Some teams are loved for their dominance. Others? They’re famous for being the bad guys—loud, cocky, and unapologetically excellent at making everyone else miserable. These franchises didn’t just win; they did it with swagger, controversy, and a trail of haters behind them.
Whether it’s trash talk, dynasty fatigue, or always ruining the feel-good story, these teams have become the ultimate sports villains. You might respect and despise them, but you have an opinion. Let’s count down the 20 franchises that made being hated their whole personality.
20. Kansas City Chiefs
They used to be lovable underdogs—now they’re the team everyone is sick of. Between Patrick Mahomes’ dominance, Travis Kelce’s antics, and the whole Taylor Swift saga, the Chiefs are the NFL’s new villain empire.
19. New York Yankees
They don’t rebuild, they reload—and fans of every other team love to hate them. With all those rings and payroll, they’ve become the ultimate villain in baseball lore.
18. Miami Heat
From “The Decision” to Pat Riley’s smugness, the Heat have leaned into the drama. The Heatles era made them public enemy number one for a few years.
17. Oakland Raiders / Las Vegas Raiders
Even before the move to Vegas, the Raiders built their identity on being the outlaws of the NFL. Silver and black, eye-patch logo, and a fanbase that practically dares you to fight them.
16. USC Football
Hollywood swagger, star quarterbacks, and a history of bending the rules just a bit too far. USC has always been the team you love to root against unless you’re rocking cardinal and gold.
15. Philadelphia Flyers
The Broad Street Bullies era cemented their place as the NHL’s original villains. They didn’t care if they beat you or bloodied you—preferably both.
14. Duke Basketball
It’s not just the wins—the smug floor slaps, flopping, and a fanbase that never lets you forget they’re the “smart” school. Every March, America unites and roots against them.
13. Alabama Football
Nick Saban turned them into a winning machine and a program people desperately wanted to see fall. Their dominance sucked the fun out of college football for a while.
12. Chicago Bulls (1990s)
Michael Jordan was a generational icon, but also the destroyer of dreams. The Bulls made it their mission to ruin every other team’s happy ending in the ‘90s.
11. Boston Celtics
It is one of the most storied franchises in basketball history and is most hated. Their fans are loud, their banners are many, and they never miss a chance to remind you.
10. New England Patriots
No team has more “gate” scandals attached to them; somehow, they just kept winning. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were the NFL’s version of a wrestling heel duo.
9. Notre Dame Football
National TV deals, tradition for days, and a fanbase that acts like every year is their year. If you’re not a fan, you’re tired of hearing about them by September.
8. Golden State Warriors
Once lovable underdogs, they quickly turned into tech-world villains with superteam vibes. Steph’s shimmy and Draymond’s antics didn’t help their reputation.
7. Real Madrid
Galácticos, world-record signings, and a win-at-all-costs mentality. They’re the flashy juggernaut that fans love to hate in world football.
6. New York Knicks
After years of subpar, they’re finally relevant, but somehow manage to act like they’ve always been the center of the basketball universe. That entitlement alone keeps the villain status alive.
5. Manchester United
The dynasty years under Sir Alex Ferguson made them untouchable—and unbearable. Finally, everyone not wearing red wanted someone else to take them down.
4. Dallas Cowboys
“America’s Team” doesn’t exactly scream humility. The Cowboys haven’t won big in a while, but the ego never left the building.
3. Detroit Pistons (Bad Boys Era)
They made being villains part of the strategy. Cheap shots, hard fouls, and zero apologies—what’s not to hate?
Read More: 20 NFL Stars Who Were Basically Villains and Loved It
2. Los Angeles Lakers
From Showtime to LeBron, the Lakers have always had the glitz, the glam, and the arrogance to match. Everyone wants to beat them, and they love that you do.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Biggest NBA Villains of the Last 20 Years
1. Houston Astros
They didn’t just cheat—they got caught and acted like they didn’t care. Nothing screams villain more than banging trash cans and walking around like the heroes.
Read More: 20 MLB Players Who Were Basically Villains and Loved It
