Throwdowns > Forfeited

Mr Monopoly Man said 05/17, 07:19 PM
Actual expansion teams, not teams that carried rosters over from a prior team.

5) Seattle Sounders

Seattle has led the league in attendance each season, and is the only MLS team to repeat as US Open Cup champions (three wins in a row)

4) San Jose Sharks

SJ has been a model of consistency in the NHL, with 15 playoff appearances in 20 seasons. 5 times they've had the most points in the NHL

3) Arizona Diamondbacks

The fastest team to win a WS title, pre or post 1990. They have made the playoffs five times since founded (all division titles). They've also had players win 5 Cy Young awards.

2) Anaheim Ducks

One of two NHL expansion franchises to win a Cup. Anaheim has made the playoffs 8 times in 18 years; however, 7 of those have come in the past 10 seasons. Started slow, but they've succeeded more than others.


1) Florida Marlins

They have won more championships than any other expansion franchise since 1990. They may not be the most popular team in baseball, but they've proved a lot to the league. Their rise to a WS championship provided hope that in modern baseball the small market, small budget teams can triumph over the spending powerhouses.

Mr Monopoly Man said 05/18, 01:51 PM
Would you like to draw? All but one of your choices is pre 1990.

The Browns shouldn't be on any list of best expansion franchises. The current version of the Browns has only one playoff appearance since they rejoined the NFL. They have been awful, not even considered a consistent threat let alone a championship contender.

The top four selections I made have all either won championships or become consistent playoff threats. They don't boast a single appearance.

Seattle is the unique choice here, but I think they belong. As an expansion franchise, they haven't struggled to draw interest or to maintain it. In fact, they're the class of their league in terms of fan support. They also have played well, making the MLS playoffs all three seasons and dominating the US Open Cup like no team has ever before. They're young, but they belong.

You can either make a new list in argument two, or offer me a draw (which I'll accept). Post 1990.