New York City is home to several major professional sports teams across the 5 boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. The New York metropolitan area also has teams in nearby New Jersey. The city and surrounding area have teams representing all 4 major professional sports leagues in the United States – the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL). Many of these teams are among the oldest and most storied franchises in their respective leagues.
NFL Teams
There are 2 NFL teams that play in the New York City metropolitan area:
New York Giants
The New York Giants are based in East Rutherford, New Jersey and play their home games at MetLife Stadium. They have won 4 Super Bowls (1986, 1990, 2007, 2011). Some key facts about the Giants:
- Began play in 1925 as the New York Football Giants
- Have played in MetLife Stadium since 2010 after previously playing at Giants Stadium
- Won Super Bowls XXI, XXV, XLII, and XLVI
- Rivals include the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Commanders
- Notable former players include Lawrence Taylor, Michael Strahan, Eli Manning
- Current stars include running back Saquon Barkley and defensive lineman Leonard Williams
New York Jets
The New York Jets also play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Key facts:
- Originally known as the New York Titans when they began play 1960
- Rebranded as the Jets in 1963 when they joined the AFL
- Won Super Bowl III in 1969 over the Baltimore Colts in one of the biggest upsets in sports history
- Had great success under coach Bill Parcells in the late 1990s
- Rivals include the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills
- Notable former players include Joe Namath, Curtis Martin, Darrelle Revis
- Current stars include defensive lineman Quinnen Williams and wide receiver Elijah Moore
The Giants and Jets have coexisted in the same market for decades. Their rivalries extend beyond each other to opposing teams in the NFC and AFC.
MLB Teams
New York has 2 historic Major League Baseball teams:
New York Yankees
The Yankees are the most successful MLB franchise with 27 World Series titles. They play in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium. Notable facts:
- Began play in 1901 as the Baltimore Orioles, moved to New York in 1903
- Have won 27 World Series titles, far more than any other team
- Play at Yankee Stadium which opened in 2009
- Rival clubs include the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Toronto Blue Jays
- Notable former players: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter
- Current stars: Outfielder Aaron Judge, pitcher Gerrit Cole
New York Mets
The Mets began play as an expansion team in 1962. They have won 2 World Series titles (1969, 1986). Facts about the Mets:
- Play in Flushing, Queens at Citi Field which opened in 2009
- Won World Series titles in 1969 and 1986
- Rivals include the Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies
- Notable former players: Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, David Wright
- Current stars: Pitcher Jacob deGrom, first baseman Pete Alonso
The Subway Series matchups when the Yankees and Mets play each other are always major events. Beyond their rivalry, both teams have storied histories and an avid fanbase.
NBA Teams
There are 2 NBA teams in the greater New York area:
New York Knicks
The Knicks are one of the oldest NBA franchises, beginning play in 1946. They have played at Madison Square Garden since 1968 and have won 2 NBA titles (1970, 1973). Facts about the Knicks:
- One of the original members of the NBA along with the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors
- Have won 2 championships in 1970 and 1973 led by Willis Reed
- Madison Square Garden has been their home arena since 1968
- Historic rivals are the Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls
- Notable former players include Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, Carmelo Anthony
- Current stars are Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets were originally the New Jersey Americans and later New Jersey Nets before moving to Brooklyn in 2012. They play at Barclays Center. Facts about the Nets:
- Began play as the New Jersey Americans in the ABA in 1967 before joining the NBA in 1976
- Spent many years playing in the Meadowlands in New Jersey before moving back to New York in 2012
- Have yet to win an NBA title but have made the finals twice (2002-03, 2020-21)
- Rivals include the Knicks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers
- Notable former players include Jason Kidd and Vince Carter
- Current stars are Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons
The Nets vs. Knicks rivalry has intensified since the Nets moved back to New York and both teams have aspirations of winning a title.
NHL Teams
The New York Rangers are the only NHL team in the area. They play at Madison Square Garden:
New York Rangers
Key facts on the Rangers:
- Originally founded in 1926 as an NHL expansion team
- Have won 4 Stanley Cup titles (1928, 1933, 1940, 1994)
- The 1994 team ended a 54-year championship drought in dramatic fashion
- Longtime rivals with the New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers
- Legendary players include Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Mike Richter
- Current stars are goaltender Igor Shesterkin, winger Artemi Panarin
The Rangers are an Original Six team and have a long, storied history along with a passionate, dedicated fanbase. Their rivalry with the Islanders and Devils brings together the metropolitan area’s hockey fans.
Other Notable Teams
Beyond the major 4 sports leagues, the New York area is also home to:
- New York Red Bulls (MLS) – Play in Harrison, NJ
- New York City FC (MLS) – Play in the Bronx
- New York Liberty (WNBA) – Play at Barclays Center
- New York Red Bulls II (USL) – Soccer team based in Montclair, NJ
The region has minor league and developmental teams affiliated with the major league clubs as well. The area’s teams have cultivated intense local rivalries across the different sports.
Conclusion
New York City is one of the major epicenters of the sports world. The city and surrounding metropolitan area are home to legendary sports teams representing all of the major leagues. From the Yankees to the Giants, Knicks to Rangers, these teams have loyal, passionate fanbases. The local rivalries, whether Yankees-Mets, Giants-Jets or Rangers-Islanders, create an electric atmosphere. For any sports fan, New York offers the chance to see some of the most iconic teams and venues in all of sports. The city will likely continue to be a major sports hub for generations to come.