16 Forgotten ’80s Sports Teams That No Longer Exist
Here's a look back at the sports teams from the 1980s that once captured attention but eventually faded from the spotlight.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
The 1980s were a prime era for sports franchises that came and went in the blink of an eye. Unfortunately, they didn’t survive the test of time. These 16 teams are now buried deep in the sports archives.
1. Chicago Blitz (USFL)
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Despite a solid roster and coaching from George Allen, the Blitz never found their footing. Ownership swaps and off-field chaos plagued them early on. Attendance dropped fast, and by 1985, they were gone.
2. San Diego Sockers (NASL Version)
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Before becoming an indoor soccer powerhouse, the Sockers tried their hand in the outdoor NASL. Poor attendance and financial losses doomed them.
3. Boston Breakers (USFL)
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A nomadic team, the Breakers played in three different cities over the course of three years. Boston never fully embraced them, and stadium issues didn’t help. Despite decent play, they couldn’t find a true home.
4. Denver Dynamite (Arena Football League)
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An electric debut in 1987 with strong attendance and a championship. However, ownership bailed after one season due to financial worries.
5. Kansas City Kings (NBA)
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Struggled with identity and performance throughout the ’80s. The franchise relocated to Sacramento in 1985 seeking a fresh start. While the name “Kings” survived, the KC chapter closed quietly.
6. Tampa Bay Bandits (USFL)
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Led by Steve Spurrier and packed with charisma, the Bandits had style. They even drew strong local support. However, the USFL’s collapse also took them down.
7. Calgary Boomers (NASL)
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Imported from Memphis in 1981, they barely lasted a season. Despite solid talent, they couldn’t generate fan interest. Losses piled up, and the team folded in under a year.
8. Baltimore Stars (USFL)
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Formerly the Philadelphia Stars, they moved due to stadium issues. On-field, they were dominant — but off-field, Baltimore never clicked. Fan interest was low, and USFL instability didn’t help.
9. Los Angeles Express (USFL)
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Armed with big contracts and big promises, they had stars like Steve Young. However, spending outran profits quickly. Poor crowds at the Coliseum spelled trouble.
10. Washington Federals (USFL)
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Plagued by poor play and worse attendance. Fans were never interested, and management didn’t help. Eventually moved and rebranded as the Orlando Renegades.
11. Portland Breakers (USFL)
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After stops in Boston and New Orleans, the Breakers landed in Portland. The nomadic lifestyle wore them down. Fans couldn’t invest in a team that kept moving.
12. Cleveland Force (Original MISL)
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Known for wild indoor soccer matches and big crowds early on. However, debt and mismanagement piled up. By the late ’80s, they folded despite efforts to stay afloat.
13. Oklahoma Outlaws (USFL)
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Started in Tulsa, but fans never showed in big numbers. Ownership tried to merge with Arizona, creating more instability. Their short life was filled with promise but no delivery.
14. Detroit Express (NASL)
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With decent success in the late ’70s, they fizzled out by the early ’80s. Soccer just didn’t stick in Detroit. The NASL’s own struggles made survival impossible.
15. Memphis Showboats (USFL)
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One of the USFL’s more exciting teams with solid support. Reggie White starred before his NFL days. Despite potential, league collapse ended their run early.
16. Las Vegas Americans (MISL)
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High hopes for pro indoor soccer in Vegas didn’t last long. Financial woes and weak support tanked them in one season. Even a flashy roster couldn’t save them. Another quick flameout in sports desert history.