That's probably an odd way to phrase it, but I'll try explain what I am asking. So I was sort of curious about this after hearing that an NFL team was moving back to LA after moving away originally.I have been watching and learning more about North American sports (basketball and ice hockey) recently and one thing that is strange is the way the teams are 'franchises' and move about relatively often. In basketball for example there are loads of Seattle Supersonics fans who don't have a team anymore, in ice hockey I read that people are waiting for the Quebec Nordiques to come back, and I'm sure there are plenty of others too. It's interesting to me that these teams often don't have any loyalty to their areas/fan-bases.
So what I am asking is basically what are the 'roots' of popular North American teams, whether it's NBA, NHL, or NFL or whatever? For instance sports 'clubs' in Europe are pretty well documented, whether it's rugby, gaa, soccer or whatever sport, their roots are usually as actual 'clubs' (amateur ones, workers clubs etc.) and they gradually grew into the organisations they are now. So where did the north american ones come from? Did they have the same sort of root? Is there any particular reason why there is the difference in outlook between American 'franchises' and European 'clubs', I mean of course they are both businesses but it seems that there is a difference...
Thanks, this was way more long winded than I intended for a relatively daft sort of question haha
For franchises the league is the controlling body; they give teams the rights to set up shop in a certain territory. Like opening a franchised restaurant, you have to go to McDonald's corporate and they tell you were you can open. You also abide by their rules and practices regarding running the business. In franchise sports the league owners vote and give franchising rights to whatever prospective owners/investors/people funding the team.
In general, the franchised team is the only one allowed in its territory, but exceptions are made like in NYC having two teams(unlike the ELP where there are a dozen of London teams). This is also why American sports teams can move cities so easily. The league decides if the team's request to relocate is acceptable, the fans have no say. Though the distinction is becoming more vague, Franchises are out and out businesses whereas European clubs are local associations. Franchises will go where the money is, clubs have a stronger ties to their communities.
Currently, the only way for completely new teams to join the NFL, MLB, MLS, NHL, or NBA is through expansions. The league will decide if there needs to be more teams and at what locations. They then allow for a franchise to be set up. The new teams then participate in an expansion draft. They take players from other teams in the league to build their rosters(teams can specify a limited number of protected players who can not be taken).
Many current baseball teams have origins in the late 1800s, post U.S. Civil War era. The Cincinnati Reds were founded in 1869 as a professional club. Clubs of this era played in a few different leagues, but didn't become franchises until they joined the National League which created the franchise system in 1871. Whereas, relatively modern expansion team like the San Diego Padres spent decades as a minor league affiliate of different Major League teams. It wasn't until the 1969 expansion did they become a franchise and join the Major League.
In Association Football/Soccer, or any associated system, the league(s) are open. You tell them you want to start a team, pay whatever the association charges, and you have a team. You'll start in a bottom tier league, but with promotions you'll have a chance to make it to the top flight. Because there are multiple leagues there is an outside governing body to take care of rules and changes like The Football Association or FIFA.