Why Ohio Is Well-Represented in Major League Sports but Lacks a Team

Ohio may not have an NFL, MLB, NBA, or NHL team, but it is certainly well-represented in major league sports. This article explores why this might be the case and delves into the reasons behind the current state of sports teams in the state.

Baseball in Ohio

Ohio has two prominent baseball teams, both in Major League Baseball (MLB): the Cincinnati Reds in Cleveland, who ARE locally known as the Guardians, and the Cincinnati Reds in Cincinnati. Both teams have deep roots and significant fanbases, making it unlikely that a third team would be added anytime soon.

Professional Football in Ohio

Ohio's professional football teams are the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland and the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati. Both teams are firmly rooted in their respective cities, and neither are expected to move. The Browns have a long-term contract with the NFL and state law that requires them to find a local buyer if they move, making any relocation unlikely.

Basketball in Ohio

Ohio's basketball teams are the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland and the Columbus Blue Jackets in Columbus (though the Blue Jackets are an NHL team, the title here is meant to be inclusive of all teams). The injury to the Cavaliers has been largely due to their already strong presence in Cleveland and the lack of support for a third basketball team.

Other Major League Teams in Ohio

Ohio also has teams in the National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), and soccer. The Columbus Blue Jackets are in the NHL, while the Columbus Crew is in the MLS. These teams share the state with successful professional teams like the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The State Capital and Sports Presence

While Columbus, Ohio, is technically the largest city in the state, it lags behind in terms of metro area compared to Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus has a significant institution, Ohio State University, but it does not have a bustling urban environment similar to Cleveland or Cincinnati. The largest metro areas in Ohio are:

Cleveland-Akron-Canton (10th in the US) Cincinnati-Middletown (32nd in the US) Columbus (43rd in the US)

Given Ohio's limited population, it is unlikely for the state to welcome a third major league team in any sport. The state capital, Columbus, would face significant challenges in hosting a professional sports team, especially in a basketball league where it is already well-covered by the Blue Jackets hockey team.

The Case of the Sacramento Kings

A notable attempt to relocate a major sports team to Ohio was the Sacramento Kings. The mayor at the time attempted to bring the team to Columbus, but the NBA rejected the proposal. The rejection was based on the NBA's reluctance to expand the league. It’s worth noting that Ohio State University alumni and local support for Ohio State might have played a role in blocking the proposal.

The Future of Professional Sports in Ohio

The future of professional sports in Ohio will largely depend on which leagues open up to expansion in the near future. The NBA has the best chance given the current structure of the league and its roster of mid-market teams. However, the proximity to bigger markets like Cleveland and Cincinnati, as well as the presence of the Columbus Blue Jackets, could make it challenging for a new basketball team to gain traction in Columbus.

The same applies to the MLS, where the Columbus Crew's future is tied to the success of other teams in the league. TMZ reported that the Crew could potentially move to Cleveland or another market before another major team launches in Columbus.

Overall, while Ohio is well-represented in major league sports, the absence of a third team in each league is influenced by the established presence of teams in Cleveland and Cincinnati, the population dynamics, and the reluctance of major sports leagues to expand in small markets.