Watching a beloved sports team win a championship can be one of the great joys in life, as years of cheering and watching finally pay off with the ultimate prize. Some sports fans are lucky and get to watch their favored franchises establish dynasties and win multiple championships. But not everyone is so fortunate. Many people across the U.S. root for teams that consistently fail to win championships.
Many factors can make a fan base miserable. The most obvious is, of course, prolonged stretches of losing seasons. Any team in the playoffs has a shot at winning a championship, and even one postseason round can get fans excited. But teams like the Sacramento Kings, Seattle Mariners, and Cleveland Browns haven’t played one playoff game in over a decade — and show no signs of turning around their fortunes any time soon.
Prolonged losing stretches can make a fan base apathetic, but what may be more gut-wrenching is getting close to a championship and losing it at the last moment. The Atlanta Falcons blew a 25 point lead in the 2017 Super Bowl, and the Texas Rangers were within a strike of bringing home the 2011 World Series. Though they came close, neither franchise has ever won a championship.
The pain of watching a team struggle is tough, but it doesn’t compare to the disappointment of losing a team all together. Franchise owners will sometimes move their team to a new city in the hopes of getting a better stadium, more tax revenue, or simply because they don’t like their current city — leaving fans who grew up rooting for that team with no one to cheer for. The Rams and Chargers of the NFL recently moved to Los Angeles, leaving the cities of St. Louis and San Diego with no hometown team to support.
Each of the four major sports leagues have changed a lot since they were first founded. Foul balls weren’t counted as strikes in the early days of professional baseball. The NBA didn’t introduce 3-pointers until 1979. The Browns were the dominant franchise in the NFL during the 1950s, but most Browns fans likely weren’t around for those days. Each league has absorbed or merged with a rival league at some point. Because of these changes, we only included statistics and championships that came in what is conventionally considered the modern era of each of the four major sports.
24/7 Wall St. reviewed modern-era histories of teams in the four major American sports leagues — NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL — to determine which teams were hardest to cheer for based on playoff appearances, championships won, championships lost, overall record, and number of times a franchise moved.
Click here to see the 25 hardest teams to root for.
Source: Duane Burleson / Getty Images
25. Detroit Tigers
> World Series titles: 4
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 16 (in 115 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 3
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .505
The Detroit Tigers can claim four World Series titles, but modern Tiger fans likely won’t remember most of them as Detroit won in 1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984. Since that 1984 title, the Tigers have lost two World Series and three American League Championship Series. The Tigers now appear to be in rebuilding mode — they’ve missed the playoffs the last three seasons and traded ace pitcher Justin Verlander in 2017.
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Source: Dave Sandford / Getty Images
24. Buffalo Sabres
> Stanley Cups: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 29 (in 47 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 7
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .536
In the 1990s, the Buffalo Sabres made the playoffs in all but one season. Even during their terrific seasons, the Sabres made the Stanley Cup Finals just once and lost, just as they did in 1975. These days, the Sabres are struggling mightily. Buffalo has missed the playoffs the last seven seasons.
Source: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images
23. Florida Panthers
> Stanley Cups: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 5 (in 24 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 2
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .496
The Florida Panthers have made the playoffs just five times in the 24 years of the franchise’s existence. In the Panthers’ third season, the team made the Stanley Cup Finals but lost. Since then, they’ve never made it past the first round of the playoffs.
Source: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images
22. Memphis Grizzlies
> Modern-era championships: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 10 (in 23 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 1
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .413
Before moving to Memphis, the Vancouver Grizzlies were an abysmal an expansion franchise. The team never won more than 23 games in a season and never finished higher than sixth in their division. The Grizzlies have had some winning seasons since moving to Memphis, but they almost always lost in the first round of playoffs.
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Source: Grant Halverson / Getty Images
21. Carolina Hurricanes
> Stanley Cups: 1
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 13 (in 38 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 9
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .479
The Carolina Hurricanes, once known as the Hartford Whalers, won the Stanley Cup in 2006. Since then, things have been rough for the franchise. The Hurricanes have only made the playoffs once and are in the midst of an NHL-long nine year playoff drought. When you consider that most teams in the NHL make the playoffs, it is a staggering amount of futility.
Source: Hannah Foslien / Getty Images
20. Minnesota Timberwolves
> Modern-era championships: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 9 (in 29 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 0
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .397
The Minnesota Timberwolves are the epitome of a boom or bust franchise. The team missed the playoffs in its first seven seasons. After drafting Kevin Garnett, the T-wolves made the playoffs eight straight years, but they were bounced in the first round seven times. Since then, Minnesota had a 13-year playoff drought before snapping it in the 2017-2018 season.
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Source: Marianne Helm / Getty Images
19. Winnipeg Jets
> Stanley Cups: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 3 (in 18 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 0
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .487
After losing the first iteration of the Jets in 1996, Winnipeg got its team back in 2011, when the Thrashers left Atlanta. Unfortunately for Jets fans, the Thrashers were one of the worst franchises in the NHL, only making the playoffs once in 11 seasons. Things are looking up for Winnipeg, though, as the Jets had their best ever performance during the 2017-2018 season.
Source: Andy Lyons / Getty Images
18. Cincinnati Bengals
> Super Bowls: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 14 (in 50 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 2
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .455
Under head coach Marvin Lewis, the Cincinnati Bengals have made the playoffs seven times in the last 13 seasons. They’ve lost in the wild card round each time. Cincinnati has gotten as far as the Super Bowl twice, but lost both times.
Source: Jeff Vinnick / Getty Images
17. Vancouver Canucks
> Stanley Cups: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 27 (in 47 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 3
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .487
The Vancouver Canucks are one of just eight teams with a multi-year playoff drought. Making matters worse, Vancouver’s all-time leading goal scorer Daniel Sedin and his twin brother and all-time Canuck points leader Henrik announced their retirement. The Sedins led Vancouver to five straight first place finishes in their division, but they never could bring home the Stanley Cup, losing to the Boston Bruins in the Finals in 2011.
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Source: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images
16. Baltimore Orioles
> World Series titles: 3
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 14 (in 115 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 1
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .474
The Baltimore Orioles may not seem like a tough team to cheer for with three World Series titles, but the team also lost four championship series and their latest World Series was 34 years ago. The franchise got off to a rocky start as the St. Louis Browns. The team missed the playoffs for over 40 seasons. After losing the 1944 World Series, the franchise missed the playoffs for another two decades. In the midst of the losing streak, the Browns picked up and left for Baltimore after the 1953 season.
Source: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
15. Atlanta Falcons
> Super Bowls: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 14 (in 52 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 0
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .439
Though the Atlanta Falcons have been an NFC contender since they drafted quarterback Matt Ryan, they have never been able to bring a championship to Atlanta. The Falcons seemed poised to win the first Super Bowl in franchise history in 2017 but blew a 28-3 lead in the second half, giving the New England Patriots yet another title.
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Source: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images
14. Detroit Lions
> Super Bowls: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 12 (in 52 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 1
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .416
The Detroit Lions have struggled mightily in the Super Bowl era and have rarely given their fans any optimism. The Lions have only made the playoffs a dozen times over the past 52 seasons, and they’ve never made it to the Super Bowl. In fact, the Lions have only made one NFC Championship game. In 2008, the Lions became the first team to go 0-16.
Source: Brett Carlsen / Getty Images
13. Buffalo Bills
> Super Bowls: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 15 (in 52 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 0
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .458
Few franchises in sports have had a more agonizing stretch than the Buffalo Bills in the early 1990s. The Bills, led by Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly, lost four straight Super Bowls starting in 1991. The situation went from bad to worse, as the Bills missed the playoffs for 17 straight seasons before finally snapping the drought in 2017.
Source: Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images
12. Los Angeles Chargers
> Super Bowls: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 13 (in 52 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 4
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .492
Despite having some great teams, the Los Angeles Chargers have never been able to bring home a Super Bowl. Drew Brees and LaDainian Tomlinson could never get the team to perform well in the playoffs. Before that, the Chargers made it to one Super Bowl where they were soundly defeated by the San Francisco 49ers. Much to the dismay of fans in San Diego, the Chargers moved to Los Angeles, where they risk becoming an afterthought since the Los Angeles Rams have several exciting young players like Todd Gurley and Jared Goff.
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Source: Justin Merriman / Getty Images
11. Cleveland Indians
> World Series titles: 2
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 13 (in 115 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 0
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .509
Cleveland sports franchises have a history of treating their fans to crushing disappointments. The most recent example came when the Indians lost the 2016 World Series in extra innings at home to the Chicago Cubs. The Indians now own the longest championship drought in baseball at 69 years. The Indians also lost the Word Series in 1997 and 1995.
Source: Christian Petersen / Getty Images
10. Arizona Coyotes
> Stanley Cups: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 19 (in 38 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 6
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .477
Arizona isn’t known for its hockey, and with the Arizona Coyotes it’s easy to see why. The Coyotes have never won a Stanley Cup or even appeared in the finals. Most of the Coyotes’ playoff appearances actually came when the franchise was known as the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets left Canada in 1996.
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Source: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images
9. Washington Nationals
> World Series titles: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 5 (in 49 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 0
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .487
It’s tough being a baseball fan in Washington D.C. largely because teams keep leaving. The Washington Senators have taken off for both Minnesota and Texas, leaving fans in the nation’s capital with no one to cheer for. The Nationals came to D.C. from Montreal and brought a history of disappointment. The Expos made the playoffs just once in 36 years. The Nationals have done better, reaching the postseason four times in the last six seasons — but they lost in the National League Divisional series each time.
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Source: Ron Jenkins / Getty Images
8. Texas Rangers
> World Series titles: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 8 (in 57 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 1
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .479
The Texas Rangers franchise got off to a lousy start, missing the playoffs for 35 straight years — including a decade as the Washington Senators. Once the Rangers got into the postseason, success continued to elude them. The best season in Rangers history ended in a game seven World Series loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Rangers were one strike away from winning the first championship in team history — twice. But the Cardinals came back to win a memorable game six in extra innings and break Rangers fans’ hearts.
Source: Warren Little / Getty Images
7. Brooklyn Nets
> Modern-era championships: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 19 (in 42 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 3
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .415
Even when the Brooklyn Nets were good, they were never quite good enough to win a championship. And when the Nets were bad, they were downright terrible. The Nets’ all-time winning percentage of just .415 is one of the lowest in the NBA. Point guard Jason Kidd led the Nets to two straight NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003, but they lost both times.
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Source: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images
6. Seattle Mariners
> World Series titles: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 4 (in 41 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 16
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .470
Despite having players such as Ken Griffey Jr., Alex Rodriguez, and Ichiro Suzuki in their primes, the Seattle Mariners have made the MLB playoffs just four times. Those four appearances came in a stretch of seven years and ended the year the team won 116 games — the most in any one season in baseball history. Still, the team lost in the American League Championship Series.
Source: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
5. San Diego Padres
> World Series titles: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 5 (in 49 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 11
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .462
No team in Major League Baseball loses more frequently than the San Diego Padres. The team’s all-time winning percentage of .462 is the lowest of any franchise. The Padres only make the playoffs about once in a decade on average. San Diego managed to get to two World Series, but played poorly in both. The Padres lost in five games in the 1984 World Series and were swept in the 1998 Fall Classic.
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Source: Patrick Smith / Getty Images
4. Arizona Cardinals
> Super Bowls: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 8 (in 52 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 2
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .431
The Arizona Cardinals may not jump to mind when thinking of the most downtrodden NFL franchises, but they’ve been difficult for fans to cheer for in many ways. Initially from Chicago, the Cardinals moved to St. Louis after the 1959 season, then left for Arizona 29 years later. The Cardinals have struggled on the field, only making the playoffs eight times in the Super Bowl era, the fewest of any team that has been around that long. The best season the Cardinals ever had led to a heartbreaking last-minute loss in the Super Bowl against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009.
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Source: Harry How / Getty Images
3. Los Angeles Clippers
> Modern-era championships: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 10 (in 42 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 1
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .400
The Los Angeles Clippers were originally known as the Buffalo Braves before becoming the San Diego Clippers. They later moved to Los Angeles and have never been able to achieve the success or notoriety of their crosstown rivals, the Lakers. The Clippers were the laughing stock of the NBA for years, but they made the playoffs six straight years with players like Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Both players were traded and the clippers missed the playoffs in 2018, so it looks like the team will have to rebuild.
Source: Matt Sullivan / Getty Images
2. Cleveland Browns
> Super Bowls: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 14 (in 52 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 15
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .426
When fans call a team’s stadium the “Factory of Sadness,” you know the franchise is struggling. After the 1995 season, the Browns moved to Baltimore, leaving Cleveland without an NFL team for three years. Ever since the team came back in 1999 they’ve been terrible, making the playoffs just once and winning 38 games in the last 10 seasons. They became the second team ever to go 0-16 last season. The Browns drafted Baker Mayfield first overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, and fans hope he isn’t the latest in a long string of failed quarterbacks.
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Source: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
1. Sacramento Kings
> Modern-era championships: 0
> Modern-era playoff appearances: 14 (in 42 seasons)
> Years since last playoff appearance: 12
> Modern-era win-loss percentage: .432
No team in basketball — or any other sport — has disappointed fans as much as the Sacramento Kings. Once a proud franchise that won a championship in 1951 as the Rochester Royals, the Kings have rarely made it to the playoffs since the NBA-ABA merger. The Royals moved to Cincinnati, then Kansas City before settling in California as the Kings in 1985. The Kings made the playoffs eight straight times starting in 1999, but they never got to the NBA Finals. Since that run, the Kings have missed the playoffs a dozen straight years. It can be tough to stay engaged with a team that struggles so much. Forbes ranked Kings fans as some of the least engaged fans in the NBA due to poor ticket sales and social media interaction. Unfortunately for those in Sacramento, the Kings are the only major sports team in town.
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