16 Forgotten ’80s Sports Leagues That Shut Down
This list highlights 16 forgotten sports leagues from the 1980s that shut down after ambitious but short-lived runs.
- Daisy Montero
- 5 min read
The 1980s had a lot of new sports leagues trying to make it big, but many of them did not last. Some had wild ideas, others had big stars, but most shut down after just a few seasons. This list looks back at 16 of those leagues and what made them stand out before they disappeared.
1. Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
Major Indoor Soccer League on Wikimedia Commons
The MISL brought fast-paced indoor soccer to American arenas and became a surprise hit in the early ’80s. The games were loud, flashy, and played like a mix of soccer and hockey, drawing in a loyal fanbase. Despite its popularity in certain cities, rising costs and weak national exposure caused the league to fold in 1992.
2. Senior Professional Baseball Association
Keith Allison on Flickr on Wikimedia Commons
This league gave baseball legends a second chance to shine, with players aged 35 and up taking the field in Florida. Fans loved seeing familiar names again, but the novelty quickly wore off. After just two seasons, low attendance and financial issues shut it down.
3. United States Football League (USFL)
United States Football League on Wikimedia Commons
The USFL was bold enough to challenge the NFL, even signing top college talent and expanding rapidly. It offered spring football and initially gained serious momentum. However, risky business moves and a failed lawsuit against the NFL ended the league by 1985.
4. Arena Football League (Original AFL)
Crash Underride on Wikimedia Commons
The original version of the Arena Football League launched in 1987 and gave fans a fresh way to enjoy football indoors. The smaller field and high scores made it exciting, but the league struggled to find stability. It folded quickly, though later versions brought the concept back for years.
5. Pro-Am Coffee Pro Cycling Circuit
Granada on Wikimedia Commons
This short-lived cycling league tried to mix local talent with former pros in fast-paced road races. The events often took place in small towns and relied on coffee brand sponsorships. Despite a passionate cycling crowd, the league lacked funding and faded quietly.
6. Super League American Rugby (SLAR)
Superliga Americana de Rugby on Wikimedia Commons
SLAR was one of the first real attempts to bring pro rugby to the U.S. during the late ’80s. A few teams launched in college towns, hoping to build a grassroots fanbase. Unfortunately, poor infrastructure and a lack of TV support doomed the league early.
7. World Team Tennis (Original Revival)
World TeamTennis on Wikimedia Commons
After its initial success in the ’70s, World Team Tennis tried a comeback in the ’80s using a co-ed team format. Big-name players joined briefly, but fan turnout was disappointing. The league was shut down again, though its format lived on in future revivals.
8. International Swimming League Precursor
ISL on Wikimedia Commons
Long before today’s pro swim circuits, the ’80s saw a quiet attempt to create a televised swimming league. It featured top-level talent but had very little exposure. Without sponsorship and network backing, it quickly dried up.
9. World Indoor Boxing Federation
Jennifer A. Villalovos on Wikimedia Commons
Hoping to freshen up boxing, this league used a tournament format inside small arenas. The fights were real, but the production felt more like a TV show than a sporting event. Viewers never really caught on, and the league vanished after one season.
10. Professional Rowing League
Lenny Ellipse on Wikimedia Commons
In 1985, rowing fans were excited by the idea of a professional league with regular races and team rivalries. It launched with big dreams and athlete support, but the logistics were difficult to manage. The league sank under the weight of its own ambitions.
11. Women’s Professional Field Hockey League
Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wikimedia Commons
This league was created to give female athletes a chance to play professionally after college. Despite strong teams and dedicated players, it could not attract enough fans or sponsors. It quietly ended in the late ’80s, though it helped push the sport forward.
12. American Hockey Association (Roller Hockey)
Thadius856 (SVG conversion) & Parutakupiu (original image) on Wikimedia Commons
Roller hockey boomed in the ’80s, and this league hoped to capitalize by turning it into a national sport. The games were quick and fun, but most teams lacked real support. After just one season, it folded due to poor planning and low turnout.
13. World Class Boxing Series
The U.S. Army on Wikimedia Commons
This league promised a new way to watch boxing — structured seasons, rankings, and live shows. It had talent but struggled to get consistent airtime. By the end of the year, it quietly disappeared, leaving few traces behind.
14. Pro Running Circuit of America
www.twin-loc.fr on wikimedia commons
This running league aimed to create a series of competitive road races with cash prizes and media coverage. The routes were scenic, but expenses kept piling up. Without enough sponsors, the league was forced to shut down after only a few events.
15. Women’s Indoor Soccer League
Sgt. Jennifer Spradlin on Wikimedia Commons
This league debuted in 1986, giving female soccer players a professional stage in an indoor setting. The talent was impressive, but they struggled to find proper venues and consistent funding. It ended quickly but laid the groundwork for future leagues.
16. Celebrity Charity Sports League
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shawn Gentile/Released on Wikimedia Commons
This short-lived league featured actors and musicians playing sports for charity on national TV. It drew some ratings at first thanks to star power and silly moments. However, high production costs and waning interest led to its swift cancellation.