A few days ago, the Philadelphia Eagles hammered the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl by a score that, considering KC scored two late touchdowns, flattered the Chiefs. The blowout simmered down (but didn’t end) the talk of a Chiefs dynasty and who is the greatest NFL quarterback ever.
With their loss, the Chiefs have won three of the last six Super Bowls and appeared in five. Every sports era has its dominant teams—dynasties that define a generation: the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls, the New York Yankees, the New York Islanders, and the Montreal Canadiens in their respective heydays.
But with every great dynasty comes a growing crowd of detractors. Fans outside the core fanbase often turn against dominant teams, celebrating their losses almost as much as their own teams’ wins. So why do so many people love to hate dynasties? And is their dominance bad for the game?
One of the biggest criticisms of dynasties is that they take away the element of surprise. When the same team wins year after year, it can feel like the rest of the league is just playing for second place. Fans of other teams might lose interest if they believe the outcome is inevitable.
Even when a dynasty is built through smart drafting, strong leadership, and elite coaching, some fans believe it’s unfair for one team to be so dominant. The Patriots and Chiefs, for example, were often accused of getting preferential treatment from referees. The Warriors were criticized for “ruining the NBA” when they signed Kevin Durant. When a team wins consistently, conspiracy theories and accusations of unfair advantages aren’t far behind.
A dynasty’s dominance can make other teams’ achievements feel insignificant. Imagine being a great team during the Chicago Bulls’ 1990s reign—teams like the Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, and Indiana Pacers had fantastic rosters but are remembered more for losing to Michael Jordan than for their own excellence. Similarly, in the NFL today, even elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Joe Burrow are stuck in Patrick Mahomes’ shadow.
Nothing annoys die-hard sports fans more than fair-weather fans who hop on the bandwagon of a successful team. The rise of social media has amplified this, as people suddenly become lifelong Chiefs, Warriors, or Patriots fans—until the next great team emerges. This makes it even easier for rival fans to dislike dominant teams.
Why Dynasties Are Great for Sports
Despite the complaints, dynasties are a crucial part of sports history. Although they may be frustrating for some fans, they bring benefits beyond their success.
Dynasties force the rest of the league to get better. The Patriots’ dominance pushed other teams to rethink how they built rosters. The Golden State Warriors changed the way basketball is played. The Chiefs’ high-powered offense has forced NFL defenses to evolve. Dominant teams make everyone else work harder to compete.
Every great dynasty has challengers trying to dethrone them. The Patriots had Peyton Manning’s Colts. The Warriors had LeBron’s Cavaliers. The Canadiens had the Bruins, Flyers, and up-and-coming Islanders. These matchups create must-watch moments, bringing more excitement to the sport.
Sports thrive on emotions. While some love dynasties, many love to hate them. The Yankees in baseball, Duke in college basketball, and Alabama in college football draw massive audiences because people want to see them lose. Having a dominant team gives fans a common enemy, making victories against them even sweeter.
Years after a dynasty ends, people still talk about them. The Patriots’ two-decade run, Jordan’s Bulls, and the Canadiens’ and Islanders’ four straight Stanley Cups are still legendary. These teams define eras, give sports history a narrative, and create nostalgia for fans and players.
Dynasties will always have their fair share of haters. But while they can frustrate fans of other teams, they also push the game forward. They force teams to innovate, create unforgettable moments, and set the standard for greatness.
So whether you love them or hate them, dynasties are an essential part of sports, and it’s only a matter of time before the next great dynasty rises—and a new generation of fans finds a team to root against.
John Berkovich Talks 