NFL: you can't win without a top-level quarterback, and there aren't that many available. Why have so many teams when there is literally no way to keep them stocked with talent?
NBA: again, if we're in a time when you need multiple big-time players to contend, what do we do about the fact there aren't enough good players to go around? Also, with the level of power held by the players in the NBA contract, teams can only win if they can attract talent. So what happens when it turns out that - surprise - players don't want to live in Sacramento?
NHL & MLB: since they’re international games, there should be enough talent. They’re also more team-oriented sports, in the sense teams can win with a solid roster, rather than relying on a few superstars. So in these cases, I think ownership must be the main problem. The Vegas Golden Knights have been a top team in the NHL since day one but have few-to-no household names on the roster.
In general, I think you’re right about bad ownership - clearly some of these guys like the cachet of owning a team but either can’t or can’t be bothered to run them well. Especially since they’ll make money either way.
As for contraction, I like the multi-division-with-relegation model. I disagree with the one team per city rule, though, I think rivalries can be good. Admittedly it doesn’t always work that well: New York seems to be fascinated by the Knicks, for instance, but apparently can’t be bothered with the Nets unless they assemble a roster loaded with stars, chaos and controversy.
On a personal note:
I’m opposed to contracting at least some of the southern latitude NHL teams. I grew up in Vegas and barrack hard for the Knights, and lived in L.A. during the Gretzky years so have a soft spot for the Kings.
It’s a travesty that Seattle lost the Sonics. Maybe I’m a homer, but this is a very supportive sports town and would turn out in force for an NBA team. However, while the Seahawks, Storm and Sounders are successful organizations, we might need to shutter the Mariners. It’s hard to be this bad for this long…
