17 Defunct Sports Teams You Probably Forgot Existed
From forgotten franchises to lost legacies, these 17 defunct sports teams bring a whirlwind of nostalgia, controversy, and "what could've been" moments that sports fans will never truly forget.
- Alyana Aguja
- 6 min read
From the much-missed Seattle Supersonics to the elusive Hartford Whalers, the universe of former sports teams is replete with lost histories and ardent fan bases that continue to cling to their legacies. These teams, relocated, rebranded, or folded because of financial woes, left an indelible mark on their cities and sports culture. With every franchise is a individual tale of lost chances, contentious moves, and what might have been, which fills sports fans’ hearts with nostalgia and “what if” possibilities.
1. Seattle Supersonics (NBA, 1967–2008)
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The Supersonics were among the most popular franchises in NBA history, capturing a championship in 1979 and featuring stars such as Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp. Though they had a devoted fan base, the franchise was controversially moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 and renamed the Thunder. Seattle fans continue to dream of an NBA return, and expansion rumors keep their hopes alive.
2. Hartford Whalers (NHL, 1972–1997)
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Originally known as the New England Whalers in the WHA, they entered the NHL in 1979 and played in Hartford from 1979 to 1997. Known for their distinctive green-and-blue uniforms and the legendary “Brass Bonanza” goal horn, they were a small-market team with a loyal fan base. Having survived financial woes, they moved and became the Carolina Hurricanes, capturing a Stanley Cup in 2006.
3. Houston Oilers (1960–1996, NFL)
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A classic AFL franchise, the Oilers boasted their iconic powder blue colors and classic players such as Earl Campbell and Warren Moon. They relocated to Tennessee in 1997, playing temporarily as the Tennessee Oilers before becoming the Titans. Houston finally received a new team, the Texans, but traditionalists mourn the loss of the Oilers’ persona.
4. Montreal Expos (MLB, 1969–2004)
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As the first team in Canada of MLB, the Expos groomed legends Andre Dawson, Tim Raines, and Vladimir Guerrero. A hope-filled 1994 season ended in a strike, and they were eventually re-located after declining attendance when they became Washington Nationals in 2005. Montreal baseball buffs continue to long for baseball’s return as expansion talks retain the dream.
5. Vancouver Grizzlies (NBA, 1995–2001)
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One of two expansion franchises for Canada in 1995, the Grizzlies never caught on in Vancouver, winning no more than 23 games a year. Not even an enthusiastic fan base could overcome incompetent management and a weak roster, and they relocated to Memphis in 2001. The franchise has been successful in Tennessee, but Vancouver feels the loss of its sole NBA franchise.
6. Cleveland Barons (NHL, 1976–1978)
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The Barons were a short and forgettable fling in the NHL, lasting only two years before joining the Minnesota North Stars. They are the last major North American pro sports franchise to go out of business entirely instead of moving. Low attendance and financial issues killed them, an unusual footnote to hockey history.
7. New Jersey Generals (USFL, 1983–1985)
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Led by future U.S. President Donald Trump, the Generals were among the USFL’s flashiest franchises, featuring stars Herschel Walker and Doug Flutie. The team folded with the league in 1986 after a disastrous bid to challenge the NFL. The USFL briefly resurfaced in 2022, but the new Generals bore no true connection to the original franchise.
8. Kansas City Scouts (NHL, 1974–1976)
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Kansas City’s initial NHL venture only survived two seasons before financial difficulties compelled a move. The team initially became the Colorado Rockies before relocating again to New Jersey, where it remains today as the Devils. Although its tenure was brief, Kansas City is still talked about as a candidate for NHL expansion.
9. Chicago Stags (NBA, 1946–1950)
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The Stags were among the initial franchises of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), eventually the NBA. Although they had the first BAA Finals in 1947, the team folded in 1950 because of money issues. Ten years later, they lost most of their players and equipment to other teams, like the recently formed Chicago Bulls.
10. Baltimore Colts (NFL, 1953–1983)
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Before the Ravens, Baltimore previously had the Colts, a franchise with a rich history and legends of Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry. One of the greatest secret moves in NFL history saw the team make a midnight escape to Indianapolis in 1984. Baltimore would eventually welcome the Ravens in 1996, but some dyed-in-the-wool fans could never get over the Colts’ exodus.
11. St. Louis Browns (MLB, 1902–1953)
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The Browns spent five decades in the shadow of the St. Louis Cardinals, winning just one pennant in 1944. In 1954, they moved to Baltimore and became the Orioles, who have since had a far more successful history. The Browns are mostly remembered for eccentric promotions, including sending a one-armed batter to the plate.
12. Atlanta Thrashers (NHL, 1999–2011)
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Atlanta hockey has been a disappointment, and the Thrashers were no different. They were plagued by ownership problems and low attendance. Even after drafting stars such as Ilya Kovalchuk, the team never won a playoff game before relocating to Winnipeg as the resurrected Jets. Atlanta still hopes for another NHL team, but history doesn’t look promising.
13. San Diego Clippers (NBA, 1978–1984)
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Before being the Los Angeles Clippers, the franchise had six uneventful years in San Diego following their departure from Buffalo. Hounded by poor management and bad fortune, they could not attract fans in a town more interested in baseball and football. In 1984, they relocated to L.A., where they were historically awful before recently regaining their footing.
14. Minnesota North Stars (NHL, 1967–1993)
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The North Stars had a dedicated fan base and appeared in two Stanley Cup Finals, but financial struggles resulted in their relocation to Dallas in 1993. The new Dallas Stars gained success swiftly, claiming a Stanley Cup in 1999. Minnesota finally received the Wild in 2000, but some fans retain fondness for the former North Stars’ identity.
15. Washington Senators (MLB, 1961–1971)
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The second iteration of the Washington Senators (not to be confused with the original team, which relocated to the Twins) only lasted for a decade. Despite having Hall of Famer Frank Howard, they lacked attendance and soon relocated to Texas to become the Rangers. Washington did not have a baseball franchise until the Nationals came in 2005.
16. Providence Steamrollers (NBA, 1946–1949)
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One of the most unsuccessful franchises in basketball history, the Steamrollers survived only three seasons in the early NBA. They still retain the worst single-season winning percentage (.061) in league history. Since folding in 1949, Providence has never enjoyed another major pro sports franchise.
17. Charlotte Hornets (Original, NBA, 1988–2002)
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Although Charlotte still boasts an NBA team today, the original Hornets franchise relocated to New Orleans in 2002. Charlotte was given an expansion team, first called the Bobcats, before regaining the right to use the Hornets name in 2014. The previous New Orleans Hornets rebranded as the Pelicans, so Charlotte’s basketball history is complex.