Top 50 sports franchises in the world
By Brad Weiss
It is a debate that is argued over everywhere, so lets take a look at the top-50 sports franchises in the world and let the debate continue.
Throughout the history of sports, there have been dynasties,and teams that will be remember for all times. While winning a couple of championships here and there is great for the fan base, there are some franchises who just seem to always be in the mix for a title. As we take a look at the top-50 sports franchises, there are some who may not always win the title, but whose consistent play has netted them fans all over the world.
The top-50 sports franchises in the world are not all title-winners either. Some of these organizations are pure money-makers, and some are just so beloved that they could not be left off. In any rate, true sports fans will know all of these franchises, and hopefully this article will open some eyes to teams that may get forgotten from time to time.
Love them, or hate them, here are the top-50 sports franchises in the world.
Toronto Raptors
, NBA
The Toronto Raptors have only been in existence since 1993, when the National Basketball Association decided to expand into Canada. A subsidiary of the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment LTD, the Raptors have established themselves as an exciting franchise over the past 25 years. It started with a draft pick called Damon Stoudamire, who went on to win the Rookie of the Year, and it currently is one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.
Stoudamire was the franchise’s first draft pick, and he averaged nearly a double-double during his rookie season. While his star burned pretty bright, it was not until Vince Carter came to town that this franchise really took off. Playing in the Air Canada Centre, the Raptors had the best dunker since Michael Jordan on their roster, and he would soon be joined by his cousin in Tracy McGrady.
Over the last 20 or so seasons, the Raptors have been to the playoffs eight times, and even went to an Eastern Conference Finals back in 2016. After Carter and McGrady left the Great North, Chris Bosh became the marquee player for the franchise, and established himself as one of the better big men in the league. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozen currently run the show, and have the Raptors as a top-four team in the East currently.
The East is run by the Cleveland Cavaliers, but they have struggled out of the gate this season. Toronto has proven they can win big games, and their “We the North,” campaign makes their home games a rocking place to be. They have not been around long, but they are one of the better franchises in the NBA.