THOUGHTS FROM A SEPTUAGENARIAN. I believe the biggest change that I’ve witnessed over my 70 plus years on Terra Firma is when it comes to league expansion on the professional level. Let’s go back to the late 1950s when I first took note of sports and take a ride down memory lane to see what each of the four North American Leagues looked like and what it has morphed into today. 

Let’s start with MLB. From 16 teams with 8 in each league to 30 franchises split into 2 leagues with three 5 team divisions in each.

Moving to the NFL. From 12 teams splitting into two 6 team divisions to 32 teams with four divisions of 4 teams in both of the 2 conferences.

Let’s examine the NHL.  From one division made up of The Original Six to 32 teams in two conferences with 2 eight team divisions in each. 

Finally the NBA. From 8 franchises divided into 2 divisions to 30 teams in two conferences consisting of 3 divisions in both.

As you can see all 4 sports have experienced booming expansion in my lifetime and I don’t believe it’s completed. I envision that before I go to the other side it will continue. The only question is will it be in the United States and Canada over elsewhere.

NBA in China? MLB in Japan? NFL in Mexico? NHL in Germany? That’s food for thought right Buddy?

BOOK IT DANO!