Do You Remember These Defunct Major League Teams From Ohio?

Ohio is home to many great professional sports franchises, no matter if you’re a fan of baseball, hockey, football, or anything in between. There have also been a few teams that are long gone; see if you recognize any of these defunct Ohio sports teams.

Cleveland Barons (NHL)

The Cleveland Barons were a professional hockey team in the National Hockey League for a few short years, lasting from 1976 to 1978. Although they didn’t stick around long, the Barons team merged with the Minnesota North Stars, later becoming the Dallas Stars. Home matches were played at Richfield Coliseum in Richfield, Ohio.

Cleveland Rockers (WNBA)

Did you know Ohio was once home to a WNBA team? Lasting from 1997 until 2003 , the Rockers (get it, rock ‘n’ roll?) were one of the original eight franchises of the Women’s National Basketball Association, which began operations in 1997. Sharing the same home stadium as their NBA counterparts, the Cavaliers, home games were played at Gund Arena. The team ceased to exist after the 2003 season, as new ownership for the team could not be found.

Cincinnati Royals (NBA)

Cincinnati was once home to their own NBA team, which would later go on to become the Kansas City–Omaha Kings after relocating in 1972. The Royals, who got their start in 1957, played home games at Cincinnati Gardens, which was demolished in 2018.

Ohio Glory (NFL Europe)

This one is interesting, as the team lasted just one year in 1992. Based out of Columbus, the Ohio Glory were a professional American football team in the World League of American Football, which later became NFL Europe. If you hadn’t heard of NFL Europe, don’t fret; the league folded in July of 2007 after a fairly disappointing run. Ohio Glory won a single game in their 1992 season, which played home games at OSU’s Ohio Stadium.