In the 2025 MLB postseason, the Seattle Marinersbarely missed their first World Series appearance, after losing a pivotal Game 7 to the Toronto Blue Jays. Which other franchises across major sports leagues have yet to compete at the championship level?
Check out a breakdown for MLB (World Series), NFL (Super Bowl), NBA (Finals), and NHL (Stanley Cup) below:
Longest in each league (with inaugural season):
MLB: Mariners (1977)
NBA: Clippers (1970)
NFL: Jaguars (1995)
NHL: Jets (1999-00)
*On the NFL side, the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions are left off this list since both franchises won titles in the pre-Super Bowl era.
**On the NHL side, the Arizona Coyotes(1979-80) technically have the longest Stanley Cup appearance drought, but don’t currently have a team in the NHL.
Active teams to never compete in league championship round/game (with inaugural season):
MLB: Mariners (1977)
NBA: Clippers (1970), Hornets (1988-89), Timberwolves (1989-90), Grizzlies (1995-96), Pelicans (2002-03)
NFL: Jaguars (1995),Texans (2002)