The New York Knicks and Carolina Hurricanes broke prolonged sports droughts in a memorable weekend for their respective sports cities.
The Knicks won the NBA Finals in five game against the San Antonio Spurs. New York won its first NBA championship since 1973, and the city will celebrate its first pro sports championship since 2018.
The Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup finals on Sunday with a 3-0 victory against the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Carolina won the series in six games, its first championship since 2006.
With that, Sporting News looks across the four major professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA) and answers the question:
When was the last time your city won a pro sports championship?
Raleigh (2026)
The Hurricanes beat Las Vegas in six games under coach Rod Brind’Amour, who was a player on the franchise’s last Stanley Cup finals championship team in 2006. Jordan Staal, who had six goals and one assist in the series, won the Conn Smythe Trophy.
New York (2026)
Jalen Brunson averaged 32.6 points per game in the 2026 NBA Finals, where the Knicks pulled off three impressive comebacks in the five-game series against the San Antonio Spurs. New York won its first NBA championship in 53 years. Others: Giants (2018), Yankees (2009), Rangers (1994), Mets (1986), Islanders (1983), Knicks (1973), Jets (1968), Nets (1976, ABA).
Seattle (2025)
Seattle won its second Super Bowl in franchise history with a 29-13 victory against New England in Super Bowl 60. Kenneth Walker III earned Super Bowl MVP honors for the Seahawks. Others: SuperSonics (1979), Mariners (none).
Los Angeles (2025)
The Dodgers won the World Series for the third time since 2020. Los Angeles, led by Yamamoto, Freddie Freeman and Shohei Ohtani, defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games. Others: Rams (2021), Lakers (2020), Kings (2014), Chargers (none), Clippers (none).
Oklahoma City (2025)
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their long-awaited first NBA championship in the city’s history during the 2025 NBA Finals. Guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City past the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 27.6 points in the playoffs.
Miami (2025)
The Florida Panthers won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships by closing out Edmonton for the second straight year. Sam Bennett earned MVP honors, and Matthew Tkachuk scored the game-winning goal in Game 6. Others: Heat (2013), Marlins (2003), Dolphins (1973), Panthers (none).
Philadelphia (2024)
The Eagles won their second Super Bowl since 2017 with a convincing 40-22 victory against Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX. Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts had 221 passing yards, 72 rushing yards and three total TDs in the victory. Others: Phillies (2008), 76ers (1983), Flyers (1975).
Boston (2024)
The Celtics won their 18th championship in franchise history by knocking off the Mavericks in five games in the 2024 NBA Finals. Jayson Tatum (22.2 ppg.) and NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown (20.8 ppg.) were dominant in the series. Others: Patriots (2018), Red Sox (2018), Bruins (2011).
Kansas City (2023)
The Chiefs won their third Super Bowl in five seasons in an overtime thriller against the 49ers. Patrick Mahomes II led a 25-22 victory with the game-winning touchdown drive in overtime. Mahomes earned Super Bowl MVP honors for the third time. Others: Royals (2015).
Dallas (2023)
The Texas Rangers won their first World Series in franchise history by beating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games. Corey Seager was named World Series MVP, and Bruce Bochy won his fourth World Series as a manager. Others: Mavericks (2011), Stars (1999), Cowboys (1995).
Las Vegas (2023)
In just their sixth professional season, the Las Vegas Knights won the Stanley Cup championship by knocking off the Florida Panthers in five games. Jonathan Marchessault was MVP of the series. The Raiders won their last Super Bowl championship in Oakland in 1983. Others: Raiders (1983).
Denver (2023)
The Nuggets won their first NBA championship by knocking off Miami in five games in the 2023 NBA Finals. Nikola Jokic was named the NBA Finals MVP. The Avalanche won their third Stanley Cup championship and broke a 21-year drought by beating the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games in 2022. Others: Avalanche (2022), Broncos (2015), Rockies (none).
Houston (2022)
The Astros – in their fourth World Series appearance in six seasons – beat Philadelphia in six games to give Dusty Baker his first World Series championship as a manager. Others: Rockets (1995), Texans (None).
San Francisco (2022)
The Warriors won their fourth NBA championship under Steve Kerr in the 2022 NBA Finals. Golden State beat Boston in six games, and Steph Curry won his first NBA Finals MVP award in a series where he averaged 31.2 points per game. Others: Giants (2014), 49ers (1994).
Atlanta (2021)
The Braves beat the Astros in six games in the 2021 World Series behind MVP Jorge Soler. That marked their second championship since moving to Atlanta and broke a drought that extended back to 1995. Others: Hawks (none), Falcons (none).
Milwaukee/Green Bay (2021)
The Bucks defeated the Suns in six games to win the 2021 NBA Finals. Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 35.2 points per game in the series. Others: Packers (2010), Brewers (none).
Tampa-St. Petersburg (2021)
The Lightning won their second straight Stanley Cup championship in five games against the Montreal Canadiens. Andrei Vasilevskiy won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs. Others: Buccaneers (2020), Rays (none).
Washington (2019)
Washington D.C. celebrated its first baseball championship in 95 years after the Nationals, transplanted from Montreal in 2004, defeated the Astros in a seven-game World Series. Others: Capitals (2018), Redskins (1991), Wizards (1978).
Toronto (2019)
Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry helped Toronto end a 26-year championship drought for Canada as the Raptors denied the Warriors a three-peat. Others: Blue Jays (1993), Maple Leafs (1967).
St. Louis (2019)
The Blues brought the Stanley Cup to Missouri for the first time after beating the Bruins in seven games in the final. St. Louis was last in the NHL standings in early January that season. Others: Cardinals (2011), Rams (1999).
Oakland (2018)
The Golden State Warriors, prior to moving across the Bay to Oakland in 2019, swept LeBron James and the Cavaliers to win their third title in four years. Others: A’s (1989).
Pittsburgh (2017)
The Penguins gave the Steel City its fifth Stanley Cup championship and its second in as many seasons with a six-game triumph over the Predators in the Final. Sidney Crosby earned the Conn Smythe Trophy. Others: Steelers (2008), Pirates (1979).
Chicago (2016)
The Chicago Cubs broke a drought that extended back to 1908 by beating the Cleveland Indians in seven games in the World Series. Others: Blackhawks (2015), White Sox (2005), Bulls (1998), Bears (1985).
Cleveland (2016)
The city waited 52 years for a champion, and LeBron James’ Cavs finally delivered against Golden State in historic fashion. Cleveland became the first team in NBA Finals history to win the series after trailing 3-1. Others: Browns (1964), Indians (1948).
San Antonio (2014)
Kawhi Leonard won NBA Finals MVP honors, and Tim Duncan and Tony Parker helped lead the Spurs to a 4-1 series win against the Miami Heat. It gave San Antonio five NBA championships under coach Gregg Popovich.
Baltimore (2012)
Ray Lewis and Joe Flacco led the Ravens to a 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. It was Baltimore’s second Super Bowl championship as the Ravens. Others: Orioles (1983).
New Orleans (2009)
Drew Brees brought the Saints their first championship with a 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. Others: Pelicans (none).
Detroit (2008)
Henrik Zetterberg led the Red Wings past the Penguins in six games in the 2008 Stanley Cup finals. Others: Pistons (2004), Tigers (1984), Lions (1957).
Anaheim (2007)
Scott Niedermayer earned MVP honors after the Ducks beat Ottawa in five games in the Stanley Cup finals. Others: Angels (2002).
Indianapolis (2006)
Peyton Manning led the Colts to a 29-17 win over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. Others: Pacers (1973, ABA).
East Rutherford (2003)
The Devils and goaltender Martin Brodeur beat the Anaheim Ducks in seven games to win their third Stanley Cup. The club now plays in Newark, N.J.
Phoenix (2001)
Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling led the Diamondbacks to a seven-game victory over the New York Yankees in a dramatic 2001 World Series that had four games decided by one run. Others: Suns (none), Cardinals (none), Coyotes (none).
Montreal (1993)
Led by Patrick Roy, the Canadiens won the 1993 Stanley Cup finals against Los Angeles in five games. It remains the last time a team from Canada has won the Stanley Cup. Others: Expos (none)
Minneapolis/St. Paul (1991)
Kirby Puckett and Jack Morris led the Twins past the Braves in the 1991 World Series, which went seven games. Others: Vikings (none), Timberwolves (none), Wild (none).
Cincinnati (1990)
Barry Larkin, Jose Rijo and the Reds pulled off a 4-0 sweep of the Oakland Athletics in the 1990 World Series. That gave the Reds their fifth World Series championship. Others: Bengals (none).
Edmonton (1990)
Mark Messier and Craig MacTavish led the Oilers to a 4-1 series win over the Boston Bruins in the 1990 Stanley Cup finals. That closed a decade where Edmonton won five Stanley Cup championships.
35 years or more
Calgary (1989). The Flames beat the Canadiens in six games to win the 1989 Stanley Cup finals.
Portland (1977). The Trail Blazers won their only NBA title behind Bill Walton to beat the 76ers in six games.
Buffalo (1965). The Bills won back-to-back AFL titles in 1964-65, but Jim Kelly and Co. lost four Super Bowls and the Sabres have never won the Stanley Cup.
San Diego (1963). The Chargers, now in Los Angeles, won a AFL title in 1963. The Padres lost the World Series in 1984 and 1998.
