The Elite Sports Leagues are those Big Sports leagues that eventually became the Major Sports Leagues. Some examples of these leagues:
National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (1871-1874)
Eastern Canada Amateur Hockey Association (1906-1909)
American Professional Football Association (1920-1921)
National Basketball League (1937-1949)
The Elite Leagues are defined by possessing all of the four criteria:
- They attract some of the best players
- Are home to some of the richest teams
- Will set the foundations of professional sports and exclusivity
- Go on to help form or enhance the Major Sports League