The Best Sports Franchises in North Carolina History

Some of the most successful franchises in the state include the University of North Carolina, the Charlotte Hornets, the Carolina Panthers, and the Chicago Cubs.

Charlotte Hornets in a file photo. (Image credits: twitter/hornets)
By Karthik Raman | Dec 13, 2022 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Historically, North Carolina has been home to some of the most successful sports franchises in the country. Some of the most successful franchises in the state include the University of North Carolina, the Charlotte Hornets, the Carolina Panthers, and the Chicago Cubs.

University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina sports franchise includes several nationally-ranked sports teams in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Not only does the university have varsity teams, but also club sports. These are teams that compete against other universities and colleges. The university also offers many recreation programs for students.

UNC has been the home of many national championships. The university has also been ranked as the fifth-best public university in the United States. However, it has had to deal with athletic scandals, as well. These scandals have taken place over several years. In the early 2010s, there were several allegations of academic irregularities benefiting student-athletes.

The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics was formed to help raise awareness of student-athletes. However, there were few effects on the athletic popularity of the university.

Charlotte Hornets

During the American Revolution, British General Charles Cornwallis called the city of Charlotte “A hornet’s nest of rebellion.” Charlotte is now one of the premier sports towns in the United States. Charlotte sports teams include the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Bobcats. Each has its own unique story.

One of the most successful sports teams in North Carolina is the Hornets of the NBA. The Hornets have made the postseason seven times during the last ten seasons. They were also the first team in the NBA to wear pinstripes. The Hornets have been known to have many stellar players. These players have contributed to a very attractive style of play. The Hornets have had several future major league stars. During the 1996-97 season, Anthony Mason had a stellar season. He played a career-high 43.1 minutes a night and was named to the All-NBA Defensive 2nd team.

Panthers

During their time in the National Football League, the Carolina Panthers have had plenty of memorable moments. While the team’s recent lack of playoff appearances may be disheartening to fans, the Panthers have had the opportunity to play against some of the best teams in the league.

  • The team has been to two Super Bowls and won a pair of NFC titles.
  • They are the 29th franchise in the NFL and the third in the Carolinas.
  • David Tepper owns them.
  • They play their home games at Bank of America Stadium in Uptown Charlotte, North Carolina.
  • The team has a large fanbase in South Carolina.
  • The Panthers have made eight playoff appearances in their 26 years in the league.
  • They were ranked 42nd on ESPN’s list of the best sports franchises in North Carolina.

Hurricanes

Despite not winning a Stanley Cup, the Carolina Hurricanes have been one of the most successful teams in hockey history. They have been among the best in the league during the Rod Brind’Amour years.

According to NCSharp.com, during the 2001 playoffs, the Hurricanes made a run to the Stanley Cup Finals, defeating the New Jersey Devils and then the Boston Bruins. The team also beat Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres. In the series clincher, Scott Walker dropped former Hurricane Aaron Ward, and Eric Staal’s goal with 31 seconds left was the game-winner.

The Hurricanes are also the only team in North Carolina to have won a professional sports championship. In 2006, Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup finals. This was the first sports championship for North Carolina since 1938-39, when the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup.

Chicago Cubs

Throughout their history, the Chicago Cubs have been one of the most beloved sports franchises in the league. While their history is rich in several great players, the team has largely failed to win a World Series in the last 60 years. However, in 2017, the Cubs finally broke the longest title drought in significant professional sports history.

The Cubs started in 1876 as Chicago White Stockings and joined the National League of Professional Baseball. Several key players were acquired after the 1875 season. In 1872, William Hulbert joined the board of directors of the White Stockings. In 1875, he was appointed team president. He reorganized the organization, using cunning business acumen. He also stepped in to help finance the deal. He purchased a single share of stock.