The NBA has had only eight teams win championships since commissioner David Stern’s tenure began in February 1984. (Stern announced Thursday that he will retire Feb. 1, 2014.) A look at how many champions the four major sports have had during the Stern era (since Feb. 1984):
League | champions | championships |
---|---|---|
MLB | 18 | Yankees, 5; Twins, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Cardinals, Marlins, 2; Tigers, Royals, Mets, Dodgers, A's, Reds, Braves, Diamondbacks, Angels, White Sox, Phillies, Giants, 1. |
NHL | 15 | Oilers, 5; Red Wings, 4; Devils, Penguins, 3; Canadiens, Avalanche, 2; Flames, Rangers, Stars, Lightning, Hurricanes, Ducks, Blackhawks, Bruins, Kings, 1. |
NFL | 14 | Giants, 49ers, 4; Cowboys, Patriots, 3; Redskins, Packers, Broncos, Steelers, 2; Bears, Rams, Ravens, Buccaneers, Colts, Saints, 1. |
NBA | 8 | Lakers, 8; Bulls, 6; Spurs, 4; Celtics, Pistons, 3; Rockets, Heat, 2; Mavericks, 1. |
* Both MLB (1994) and the NHL (2004-05) failed to award a championship in one season during Stern’s era because of labor-related work stoppages.