The greatest pro sports franchise ever?

[Glenn]

Are the Steelers the greatest franchise ever?

[WTFchris]

It's possible. I would not give it to the Yanks. Buying championships doesn't win in my book.

I think I might say the Celtics. They were winning against some pretty stiff competition in the Lakers. The Steelers haven't been winning over other dominant teams. In 2006, they beat two flawed teams (Indi prior to playing any defense, and Denver with Plummer at QB) before beating a not so great Seahawks team.

Back in their heyday, the only other dominant teams were Oakland and the Rams. It was definately impressive to win 4 in 6 years, but the Celtics won 8 in a row (10 of 11). They also won 3 more in the 80's (and lost two more) when the Lakers were also stocked.

If they win this year, they still haven't beaten the Pats with Brady in the playoffs

[Timone]

Well, you can call it buying championships, and I won't disagree, but I'm going to give it to the Yanks anyway. The Celtics are certainly in the conversation.

[Timone]

I know UxKa disagrees.

[Wilfredo Ledezma]

At least we know who isn't the greatest franchise ever...

- Chicago Cubs
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Cleveland Browns
- Cleveland Indians
- Detroit Lions

Process of elimination.

[WTFchris]

Well, you can call it buying championships, and I won't disagree, but I'm going to give it to the Yanks anyway.

What have they done lately?

Haven't won in 8 years (not that long, but for spending 200 mil a year...)

Only 4 titles in the last 30 years (again, not too shabby, but with that payroll...)

[Timone]

What have they done lately?

Signed Burnett, Sabathia, and Teixeira -- haven't you heard?

[Fool]

Does their payroll make it less fun to be a fan of them? If not, why would it be considered in the equation?

[Wilfredo Ledezma]

I don't mind the NYY spending sprees each offseason. It hasn't gotten them anywhere since the decade started, so it's comical if nothing else.

Just like the Dallas Cowboys.

[Timone]

I guess it all depends on what your standards are. You can say that I'm probably treating it as a lifetime achievement award.