What is one purpose of a professional sports league?

• A. To select cities for teams in an application process
• B. To serve as a fan club
• C. To add as many teams as are wanted by cities
• D. To control the number and location of teams

Answer: (D)

Leagues oversee membership and geographic footprint to keep competition fair and financially solid. A key purpose is to control the number and location of teams. By setting limits and guiding expansion or relocation, the league maintains balanced competition, ensures markets have viable fan bases, and protects revenue streams from media, sponsorships, and ticket sales.

That’s why expanding or moving franchises isn’t done simply because a city wants a team; it requires careful evaluation of market size, arena facilities, ownership, and long-term viability. It also isn’t about a fan club, which is a supporters’ group rather than a governance body. And allowing unlimited teams would risk oversaturation and weaker competition, which leagues guard against.