For a city that is often called the “mecca” of sports, New York has endured an uncharacteristic and painful drought when it comes to championship glory. With the New York Knicks currently battling in the Eastern Conference Finals, the city’s hopes for a long-awaited major title hang in the balance. Needless to say, the pressure is as palpable as ever.
Going in chronological order of the teams that won the title most recently to those who haven’t won a trophy in their history, we take a closer look at how long New York sports fans have been waiting for a winning team:
1. New York Giants: 2012 (13 years)
2. New York Yankees: 2009 (16 years)
3. New York Rangers: 1994 (31 years)
4. New York Mets: 1986 (39 years)
5. New York Islanders: 1983 (42 years)
6. New York Knicks: 1973 (52 years)
7. New York Jets: 1969 (56 years)
8. Brooklyn Nets: No titles in 58 years of history.
New York’s last championship in the men’s division came from the New York Giants, who stunned the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI back in 2012. That was over a decade ago. And since then, no franchise has been successful in its endeavor to bring a trophy to the city.
While the Giants have enjoyed their share of success in this venture, their counterparts, the Jets, haven’t seen a Super Bowl since 1969.
The New York Yankees, MLB’s most storied franchise with 27 World Series titles, last won in 2009. In hockey, the New York Rangers lifted the Stanley Cup in 1994, breaking a 54-year dry spell. Unfortunately, they have failed to replicate that success since. Across town, the Islanders haven’t hoisted the Cup since their dynasty ended in 1983.
The Mets gave fans a glimmer of hope with a 2015 World Series appearance, but their last title came nearly 40 years ago. Meanwhile, the Knicks haven’t enjoyed title success since 1973. The NBA franchise is in dire need of rejuvenation.
New York features another NBA franchise in the Brooklyn Nets, a team that has been graced by flashy talent over the years, spanning generations from Jason Kidd to Kevin Durant. Unfortunately, even their most recent iteration of a title-contending squad yielded disappointing results before breaking off.
It is important to note that the city has seen recent title success in the women’s divisions. The New York Liberty won the WNBA championship last season, and their NWSL team, Gotham FC, won the league in 2023. These achievements have certainly been welcomed in light of their otherwise disappointing experiences.
Despite the drought, New York fans remain among the most passionate in sports. They pack arenas and stadiums, live and die with each win or loss, and wear their loyalty like a badge of honor. The pressure and media spotlight can be harsh, but it also fuels and forms some of the finest players who need to embody the city’s greatness.
That’s what makes the Knicks’ current playoff run so crucial. For the first time since 2000, they’re in the Conference Finals, with Madison Square Garden erupting with every possession.
New York Knicks fans are a different breed 😂😳 pic.twitter.com/enMcAbIAjT
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) May 20, 2025
Jalen Brunson has ignited belief, and head coach Tom Thibodeau has the city dreaming again. But their poor performances in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers, particularly blowing a fourth-quarter lead and struggling to get stops in OT, have already sparked concern.
Down 0-1 with a lot of questions being raised, the Knicks’ hopes of ending the city’s title drought may be on the verge of being crushed.
The Knicks need to come out stronger for Game 2 on Friday night. Considering what’s at stake, Brunson and the rest of the Knicks will have to go out and secure a win to draw things level to retain some control over the series.
