Red Sox-Yankees. Cavaliers-Warriors. Federer-Nadal. Sports rivalries used to feel like a bigger deal then they are now. The matchups were discussed for months leading up to the games and the drama which surrounded them contributed to the competitive aspect of these games. Fans and the media would mark their calendars for these events and in turn, the players would compete like they hated each other. 

Rivalries are still played every year; it just doesn’t feel the same. One reason for this is because of players being traded to different franchises. There is increasingly less loyalty between organizations and how they value players which contributes to the constant turnover of rosters due to players being either traded or cut. Those subject to that fate may typically have to move to a city or franchise across the country that has a different team culture.

However, the same can be said for the players. With the recent introduction of NIL (name, image and likeness) in collegiate athletics, players are often transferring to multiple schools throughout their career in order to make money from their name. This makes it hard for programs to continue to build winning cultures and create the animosity required for these rivalries to blossom.  

Due to social media, players are more connected than ever, especially with each other. Players used to relish the fact that they wouldn’t encounter opposing teams during the offseason, further contributing to the hatred when the games would happen. Nowadays, with the aspect of close connection, players opt to practice and train together during the offseason. Not only could this put them at a competitive disadvantage as opponents are now aware of each other’s skill levels  but when opponents turn into teammates, it is difficult to build a dislike for each other.

We need to see more dynasties in sports because of the simple fact that if a team is consistently winning, other teams will attempt to go all in to possibly achieve the same success, building a winning team culture and team pride within the athletes. 

Rivalries aren’t dead, they have just changed. Sports have changed and the industry itself has gotten bigger. It is less about not liking each other and more about instant connection bringing players closer together. This isn’t bad, but the current state of sports in terms of media and how sports franchises are run take away from the old intensity.