 1960 the team moved to Minnesota. The following year, Washington was awarded an expansion team. This franchise moved to Texas following the 1971 season. 

In 2005 the Montreal Expos would move to Washington and become the Nationals.

Combined, the D.C. based teams have played 157 seasons, with a .448 winning percentage, 61 playoff appearances and six titles.  

No. 12: Dallas, Home of the Cowboys, Rangers, Mavericks, and Stars

Dallas teams have won seven championships, the most so far in the ranking.

The Cowboys, who joined the NFL in 1960. In 52 years, the Cowboys have made the playoffs 30 times, making eight trips to the Super Bowl, and winning five championships in 1972, 1978, 1993, 1994, and 1996.

In 1972 the Rangers were the next team to come to Dallas when the Senators relocated from Washington. The Rangers have only made five trips to the postseason, making it to the World Series the last two years, losing to the Giants in six games in 2010, and the Cardinals in seven in 2011.

The Mavericks joined the NBA in 1980. In 31 seasons, they have 17 playoff appearances—losing the NBA Finals to the Heat in 2006. The Mavericks would get a rematch in 2011, this time turning the tables, and defeating the Heat. 

The Minnesota North Stars would relocate to Dallas in 1993, and shorten the name to Stars. In 18 seasons the Stars would make the playoffs 12 times, making it to the Stanley Cup Finals in back-to-back years in 1999 and 2000. They would win the franchise's first Stanley Cup against the Sabres in six games in 1999.

Combined, Dallas teams have played 141 seasons, with a .503 winning percentage and, 64 trips to the postseason.

No. 11: St. Louis, Home of the Cardinals, Blues, and Rams

The World Series Champion Cardinals have been in St. Louis for 122 years, the 4th longest tenure of any team in any city in this ranking.

Over that span they played in 24 postseasons, 18 of them in the World Series, and won 11 championships.

The Blues joined the NHL in 1967. In 44 seasons the Blues have made the playoffs 35 times, making the Stanley Cup Finals their first three seasons. Unfortunately, they were swept in all three finals, twice by Canadians, and once by the Bruins. 

St. Louis was also the home of the Cardinals in the NFL from 1960 until they moved to Phoenix in 1988. The city went without football for seven seasons when the Rams moved to town from Los Angeles in 1995.

Within five years the Rams were the "Greatest Show on Turf" winning Super Bowl XXXIV 23-16 over the Titans. They would return two years later, falling 20-17 to the Patriots.

With the majority of the tenure belonging to the Cardinals, combined these three teams have played 173 seasons in St. Louis, with a .499 combined winning percentage, 65 playoff appearances, and 12 titles.

No. 10: Green Bay/Milwaukee, Home of the Packers, Brewers, and Bucks

The top 10 opens with the professional teams of Wisconsin.

Just as I did for Carolina, I combined Green Bay and Milwaukee. The two cities are only about 100 miles apart, and from 1933 to 1994 the Packers used to split their home games between the two cities.

The Packers have been in existence since 1921. In their 91-year history the Packers have 13 titles—the most of any NFL franchise, with nine NFL Championships, and four Super Bowl wins. They have made the playoffs 26 times, and with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, they will be adding to their totals.

The Bucks joined the NBA in 1968. In their 44th season the Bucks have also made the playoffs 26 times, but unlike the Packers, only have one title, winning the NBA Finals in 1971.

Milwaukee was the home of the National League Braves, who moved from Boston in 1953. After 13 seasons the Braves would move again, heading to Atlanta for the 1966 season.

It would only take four years for Milwaukee to get another baseball team. After one season, the Seattle Pilots would relocate to Milwaukee in 1970 and change their name to the Brewers.

In their 42 years, the Brewers have made the playoffs only four times. They won the American League Pennant in 1982, and would lose in seven games to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Wisconsin trio have played 176 seasons, only three more than St. Louis. They have 56 postseason appearances, and 14 titles.

No. 9: Montreal, Home of the Canadiens

I realize ranking Montreal this high may cause some debate, especially since only the city only has Canadiens of the NHL. 

The Canadiens have won 25 Championships—winning two NHL Finals, and 23 Stanley Cup Finals, the Canadiens are one of the most successful professional franchises of any sport. Only the New York Yankees have won more titles.

One of the "original six" teams that made up the NHL, the Canadiens have been playing in Montreal since 1917. In 94 seasons they have made 79 postseason appearances, and have a .528 winning percentage since 1960—the highest for any NHL team in the ranking.

No. 8: Toronto, Home of the Maple Leafs, Blue Jays, and Raptors

Toronto is the last Canadian city in the ranking, and the only one with more than an NHL team. 

Like the the Canadiens, the Maple Leafs have been in existence since 1917. In their 94 seasons they have 64 playoff appearances, winning 13 titles—two NHL Finals, and 11 Stanley Cup Finals, the last coming in 1967.

The Blue Jays joined the American League as an expansion franchise in 1977. Over their 35-year history, the Blue Jays have only five playoff appearances, but they won back-to-back World Series Titles in 1992 and 1993.

The Raptors were one of two NBA teams that expanded into Canada in 1995. In 17 seasons they have made the playoffs five times.

Combined the Toronto teams have played 145 seasons, with 74 playoff appearances, and a .461 winning percentage.   

No. 7: Philadelphia, Home of the Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, and Flyers

The four teams that make their home in Philadelphia have combined for 292 seasons, led by the Phillies who have played in the City of Brotherly Love for 122 years.

The Phillies have existed since 1890. They have only 14 playoff appearances in their 122 years—making the postseason the last five years. 

Half of their postseason play has resulted in a World Series appearance. The Phillies won the Fall Classic in 1980, defeating the Kansas City Royals in six games. Their second World Championship came in 2008 they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in five games.

The Eagles joined the NFL in 1933. Over their 79 seasons they have 23 playoff appearances, winning three NFL titles in 1948, 1949, and 1960. Since the merger with the AFL, they have two NFC titles in 1980 and 2004.

The NBA came to Philadelphia in 1963 when the Syracuse Nationals moved to town, and were renamed the 76ers. In their 48 seasons the 76ers have 32 playoff appearances, making it to the NBA Finals six times, winning the title in 1967 and 1983.

Philadelphia was awarded an NHL expansion team in 1967. The Flyers won back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 1974 and 1975, becoming the first non-"Original Six" to win the Stanley Cup Finals. 

Over their 43 seasons, the Flyers have made the playoffs 35 times, making it to the Stanley Cup Finals eight times.

Combined the Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, and Flyers have played 292 seasons in Philadelphia, with 104 playoff appearances and a .505 winning percentage since 1960.

No. 6: Pittsburgh, Home of the Steelers, Pirates,

The Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins have combined to give the city of Pittsburgh 14 championships.

The NFL came to Pittsburgh in 1933 originally as the Pirates. In 1940 they changed their name to the Steelers. In their 79 seasons the Steelers have made the playoff 26 times, but only once before 1971. 

They have played in eight Super Bowls, winning six of them.

The Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League have been in existence since 1891. Over their 121 seasons they have made 14 playoff appearances, with nine trips to the World Series, winning five titles.

The Penguins came to Pittsburgh in 1967 as part of the NHL expansion. In their 44th season, they have 26 playoff appearances, making it to the Stanley Cup Finals three times, winning three championships.

These three teams have combined to play 244 seasons in Pittsburgh, making 66 playoff appearances, with a .479 winning percentage since 1960.

No. 5: Los Angeles, Home for Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, Angels, Ducks, and Kings

Incredibly, of the six teams that play in Los Angeles, not one of them is from the NFL. 

The Lakers, are far and away, the leader of the pack with 11 NBA titles since relocating from Minneapolis in 1960. In 51 seasons they have 47 playoff appearances, making it to the Finals 25 times, winning back-to-back titles three times, and three in row from 2000 to 2002.

Los Angeles is the third home for the Clippers, who started out as the Buffalo Braves in 1970, moved to San Diego in 1978, and then to LA in 1984. In 27 seasons they have only made the postseason four times. 

The longest tenured franchise in the city are the Dodgers, making the move from Brooklyn in 1958. In 54 seasons they have 17 playoff appearances, nine of them in the World Series, winning five titles. Their last title came in 1988, the year of Kirk Gibson's game-winning home run in Game 1, setting the tone for the Dodgers as they defeated the A's in five games.

The Angels joined the American League in 1961. They seem to have an identity crisis as they have changed their name from the Los Angeles Angels, to the California Angels, to the Anaheim Angels, and now are the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. It hasn't made them as successful as their National League brothers. In 51 seasons the Angels have made it to the postseason nine times, winning their only World Series appearance in 2002. 

The Kings were a part of the NHL expansion of 1967. In their 44th season, the Kings have made the playoffs 25 times, making it to the NHL Finals in 1993. The Canadiens won the series in five games.

The Ducks are the last team to come to LA. They joined the NHL in 1993 as another expansion team. In their 18th season they have made the playoffs eight times. They have two appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals, winning the title in 2007 over the Senators in five games. 

Combined these six teams have played 245 seasons—only one more than the three teams from Pittsburgh. They have a combined winning percentage of .504, with 110 playoff appearances, and 18 titles.

I considered dropping LA in the ranking due to the inability to retain an NFL franchise.

For 13 years Los Angeles was home to two NFL teams. The home of the Rams since 1946, they were joined by the Raiders in 1982, when Al Davis used the city as leverage against Oakland.

In 1984 LA lost both teams, as the Rams moved to St. Louis, and Davis took the Raiders back to Oakland.  

No. 4: Detroit, Home of the Tigers, Red Wings, Pistons, and Lions

The Red Wings own half of the 22 titles for the city of Detroit.

A member of the NHL since 1926, the Red Wings have made the playoffs 59 times in 85 seasons with 24 trips to the Stanley Cup Finals. Since the 83-84 season the Red Wings have missed the playoffs only twice, winning four of their 11 Stanley Cup titles, the most recent in 2008. 

The Tigers have been in Detroit the longest, joining the American League in 1901, In 111 seasons they have made the postseason only 13 times, winning the American League Pennant 10 times and four World Series Championships.

The Lions came to town in 1934, moving from Portsmouth. In 78 seasons the Lions have made the playoff 14 times. While they have yet to make a trip to the Super Bowl, the Lions have four NFL Championships, their last coming in 1957.

The Pistons are the youngest of the four teams, coming to town in 1957 after playing nine seasons in Fort Wayne.  In 54 seasons the Pistons have made the playoffs 32 times, with five trips to the NBA Finals, winning three championships in 1989, 1990, and 2004.

Combined these four have played 328 seasons in the Motor City—the third most in the ranking. They have a total of 118 playoff appearances and a .504 winning percentage since 1960.

No. 3: Chicago, Home of the White Sox, Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls

The five teams of Chicago have won 24 championships

The Chicago White Sox joined the American League in 1901. Their 111 seasons make them the longest tenured team in Chicago. The city's National League franchise became the Cubs in 1903. The White Sox have only made the postseason nine times, winning six American League Pennants, and three World Series titles in 1906, 1917, and 2005.

The Cubs have 16 playoff appearances, winning 10 National League Pennants, and back-to-back World Series titles in 1907 and 1908.

However, it's the NFL's Bears with the city's most championships with nine—eight NFL Championships, and one Super Bowl Championship, winning Super Bowl XX following the 1985 season. The Bears have made the playoffs 25 times.

The Blackhawks joined the NHL in 1926. In their 85th season, the Blackhawks have the most postseason appearances with 56, including 11 trips to the Stanley Cup Finals, and four titles, the most recent in 2010.

The youngsters of the group are the Bulls.

The Bulls joined the NBA in 1966. In their 46 seasons they have made 30 trips to the playoffs. Behind the play of Michael Jordan, the Bulls would win three consecutive titles twice—1991 to 1993 and 1996 to 1998.

Combined these five teams have played 443 seasons in Chicago—the second highest among the cities in the ranking.

They have 136 playoff appearances, and a .490 winning percentage since 1960.

No. 2: Boston, Home of the Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots

Boston comes in at No. 2, the highest ranked four-team city, beating out Los Angeles and Chicago—cities with more teams, with 32 total championships, the second most in the ranking.

Each of the city's four teams has brought home a championship since 2005.

The Celtics lead the Boston teams with 17 titles. Joining the NBA in 1946, the Celtics have made the playoffs 49 times in 65 seasons, with 21 trips to the NBA Finals. They won an incredible 11 titles over 13 seasons from 1956 to 1969. Their most recent title came in 2008.

The Red Sox have been a part of Boston since 1908. Over their 104 seasons the Red Sox have 19 playoff appearances, winning the American League Pennant 10 times, with six World Series Championships, the most recent in 2007.

The Bruins joined the NHL in 1924. In their 87th season, they have made 66 trips to the playoffs, going to the Stanley Cup Finals 18 times, winning six titles. They are the reigning Stanley Cup Champions.

The Patriots joined the AFL in 1960 as the Boston Patriots. In 1971 they changed the name to New England. In their 52 seasons they have made the postseason 18 times, with six trips to the Super Bowl. They have three Super Bowl titles, winning their most recent in 2005.

Combined these four teams have played 308 seasons, making 152 playoff appearances, with a .540 winning percentage since 1960—the highest of any city with multiple teams.

No. 1: NYC, Home to the Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Knicks, Rangers, Islanders

New York City takes the top spot mostly by the seven teams that call New York home.

Yeah, I know the Giants and Jets actually play in New Jersey, but since New Jersey didn't claim them, I lumped them with the other five teams.

The Yankees lead all of the franchises of the four major sports with 27 championships. In their 99-year existence, the Yankees have 50 playoff appearances, 40 AL Pennants. This is a team that is expected to win, each and every year.

The Mets joined the National League in 1962. In 50 years they have only made the playoff seven times, with four NL Pennants and two World Series titles, the last coming in 1986.

The football Giants joined the NFL in 1925. In 87 seasons they have made the playoffs 30 times winning a total of seven titles, six NFL Championships, and one Super Bowl title following the 2007 season.

The Jets started play in 1963, after playing three seasons as the Titans. In 49 seasons the Jets have made 14 trips to the playoffs. They won Super Bowl III in 1969 for their only title. 

The Knicks joined the NBA in 1946. In their 66th season they have made 40 postseason appearances with eight trips to the NBA Finals, winning two titles, the last coming in 1973.

The Rangers started play in the NHL in 1926. In their 85th season they have 53 playoff appearances, making 10 trips to the Stanley Cup Finals, winning four titles. Their most recent championship came in 1994, defeating Canucks in seven games.

The Islanders are the city's youngest team, joining the NHL in 1972. In 30 seasons they have 21 playoff appearances. They dominated the NHL in the early 80's, winning the Stanley Cup Finals four straight seasons from 1980 to 1983. Their last trip to the Finals came in 1984 when the lost in five games to the Oilers.

Combined these seven teams dominate the ranking. They have played 475 seasons, with 215 postseason appearances, a .494 winning percentage since 1960, and 47 total titles.