While there are numerous sports franchises that try to get more media attention, increased exposure, and a larger fanbase, there are a few that naturally come to the spotlight. Whether it’s because of a much-talked-about controversy or an illustrious championship record, these teams continue to stand apart. Let’s take a look at the best sports teams in North American history.
10. 1975 Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds was one of the best basketball teams in the US in the 1970s. Some even consider them to be the best team in the history of the National League. This squad, with stars like Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, and Joe Morgan, would win back-to-back World Series titles.
9. 2016-17 Golden State Warriors
Arguably the best NBA team of the century, the Golden State Warriors had an unbeatable roster during the 2016-17 season. Players such as Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green performed incredibly during the year and made the team practically unbeatable.
8. 1989 San Francisco 49ers
In the history of the NFL, no team has dominated the way the 1989 San Francisco 49ers did. The team outscored its playoff competition by a score of 126-26, the highest ever, and went on to win another Superbowl. Joe Montana, Ronnie Lott, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young were a few notable players from the season.
7. 1983-84 Edmonton Oilers
The most star-studded and winning lineup in the history of hockey, the 1983-84 Edmonton Oilers team was made up of greats like Wayne Gretzky, Grant Fuhr, Mark Messier, and Paul Coffey. No other NHL team has been able to match up to the 446 goals that this lineup scored during the regular season.
6. 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers
The 1971-72 Lakers, led by legendary players like Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, and Gail Goodrich, won a total of 69 regular season games. This record would stand unbeaten for 24 years. Almost 50 years after they played, this lineup still holds a few all-time records!
5. 1985 Chicago Bears
The 1985 Chicago Bears was one of the best teams in the NFL to ever take the field. With players like Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, Jim McMahon, and William Perry (and legendary coaches Buddy Ryan and Mike Ditka), this team ended the season at a combined 18-1.
4. 1927 New York Yankees
Possibly one of the most legendary teams in the history of American sports, the 1927 Yankees lineup won an amazing 110 games in the regular season. The hitting lineup from this year was especially feared by all, given that they were 102 home runs ahead of their closest competition. The most notable players from this season included Babe Ruth, Earle Combs, Lou Gehrig, and Waite Hoyt.
3. 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens
The 1976-77 Canadiens was one of the best hockey teams to skate on NHL ice. That season saw players like Guy Lafleur, Ken Dryden, Larry Robinson, and Jacques Lemaire put up an unbeatable game. The team finally scored 12-2 in the playoffs and had a sweep in the Stanley Cup finals.
2. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls
This NBA team had the best combination of defense and offense in the history of basketball, with players like Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan joining forces with Dennis Rodman. They started the season at 41-3, which eventually turned into 87-13, which is still an amazing feat in the NBA.
1. 1998 New York Yankees
The Yankees have had several great teams over the years, but the 1998 team is one of the best squads ever. The team was the champion of the AL East division and posted a regular-season record of 114-48. Some of the most notable names from this lineup included Derek Jeter, Paul O’Neil, Mariano Rivera, and Bernie Williams.