Forgotten sports leagues that almost made it
Sports have always held a special place in our hearts, bringing people together with their thrilling spectacles and unforgettable moments. However, not all leagues have stood the test of time.
Some, despite their innovative ideas and passionate fan bases, have faded into obscurity. Let’s take a journey through some forgotten sports leagues that, while gone, left a lasting impact on the world of sports.
The Rise and Fall of the World Football League (WFL)
The World Football League (WFL) sought to challenge the NFL when it kicked off in 1974. Despite its ambitious beginnings, featuring notable players like Larry Csonka and Paul Warfield, the league struggled financially.
Teams were plagued by low attendance and unsteady finances, leading to its abrupt end in 1975. The WFL’s attempt to expand American football globally was short-lived but remains a fascinating chapter in sports history.
United States Football League (USFL): A Spring Fling with American Football
The United States Football League (USFL) debuted in 1983 as a spring alternative to the NFL. With stars like Herschel Walker and Jim Kelly, it quickly gained traction.
However, financial woes and a controversial decision to move to a fall schedule led to its downfall in 1986. Despite its brief existence, the USFL impacted the NFL, introducing innovations such as instant replay and the two-point conversion.
XFL: Wrestling Meets Gridiron
Launched in 2001 by WWE’s Vince McMahon, the XFL blended football with wrestling-style entertainment. The league promised faster games and more access to players, but its gimmicks couldn’t sustain interest.
After just one season, the XFL folded. However, its legacy lived on, influencing how modern sports broadcasts incorporate sideline reporting and player interviews.
The Roller Hockey International League: Wheels on Fire
The Roller Hockey International League brought the excitement of inline hockey to fans in 1993. With teams across North America, it offered a fast-paced alternative to traditional ice hockey.
Despite initial popularity, the league faced financial challenges and disbanded in 1999. Its influence can still be seen in the growth of amateur roller hockey leagues worldwide.
SlamBall: Where Basketball Meets Trampoline
SlamBall, introduced in 2002, combined basketball with high-flying trampoline action. The sport’s unique blend of athleticism and acrobatics attracted attention but struggled to maintain a consistent audience.
After a couple of seasons, it disappeared from the mainstream. While short-lived, SlamBall paved the way for other hybrid sports and continues to have a niche following.
Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS): Kicking for Equality
Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) launched in 2009, aiming to capitalize on the success of the U.S. women’s national team. Despite featuring top-tier talent like Abby Wambach and Marta, financial instability plagued the league.
It folded in 2012, but its impact on the growth of women’s soccer in America was profound, setting the stage for future leagues like the NWSL.
The American Basketball Association (ABA): More Than Just Red, White, and Blue Balls
The ABA, established in 1967, is famous for its red, white, and blue basketballs and high-flying style of play. Featuring legends like Julius Erving and George Gervin, the league’s exciting brand of basketball ultimately merged with the NBA in 1976.
The ABA’s influence on the sport is undeniable, from the introduction of the three-point line to its emphasis on fast-paced, entertaining play.
World Team Tennis: Serving Up a Unique Spin
Founded in 1973, World Team Tennis (WTT) introduced a team-based format to the individual sport. Mixing men and women on the same team, WTT emphasized equality and innovation.
Although it faced financial struggles, the league persisted until 2021, offering a distinctive twist on traditional tennis and cultivating a dedicated fan base.
The International Fight League: Team-Based Mixed Martial Arts
The International Fight League (IFL) brought a team-based approach to mixed martial arts in 2006. Fighters competed as part of teams representing different cities, adding a unique dynamic to the sport.
Despite initial buzz, the IFL couldn’t compete with the UFC’s dominance and folded in 2008. Its innovative team concept, however, continues to inspire new formats in combat sports.
Arena Football League (AFL): Fast-Paced and Indoors
The Arena Football League (AFL) kicked off in 1987, bringing fast-paced, high-scoring football to indoor arenas. With smaller fields and high-impact action, it offered an exciting alternative to outdoor football.
Though the league faced ups and downs, folding in 2019, its influence on the sport’s landscape remains, as seen in the continuing popularity of indoor football leagues.
The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League: A League of Their Own
The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) was formed in 1943 during World War II, providing entertainment and maintaining baseball’s popularity while male players were overseas.
The league showcased the talents of women like Dottie Kamenshek and inspired the film A League of Their Own. Although it disbanded in 1954, the AAGPBL’s legacy endures, highlighting the significant role women have played in baseball history.
The Continental Football League: The NFL’s Forgotten Rival
The Continental Football League (CFL) emerged in 1965 as a minor league alternative to the NFL. It attracted former NFL players and coaches, offering a competitive platform.
Despite early promise, the CFL struggled with financial instability and folded in 1969. While it never achieved the NFL’s prominence, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of American football. And yes, that is indeed baseball legend Jackie Robinson managing Brooklyn’s team, which was also called the Dodgers.
Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL): Soccer Under a Roof
The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) was founded in 1978, bringing soccer indoors with a fast-paced, high-scoring format. It attracted soccer stars like Steve Zungul and Tino Lettieri, offering fans an exciting alternative to outdoor soccer.
Despite its popularity, financial difficulties led to its closure in 1992. The MISL’s legacy, however, lives on, influencing the growth of indoor soccer in North America.
The Premier Hockey Federation: Breaking the Ice
The Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) was founded in 2015 as the National Women’s Hockey League, providing a platform for female hockey players in North America.
Despite financial challenges, the league persisted until 2023, offering opportunities for women to compete at a professional level. Its influence on women’s hockey has been significant, helping to raise the sport’s profile and inspire future generations of female athletes.
Pro Cricket in America: A Swing and a Miss
Cricket has long been a popular sport worldwide, but its attempts to capture the American market have been less successful. Professional cricket leagues like Pro Cricket, launched in 2004, struggled to gain traction.
Despite the presence of international stars like Kalpesh Patel (pictured), the league folded after just one season. While cricket remains a niche sport in the U.S., efforts to grow its popularity continue, with new leagues and formats being explored.
The North American Soccer League (NASL): Pelé and the Soccer Boom
The North American Soccer League (NASL) was instrumental in popularizing soccer in the U.S. during the 1970s. With international stars like Pelé and Johan Cruyff, the league attracted significant attention.
Despite its initial success, financial issues led to its decline, and it folded in 1985. The NASL’s impact on American soccer was profound, laying the groundwork for Major League Soccer’s eventual success.
