Historical Losing Streaks: A Glimpse Across Various Leagues: How Pistons’ NBA record compares to NFL, MLB, NHL and NCAA

The Detroit Pistons are on the cusp of an NBA record, having lost 27 consecutive games in the 2023-24 season. As they approach infamy, fans of other sports may wonder about the longest losing streaks in their favorite leagues. Let’s take a look at some historical losing streaks in the NFL, MLB, NHL, NCAA football, and NCAA basketball.

NFL:

1. Longest NFL Losing Streak: Chicago Cardinals (29 games, 1942-1945) – The Cardinals, now known as the Arizona Cardinals, endured a 29-game losing streak over four seasons.
2. Longest NFL Losing Streak in Recent History: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26 games, 1976-1977) – The Buccaneers went 0-14 in their inaugural season in 1976 and started the 1977 season 0-12.
3. Recent Struggles: Jacksonville Jaguars (20 games, 2020-2021) – The Jaguars’ COVID-impacted 2020 season contributed to a 20-game losing streak.

MLB:

1. Longest MLB Losing Streak: Louisville Colonels (26 games, 1889) – The Colonels’ 26-game losing streak during the 1889 season remains an MLB record.
2. Longest MLB Losing Streak in Recent History: Detroit Tigers (19 games, 1975) – The 1975 Tigers suffered a 19-game losing streak after starting the season with nine straight wins.

NHL:

1. Tied NHL Infamy: Pittsburgh Penguins (18 games, 2003-04) & Buffalo Sabres (18 games, 2020-21) – Both teams share the record for an 18-game losing streak.

NCAA Football:

1. Longest NCAA Football Losing Streak: Northwestern (34 games, 1979-1982) – Northwestern endured a 34-game losing streak spanning three seasons.
2. FBS Record: Prairie View A&M (80 consecutive losses, 1989-1998) – Prairie View A&M holds the FBS record with an 80-game losing streak over a decade.

NCAA Basketball:

1. Women’s Basketball: Chicago State Lady Cougars (59 games, 2016-2018) – The Lady Cougars faced a challenging 59-game losing streak spanning two seasons.
2. Men’s Basketball: Towson Tigers (41 games, 2011-2012) – Towson had a 41-game losing streak that ended with a win over UNC Wilmington in 2012.

As the Pistons approach an NBA record, these historical losing streaks across various leagues highlight the challenges teams face and the resilience needed to overcome adversity.