While Jacksonville’s biggest professional sports franchise is inarguably the NFL’s Jaguars, the city has a rich history of hosting successful sports teams that long predates the arrival of the Jags.
Jax has hosted several championship-caliber franchises over the years. Some helped pave the way for future teams, while a few are still in operation here today.
We’ve compiled a list of the best minor-league professional sports franchises to call Jacksonville their home. Let us know if you agree or disagree!
Since forming in 2010, the Jacksonville Sharks have been one of the most successful arena football franchises in the country.
The team won its division during its first season in the AFL – and would win four straight division titles to start their stint in the league. In 2011, the Sharks won ArenaBowl XXIV in just their second season.
On top of their on-field success, the team also quickly became one of the AFL’s leaders in attendance – averting a key issue that has brought several other franchises to an early demise.
In the Sharks’ seven seasons in the AFL, they failed to make it to the playoffs just once.
When the AFL started running into operating complications, the franchise bolted for the newly-formed NAL. The team then became the inaugural NAL champions, winning the league title in 2017.
The Sharks are now celebrating their tenth season in action as they look to avenge a loss in last year’s championship game. It doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere any time soon.
