The Chicago White Sox have been having a tough time lately, with a record-breaking 17-game losing streak. This losing streak is the longest in the history of the franchise, and their overall record of 27-74 is the worst they have ever had after 101 games. Their winning percentage of .243 is also on track to be the worst in over 100 years of Major League Baseball.
While the White Sox are struggling, they are not yet among the longest losing streaks in North American sports or MLB history. However, they are getting uncomfortably close to that list. Let’s take a look at some of the longest losing streaks in sports history to see where the White Sox stand.
1. Chicago Cardinals (NFL) — 29 games (1942-45)
The Chicago Cardinals, now the Arizona Cardinals, hold the record for the longest losing streak in NFL history. They went 29 games without a win from 1942 to 1945. Their losing streak started with three losses in 1942 and continued through the 1943 and 1944 seasons. They finally broke the streak in 1945 with a win against the Bears.
2. Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) — 28 games (2014-15 season)
The Philadelphia 76ers endured a 28-game losing streak that stretched from the end of the 2014-15 season into the start of the 2015-16 season. This streak marked a low point for the team and led to changes in the front office.
3. Detroit Pistons (NBA) — 28 games (2023)
The Detroit Pistons recently set the record for the longest single-season losing streak in the NBA with 28 games. Their struggles on defense contributed to this disappointing season.
4. Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) — 26 games (2014)
In the 2013-14 season, the 76ers went through a 26-game losing streak, marking the beginning of a challenging period for the team.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) — 26 games (2010-2011)
The Cavaliers struggled after LeBron James left the team, enduring a 26-game losing streak during the 2010-2011 season.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) — 26 games (1976-1977)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a rough start as a franchise, going 26 games without a win in their early seasons.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) — 24 games (1981-82 season)
The Cavaliers experienced a 24-game losing streak that carried over from the 1981-82 season into the 1982-83 season.
8. Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) — 23 games (1961)
The Philadelphia Phillies hold the record for the longest losing streak in MLB history with 23 games in 1961.
9. Charlotte Bobcats (NBA) — 23 games (2012)
The Charlotte Bobcats had a challenging season in 2012, with a 23-game losing streak marking a low point for the team.
10. Denver Nuggets (NBA) — 23 games (1997-1998)
The Denver Nuggets endured a 23-game losing streak in the 1997-1998 season, one of the worst seasons in the team’s history.
While the Chicago White Sox are not yet at the top of this list, their current losing streak is cause for concern. As they continue to struggle, the team and fans are hoping for a turnaround and an end to this challenging period.