Florida’s Six Most Successful Teams
By Space Coast Daily // July 19, 2022
Florida is America’s most populous state known for several things, including its nightlife, beaches, malls and tourism. Florida also boasts some of the most loyal fanbases in American sports, with many professional teams based in the states competing in different leagues.
Here are Florida’s most successful sports franchises worth your attention, including basketball, baseball, American Football and college teams. Sports and gaming fans should also draw their attention to the no deposit bonus at Golden Nugget Casino to have fun with different titles.
1. The Miami Heat – Basketball (NBA)
The Miami Heat is Florida’s most popular team and among the most successful NBA teams. The Heat joined the NBA in the 198/89 season, but they only became playoff contenders in 1990 after Pat Riley became the team’s president in the 1990s.
Miami Heat won their first NBA championship game with Shaquille O’Neal and Dwayne Wade in 2006, and four years later, LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Wade formed the “Big Three.” This Florida team plays their home matches at the American Airlines Arena in Miami.
2. Orlando Magic – Basketball (NBA)
Another basketball team based in Florida, the Orlando Magic, plays in the NBA’s Eastern Conference of the Southern Division. The Magic is the second most successful basketball brand out of the four expansion teams that joined the NBA in 1988/1989, only second to the Miami Heat. This NBA team has won the conference title twice, and they play their home matches at Orlando’s Amway Center.
3. Miami Dolphins – American Football (NFL)
With over 2.2 million fans, the Miami Dolphins is Florida’s most popular NFL team and the oldest professional team in the state. The Dolphins compete in the East Division of the American Football Conference, playing their home matches at Miami Gardens’ Hard Rock stadium.
The Dolphins have claimed two Super Bowl titles, 13 division titles and five conference titles. However, the Dolphins suffered a significant decline after the retirement of Don Shula and Dan Marino.
4. Florida Gators – College Football (NCAA)
The Florida Gators are among the oldest College Football teams based in Florida. The team competes in the NCAA’s Football Bowl Subdivision and the Southeastern Conference, East Division. In their 110+ years, the team has won eight SEC titles and three national championships.
5. Tampa Bay Rays – Baseball (MLB)
With over 720,000 fans, the Tampa Bay Rays is a member of the American League’s East Division in Major League Baseball. The team was initially called the Devil Rays before changing its name after the 2007 season. This baseball team plays their home matches at the Tropicana Field, with the Yankees and Red Sox being their bitter rivals.
6. Tampa Bay Lightning – Ice Hockey (NHL)
Often known as the Bolts, the Tampa Bay Lightning is Florida’s highest-ranking team in the number of fans. The Bolts are a member of the Eastern Conference in the NHL’s Atlantic Division, winning their only Stanley Cup trophy during the 2003/04 season. This NHL team plays its home games at Tampa’s Amalie Arena.
