New York City has some of the best food, architecture, people and music in the country. What It doesn’t get as noticed for is how much of a hub of sports excellence it has become. Specifically, the Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Rangers and the Liberty are all serious contenders for this season or next season to be crowned champions. Could this be because of a large market or just well-built teams with great coaching?
The Yankees have been baseball royalty since the 1920s. Their 27 World Series championships are the most in professional sports by a country mile. Legends and superstars have donned the fabled pinstripes including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Derek Jeter.
Currently, the Yankees are involved in a championship showdown against the legendary Los Angeles Dodgers. Aside from the stars, celebrities and jersey sales, these two teams have something in common, a high payroll. The Yankees have the second highest payroll, with the Dodgers having the third highest payroll. These legendary teams meeting in the World Series have baseball fans in an uproar and will surely lead to unbelievable ratings.
The Mets just wrapped up one of the most magical seasons they have ever had, ending at the hands of the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. It felt like all year whenever they needed a big swing, they got it, whether it was from superstars like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso or players fighting for their baseball career like 35-year-old Jose Iglesias and career platoon player Jesse Winker.
The Mets have the highest payroll in baseball, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Last year the Mets decided it was time to retool and in doing so sent some of their premier players to other teams. To get the best value in return, owner Steve Cohen decided they could pay part of the heavy salaries of those players, which would in turn allow him to get better prospect capital and build for the future. Undeniably this was a great season and with the richest owner in baseball they could be set for a dynasty.
Moving over to Madison Square Garden, the Knicks and Rangers are in very similar spots both literally and figuratively. Both teams have what feels like unlimited star power, and both teams have sky-high expectations for this season. The Rangers have the 6th highest odds to win the Stanley Cup, and the Knicks have the 3rd highest odds to be champions. The salary cap practically mirrors that the Knicks and Rangers have the 7th highest salary. They are both veteran-dominant teams with decisions to make in the coming off-season if they can’t get it done this season. Time will tell if they can seize their limited championship window.
The New York Liberty won the WNBA Championship last Sunday, defeating the Minnesota Lynx. Jonquel Jones won the Finals MVP cementing her legacy as one of the best bigs in the sport. Third in cap space in a 12-team, highly competitive WNBA. This Liberty team, also, has the makings of a dynasty with their stacked roster and elite coaching.
New York sports are unmatched right now and despite being helped by their market, these teams are all elite and have chances to win championships for years to come. Stars come with salary demands, and in New York City, stars shine.