MLB
What are the longest active playoff droughts in professional sports?
Find out which was the longest playoff non-playing streak in the history of all of the American professional sports organizations.
The Sunday NBA playoff game between the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors will be a unique occasion, not just because of the new record price for an average ticket fee for that match, but also for ending the most extended active playoff droughts in the history of professional sport and their premier-tier organizations including the MLB, NBA, NHL, and the NFL.
The Sacramento Kings - NBA
After 16 years and the 2006 playoff first-round clash and loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference First Round, the fans from the capital city of the U.S. state of California have not been able to witness and follow playoff basketball involving their team.
The closest they were, was last season (2021-2022) when they had a regular season score of 30-52, and they missed a playoff spot for just four winning games.
Which are other mentionable historic playoff droughts?
The New York Jets - NFL
The Jets last made the NFL playoffs during the 2010 season, when they had Mark Sanchez at the QB position and Rex Ryan as their head coach. Since then, they have failed to qualify for the playoffs for several consecutive years, resulting in a drought that has extended beyond a decade.
The Jets have faced issues building a competitive team during this period, with various changes in the coaching staff, player personnel, and overall team performance. The team has struggled with inconsistency, lacking talent in critical positions, and general organizational instability, contributing to their inability to make the playoffs.
During the playoff drought, the Jets have undergone coaching changes, quarterback controversies, and roster turnover to rebuild and improve their chances of making the playoffs, but failed to achieve sustained success and have fallen short of postseason qualification.
The Buffalo Sabres - NHL
The Sabres last made the NHL playoffs during the 2010-2011 season. They have been out of the playoffs for multiple consecutive years, resulting in a significant drought over a decade.
The Sabres could not construct a competitive team during this period, including struggles with inconsistent team performance, lack of depth in their roster, and coaching changes, resulting in the longest playoff drought in the history of the NHL.
The Detroit Tigers - MLB
The Tigers’ most recent playoff appearance was in 2014, making it nine years as of 2023 since their last postseason berth.
MLB:
The Tigers have a storied history, with notable successes, including winning the World Series championship four times (in 1935, 1945, 1968, and 1984). However, they have struggled in recent years, with a lack of consistent success leading to their playoff drought.
Tigers fans eagerly anticipate and hope for a return to postseason success soon, having witnessed Mark Scherzer and Justin Verlander in their team colors the last time they played postseason baseball.
The Los Angeles Angels - MLB
As of 2023, the Los Angeles Angels, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team, have a playoff drought that extends back to 2014, making it nine years since their last postseason appearance.
The Angels have had periods of success, including winning the World Series championship in 2002. They have also featured star players like Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, two of MLB’s most talented and well-known players. However, despite having a talented roster, the Angels have struggled to make the playoffs in recent years.
During their playoff drought, the Angels have tried to improve their team by changing management, coaching, and player personnel. They have signed free agents, made trades, and developed young talent to build a competitive team. However, they have faced challenges in a highly competitive division and have fallen short of reaching the postseason.
The Angels’ playoff drought frustrates their fans, who eagerly anticipate a return to postseason success. The team strives for improvement and hopes to end its playoff drought and compete for a championship soon.