Elite Leagues

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