Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are making history by returning to the NFL’s championship game after winning the Super Bowl back-to-back. This puts them on a path to potentially achieve an uncommon three-peat, a feat not seen in major league sports—NFL, NBA, NHL, or MLB—in over two decades.
The last team to secure three consecutive championships from these leagues was the Los Angeles Lakers, featuring legends Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, who accomplished this from 2000 to 2002.
In the NFL’s long history, only two teams have ever won three championships in a row. The Green Bay Packers first achieved this from 1929 to 1931, based on regular-season records. They managed it again from 1965 to 1967 under legendary coach Vince Lombardi. This period saw the Packers claim the last championship before the Super Bowl era in 1966, followed by victories in the first two championships pitting the AFL and NFL champions against each other.
Since Green Bay’s impressive streak, several teams across the four major North American sports leagues have achieved three-peat success. Here’s a look at those storied franchises:
Oakland Athletics (1972-74)
In the early 1970s, the Oakland Athletics, known for their colorful personalities, dominated baseball. Led by the powerful Reggie Jackson and strong pitchers like Catfish Hunter and Vida Blue, the A’s claimed championships against the Reds, Mets, and Dodgers, joining the New York Yankees as the only franchises to win three consecutive titles.
Montreal Canadiens (1976-79)
The Montreal Canadiens, a staple in the NHL with 23 Stanley Cups, enjoyed a successful era in the late 1970s under coach Scotty Bowman. Featuring stars like Guy LaFleur and Hall of Famers Larry Robinson and Ken Dryden, they secured four straight championships with an impressive 48-10 playoff record.
New York Islanders (1980-83)
Following the Canadiens’ dominance, the New York Islanders launched their own era of success. Led by players like Mike Bossy and Denis Potvin, the team clinched four championships, beginning their impressive run with a memorable overtime goal in the 1980 Stanley Cup Final.
Chicago Bulls (1991-93, 1996-98)
After facing setbacks against the Detroit Pistons, Michael Jordan and the Bulls triumphed in the 1991 NBA Finals against the Lakers, leading to three consecutive championships. After a brief hiatus due to Jordan’s retirement, the Bulls returned to glory, setting a record with 72 wins in the 1996 season and securing another two titles.
New York Yankees (1998-2000)
The Yankees, famous for their winning legacy, are unique in achieving three straight World Series titles during the modern free agency era. The team, featuring stars like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, bounced back in 1998 to embark on a dominant playoff run with a 33-8 postseason record.
Los Angeles Lakers (2000-02)
Following his success with the Bulls, coach Phil Jackson led the Lakers to three consecutive titles, guided by the talents of O’Neal and Bryant. They faced challenges along the way, including a dramatic Game 7 comeback to secure their first title before repeating their success in the next two seasons.
As the Chiefs strive for their own three-peat, they join a distinguished list of teams that have established dynasties in professional sports.
