Maryland is home to several professional sports teams, including major league franchises and various minor league teams. Here’s a breakdown:
Major League Teams:
- NFL (National Football League):
- Baltimore Ravens (Baltimore)
- Washington Commanders (Prince George’s County, though they represent the Washington D.C. metropolitan area)
- MLB (Major League Baseball):
- Baltimore Orioles (Baltimore)
Minor League and Other Professional Teams:
- Baseball (Affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles unless otherwise noted):
- Aberdeen IronBirds (High-A East League)
- Chesapeake Baysox (Double-A Eastern League)
- Delmarva Shorebirds (Single-A South Atlantic League)
- Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (Atlantic League of Professional Baseball – independent league)
- Frederick Keys (MLB Draft League – collegiate summer league, but featuring professional prospects)
- Hagerstown Flying Boxcars (Atlantic League of Professional Baseball – independent league)
- Soccer:
- Baltimore Blast (Major Arena Soccer League – indoor soccer)
- Maryland Bobcats FC (National Independent Soccer Association – Division III outdoor soccer)
- While the Washington Spirit (National Women’s Soccer League) are based in Washington D.C., they previously played home matches at the Maryland SoccerPlex in Germantown, Maryland.
- Hockey:
- Maryland Black Bears (North American Hockey League – junior ice hockey, considered a path to professional hockey)
Note: Maryland does not currently host an NBA (basketball) or NHL (ice hockey) major league team. The Washington Wizards (NBA) and Washington Capitals (NHL) play in Washington D.C. but have a significant fanbase in Maryland.