Think your hometown teams are a bunch of losers? Hey, Chicago, we've all been there. Some of us, though, have been there longer than most.
Which brings us to the first-ever ranking of the Losingest Sports Cities in North America. That's all-time, for all four of the Big Four sports. Yes, that's right. We looked at every city in the U.S. and Canada that has an NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB team today -- then went back in history to account for every franchise that stayed for the long haul, just passed through or died a sad death.
Next, we added up the wins, losses and ties (presented in that order), and calculated that locale's overall losing percentage (NFL stats are from 1920; AFL are from 1966; NHL are from 1926/27; NBA are from 1946/47; MLB from 1900).
Of course, the bottom of any list of losers is the start of another list of winners. So if that's how you like to look at life, here's our losers list bottoms-up.
Is any of this scientific? Kind of. Fair? Probably not. Fun? You tell us.
For a closer look at losing, losers and losses big and small, check out "Stat Factory" in the current issue of ESPN The Magazine (on newsstands April 12):
| 1. COLUMBUS | Record: 150-282-33 (.653 losing percentage) |
Teams:
• NHL: Blue Jackets (2000-2007): 139-216-33-19-3
• NFL: Panhandles/Tigers (defunct; 1920-1926): 11-44-1
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2. TAMPA | Record: 1,137-1,725-113 (.603) |
Teams:
• NHL: Lightning (1992-2007): 371-520-112-29-4
• NFL: Bucs (1976-2007): 187-296-1
• MLB: Devil Rays (1998-2007): 579-876
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3. VANCOUVER | Record: 1,167-1,690-391 (.592) |
Teams:
• NHL: Canucks (1970-2007): 1066-1299-391-28-4
• NBA: Grizzlies (1996-2001): 101-359
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4. NEW ORLEANS | Record: 552-791-5 (.589) |
Teams:
• NFL: Saints (1967-2007): 247-358-5
• NBA: Hornets (2003-2007): 144-184, Jazz (1975-1979): 161-249
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5. SAN JOSE | Record: 426-569-121 (.572) |
Teams:
• NHL: Sharks (1991-2007): 426-531-121-31-7
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6. SAN DIEGO | Record: 3,374-4,091-7 (.548) |
Teams:
• NFL: Chargers (1966-2007): 289-328-7
• NBA: Clippers (1979-1984): 186-306, Rockets (1968-1971): 119-209
• MLB: Padres (1969-2007): 2,780-3,248
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7. CHARLOTTE | Record: 676-796-0 (.541) |
Teams:
• NFL: Panthers (1995-2007): 90-102-0
• NBA: Bobcats (2005-2007): 44-120, Hornets (1989-2002): 542-574
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8. SACRAMENTO | Record: 781-909-0 (.538) |
Teams:
• NBA: Kings (1986-2007): 781-909
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9. WASHINGTON, D.C. | Record: 7,923-9,158-326 (.536) |
Teams:
• NHL: Capitals (1974-2007): 1,040-1,104-303-23-6
• NFL: Redskins (1937-2007): 496-450-23, Senators (defunct; 1921): 2-2-0
• NBA: Wizards (1998-2007): 294-412, Bullets (1974-1997): 934-1,034, Capitols (defunct; 1947-1951): 42-61
• MLB: Nationals (2005-2007): 152-172: Senators (1901-1960): 4,223-4,864, Senators (1961-1971): 740-1,030
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10. KANSAS CITY | Record: 4,774-5,445-33 (.533) |
Teams:
• NHL: Scouts (1974-1976): 27-110-23-0-0
• NFL: Chiefs (1966-2007): 330-285-9, Blues/Cowboys (defunct; 1924-1926): 12-15-1
• NBA: Kings (1976-1985): 381-439, KC/Omaha Kings (1973-1975): 113-133
• MLB: Royals (1969-2007): 2934-3083: Athletics (1955-1967): 829-1224, Packers (Fed League; 1914-1915): 148-156
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11. OTTAWA | Record: 554-628-170 (.531) |
Teams:
• NHL: Senators (1926-1934; 1993-2007): 554-599-170-23-6
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12. NASHVILLE | Record: 313-345-60 (.524) |
Teams:
• NHL: Predators (1998-2007): 232-253-60-26-3
• NFL: Titans (1998-2007): 81-63-0
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13. MEMPHIS | Record: 203-223-0 (.523) |
Teams:
• NFL: Oilers (1997): 8-8
• NBA: Grizzlies (2002-2007): 195-215
|
14. ARLINGTON | Record: 2,676-2,858-0 (.5164) |
Teams:
• MLB: Rangers (1972-2007): 2,676-2,858
|
15. DENVER | Record: 3,471-3,698-197 (.5158) |
Teams:
• NHL: Avalanche (1995-2007): 443-246-101-24-6, Rockies (1976-1982): 113-281-86-0-0
• NFL: Broncos (1966-2007): 349-268-7
• NBA: Nuggets (1976-2007): 1,117-1,311, Nuggets (ABA; 1975-1976): 125-43, Rockets (ABA; 1968-2004): 288-288, Nuggets (defunct; 1950): 11-51
• MLB: Rockies (1993-2007): 1025-1180
|
16. PHILADELPHIA | Record: 15,823-16,850-486 (.5157) |
Teams:
• NHL: Flyers (1967-2007): 1,513-1,014-457-24-6, Quakers (1930-1931): 4-36-4-0-0
• NFL: Eagles (1933-1942; 1944-2007): 466-512-24, Phi/Pitt Eagles/Steelers (1943): 5-4-1
• NBA: 76ers (1964-2007): 1,850-1,637, Warriors (1950-1962): 468-467
• MLB: Phillies/Blue Jays (1900-2007): 7,631-8,902, Athletics (1901-1954): 3,886-4,248
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17. ORLANDO | Record: 660-702-0 (.5154) |
Teams:
• NBA: Magic (1990-2007): 660-702
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18. ANAHEIM | Record: 3,410-3,625-107 (.5152) |
Teams:
• NHL: Ducks (1993-2007): 381-427-107-30-7
• MLB: Angels (California/Anaheim; 1966-2004): 3,029-3,161
|
19. MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL | Record: 5,970-6,288-401 (.513) |
Teams:
• NHL: Wild (2000-2006): 161-168-55-23-3, North Stars (1967-1993): 758-970-334-0-0
• NFL: Vikings (1961-2006): 376-308-10, Marines/Red Jackets (defunct; 1921-1924; 1929-1930): 6-33-4
• NBA: T'wolves (1990-2007): 595-767, Lakers (1950-1960): 413-366
• MLB: Twins (1961-2006): 3,661-3,650
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20. MIAMI | Record: 2,480-2,595-146 (.511) |
Teams:
• NHL: Panthers (1993-2007): 359-406-142-40-5
• NFL: Dolphins (1966-2007): 368-252-4
• NBA: Heat (1989-2007): 712-732
• MLB: Marlins (1993-2007): 1,041-1,160
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21. RALEIGH | Record: 212-220-60 (.509) |
Teams:
• NHL: Hurricanes (1999-2007) [in Greensboro 1997/98 - 98/99]: 212-192-60-26-2
|
22. OAKLAND | Record: 4,968-5,137-127 (.5083) |
Teams:
• NHL: Seals (1967-1976): 182-401-115-0-0
• NFL: Raiders (1995-2007; 1966-1981): 278-218-12
• NBA: Warriors (1972-2007): 1,260-1,578
• MLB: Athletics (1968-2007): 3,248-2,940
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23. TORONTO | Record: 4,968-5,137-127 (.5079) |
Teams:
• NHL: Maple Leafs (1926-2007): 2,347-2,251-778-19-7
• NBA: Raptors (1996-2007): 341-529
• MLB: Blue Jays (1977-2007): 2,345-2,390
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24. ST. LOUIS | Record: 14,334-14,692-454 (.5062) |
Teams:
• NHL: Blues (1967-2007): 1,309-1,240-432-25-8, Eagles (1934-1935): 11-31-6-0-0
• NFL: Rams (1995-2007): 100-92-0, Cardinals (1960-1987): 186-202-14, Gunners (1934): 1-2-0, All-Stars (1923): 1-4-2
• NBA: Hawks (1956-1968): 553-452, Bombers (defunct; 1950): 26-42
• MLB: Cardinals (1900-2007): 8,584-7,972, Browns (1902-1953): 3,414-4,466 ,Terriers (Fed League; 1914-1915): 149-156
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25. SEATTLE | Record: 4,221-4,326-0 (.5061) |
Teams:
• NFL: Seahawks (1976-2007): 236-248-0
• NBA: SuperSonics (1968-2007): 1,694-1,472
• MLB: Mariners (1977-2007): 2,227-2,508, Pilots (1969): 64-98
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26. ATLANTA | Record: 5,540-5,636-153 (.504) |
Teams:
• NHL: Thrashers (1999-2007): 161-258-45-23-5, Flames (1972-1980): 268-260-108-0-0
• NFL: Falcons (1966-2007): 252-366
• NBA: Hawks (1969-2007): 1,511-1,573
• MLB: Braves (1966-2007): 3,348-3,151
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27. CINCINNATI | Record: 9,143-9,236-2 (.503) |
Teams:
• NFL: Bengals (1968-2007): 261-334-1, Reds (1933-1934): 3-14-1, Celts (1921): 1-3-0
• NBA: Royals (1958-1972): 555-634
• MLB: Reds/Redlegs (1900-2007): 8,323-8,251
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28. HOUSTON | Record: 5,267-5,272-5 (.500) |
Teams:
• NFL: Texans (2002-2007): 24-56-0, Oilers (1966-1996): 206-253-5
NBA: Rockets (1972-2007): 1,458-1,380
MLB: Astros /Colt .45s (1962-2007): 3,579-3,583
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29. MILWAUKEE | Record: 5,729-5,713-6 (.4993) |
Teams:
• NFL: Badgers (defunct; 1922-1926): 16-27-6
• NBA: Bucks (1969-2007): 1,656-1,428, Hawks (1952-1955): 91-190
• MLB: Brewers (1970-2007): 2,772-3,089, Braves (1953-1965): 1146-890, Brewers (1901 [today's Balt Orioles]): 48-89
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30. CLEVELAND | Record: 10,204-10,173-46 (.4992) |
Teams:
• NHL: Barons (1976-1978): 47-87-26-0-0
• NFL: Browns (1950-1995; 1999-2007): 414-354-10, Rams (1937-1945): 34-50-2, Indians/Bulldogs (defunct; 1923-1925; 1927; 1931): 25-22-6, Tigers (defunct; 1920-1921): 4-9-2
• NBA: Cavs (1971-2007): 1,299-1,621
• MLB: Indians/Naps/Bronchos/Blues (1901-2007): 8,381-8,030
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31. CHICAGO | Record: 21,579-21,317-879 (.497) |
Teams:
• NHL: Blackhawks (1926-2007): 2,202-2,351-814-29-6
• NFL: Bears/Staleys (1921-2007): 660-481-40, Cardinals (1920-1959 **see 1945**): 161-258-24, Tigers (defunct; 1920): 1-5-1
• NBA: Bulls (1967-2007): 1,654-1,593, Zephyrs (1963): 25-55, Packers (1961-1962): 18-62, Stags (defunct; 1950): 40-28
• MLB: White Sox (1901-2007): 8,300-8,092, Cubs/Orphans (1900-2007): 8,345-8,224, Whales/Chi-Feds (Fed League; 1914-1915): 173-133
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32. PITTSBURGH | Record: 10,429-10,242-427 (.495) |
Teams:
• NHL: Penguins (1967-2007): 1,221-1,373-383-31-6, Pirates (1926-1930): 67-122-23-0-0
• NFL: Steelers/Pirates (1933-1942; 1945-2007): 497-479-20, Chi/Pitt Cardinals/Steelers (1944): 0-10-0 , Phi/Pitt Eagles/Steelers (1943): 5-4-1
• MLB: Pirates (1900-2007): 8,489-8,064
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33. BALTIMORE | Record: 5,414-5,296-8 (.4944) |
Teams:
• NFL: Ravens (1996-2007): 91-84-1 , Colts (1953-1983): 221-194-7, Colts (defunct; 1950): 1-11
• NBA: Bullets (1964-1973): 401-412, Bullets (defunct; 1950-1954): 101-241
• MLB: Orioles (1954-2007): 4,350-4,024, Terrapins (Fed League; 1914-1915): 131-177, Orioles (later the NY Yankees; 1901-1902): 118-153
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34. DETROIT | Record: 13,143-12,841-846 (.4941) |
Teams:
• NHL: Red Wings (1932-2007): 2319-2018-773-21-3, Falcons (1930-1932): 34-41-17-0-0, Cougars (1926-1930): 64-87-25-0-0
• NFL: Lions (1934-2007): 453-528-25, Wolverines (defunct; 1928): 7-2-1, Panthers (1925-1926): 12-8-4, Tigers (defunct; 1921): 1-5-1, Heralds (defunct; 1920): 1-3-0
• NBA: Pistons (1958-2007): 1,936-2,009
• MLB:: Tigers (1901-2007): 8,316-8,117
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35. BUFFALO | Record: 2,044-1,986-425 (.493) |
Teams:
• NHL: Sabres (1970-2007): 1,309-1,046-409-19-5
NFL: Bills (1966-2007): 287-333-4, Bisons/Rangers/All-Americans (defunct; 1920-1927; 1929): 35-37-12
NBA: Braves (1971-1978): 259-397
MLB: Bisons ([Blues/Buffeds]; Fed League; 1914-1915): 154-149
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36. INDIANAPOLIS | Record: 2,028-1,934-0 (.488) |
Teams:
• NFL: Colts (1984-2007): 181-187-0
• NBA: Pacers (1977-2006): 1200-1228, Pacers (ABA; 1968-1976): 427-317, Olympians (defunct; 1950-1953): 132-137
• MLB: Hoosiers (Fed League; 1914): 88-65
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37. DALLAS | Record: 2,118-2,013-131 (.48729) |
Teams:
• NHL: Stars (1993-2007): 500-302-125-24-1
• NFL: Cowboys (1960-2007): 401-299-6, Texans (defunct; 1952): 1-11
• NBA: Mavs (1981-2007): 984-1116, Dallas/Texas Chaparrals (ABA; 1968-1973): 232-260
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38. BOSTON | Record: 17,563-16,689-798 (.48724) |
Teams:
• NHL: Bruins (1926-2007): 2,570-1,995-787-42-8
• NFL: Patriots (NE/Boston; 1966-2007): 306-315-3, Yanks (defunct; 1944-1948): 14-38-3, Redskins (1933-1936): 20-24-3, Braves (1932): 4-4-2, Bulldogs (defunct; 1929): 4-4-0
• NBA: Celtics (1950-1957): 2,703-1,804
• MLB: Red Sox/Americans (1901-2007): 8,444-7,960, Braves/Bees/Rustlers/Doves/Beaneaters (1900-1952): 3,498-4,495
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39. SAN FRANCISCO | Record: 4,741-4,428-13 (.483) |
Teams:
• NFL: 49ers (1950-2007): 445-368-13
• NBA: Warriors (1963-1971): 330-399
• MLB: Giants (1958-2007): 3,966-36,61
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40. PHOENIX | Record: 2,848-2,642-94 (.481) |
Teams:
• NHL: Coyotes (1996-2007): 317-298-94-26-3
• NFL: Cardinals (1988-2007): 105-199-0
• NBA: Suns (1969-2007): 1,698-1,386
• MLB: D'backs (1998-2007): 728-730
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41. NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY | Record: 31,343-28,765-1,568 (.479) |
Teams:
• NHL: Rangers (1926-2007): 2275-2287-808-28-4, Islanders (1972-2007): 1148-1117-347-17-3, Devils (1982-2007): 840-748-219-25-4, NY Americans (1926-1941): 239-373-124-0-0, Brooklyn Americans (1941-1942): 16-29-3-0-0
• NFL: Giants (1925-2007): 596-500-33, Jets (1966-2007): 284-335-5, NY Yanks/Bulldogs (1949-1951): 9-24-3, Brooklyn Tigers/Boston Yanks (1945): 3-6-1, Brooklyn Tigers/Dodgers (1930-1944): 60-100-9, Staten Island Stapeltons (1929-1932): 14-22-9, Orange/Newark Tornadoes (1929-1930): 4-14-5, NY Yankees (1927-1928): 11-16-2, Brooklyn Lions (1926): 3-8-0, Giants (defunct; 1921): 0-2-0
• NBA: Knicks (1950-2007): 2275-2228, Nets (1977-2007): 1041-1387, Nets (ABA; 1969-1976): 338-328, Americans (ABA; 1968): 36-42
• MLB: Yankees/Highlanders (1903-2007): 9171-6941, Mets (1962-2007): 3408-3742, New York Giants (1900-1957): 4853-3922, Brooklyn Dodgers/Robins/Superbas (1900-1957): 4492-4282, Newark Pepper (Fed League; 1915): 80-72, Brooklyn Tip-Tops (Fed League; 1914-1915): 147-159
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42. LOS ANGELES | Record: 9,396-8,478-443 (.477) |
Teams:
• NHL: Kings (1967-2007): 1,203-1,356-424-30-1
• NFL: Raiders (1982-1994): 118-82-0, Rams (1946-1994): 364-299-18, Buccaneers (defunct; 1926): 6-3-1
• NBA: Lakers (1961-2007): 2,349-1,377, Clippers (1985-2007): 619-1,153
• MLB: Dodgers (1958-2007): 4,170-3,612, Angels (2005-2007; 1961-1965): 567-565
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43. JACKSONVILLE | Record: 102-90-0 (.469) |
Teams:
• NFL: Jaguars (1995-2007): 102-90-0
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44. PORTLAND | Record: 1,556-1,364-0 (.4671) |
Teams:
• NBA: Trail Blazers (1971-2007): 1556-1364
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45. CALGARY | Record: 920-805-271 (.4666) |
Teams:
• NHL: Flames (1980-2007): 920-775-271-23-7
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46. MONTREAL | Record: 5,773-4,968-915 (.463) |
Teams:
• NHL: Canadiens (1926-2007): 2,776-1,760-831-32-3, Maroons (1926-1938): 242-230-84-0-0
• MLB: Expos (1969-2004): 2,755-2,943
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47. EDMONTON | Record: 981-833-262 (.459) |
Teams:
• NHL: Oilers (1979-2007): 981-791-262-33-9
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48. GREEN BAY | Record: 624-501-36 (.455) |
Teams:
• NFL: Packers (1921-2007): 624-501-36
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49. SALT LAKE CITY | Record: 1,227-955 (.438) |
Teams:
• NBA: Jazz (1980-2007): 1227-955
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50. SAN ANTONIO: | Record: 1,581-1,099-0 (.410) |
Teams:
• NBA: Spurs (1977-2007): 1435-993, Spurs (ABA; 1974-1976): 146-106
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