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10 Hateable Sports Franchises You Can’t Help But Respect

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By @jetleli

10 Hateable Sports Franchises You Can't Help But Respect

Minnesota Wild v Chicago Blackhawks - Game One
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The sports world is filled with dominant franchises that can win championship after championship solely because of a big pocketbook, which often drives opposing fans nuts. But while some big franchises do deserve to be hated, it is clear that these 10 juggernauts deserve your respect, and they probably already get it.

10. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs hated franchises
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10. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs hated franchise
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The San Antonio Spurs have won five NBA Titles since 1999, but they have never attempted to embarrass an opponent or disrespect the institution of basketball. Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan and company are great on the court, but their humility and hard-working approach makes them a team that is impossible to hate, and easy to respect.

9. Chicago Blackhawks

hated teams Chicago Blackhawks
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9. Chicago Blackhawks

hated teams Chicago Blackhawks
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Chicago has been the dominant force in the NHL for the last five years, but captain Jonathan Toews leads the organization with class and it is hard to ignore the beautiful style of hockey the Blackhawks play.

8. FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona hated teams
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8. FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona hated teams
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FC Barcelona may not be your favorite team, but they are surely the most respected, as they employ the type of attractive and skillful soccer that makes fans jump out of their seats.

7. New York Yankees

new york yankees hated
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7. New York Yankees

new york yankees hated
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The New York Yankees are arguably the most loved and hated franchise in the world, but even enemies could agree that the men in pinstripes play with class and that they are the model franchise of MLB.

6. New England Patriots

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6. New England Patriots

new england patriots hated
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It is hard not to respect Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots' organization, as they are in contention for the Super Bowl every year and they are rarely abrasive about winning.

5. Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs hated
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5. Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs hated
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The Chicago Cubs seem like a team that fans would naturally hate, but the organization maintains my respect for having fans that continuously support it despite seemingly being stuck in last place of the National League Central division every year.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder respect
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4. Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder respect
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Kevin Durant is the most likable superstar in the NBA today, and his mere presence makes the Oklahoma City Thunder a must-watch team and an easy organization to respect.

3. Denver Broncos

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3. Denver Broncos

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The Denver Broncos gained massive amounts of respect after they let Tim Tebow go a couple years ago, and the presence of Peyton Manning makes them the team that everyone hates to love.

2. Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings hated organization
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2. Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings hated organization
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The Detroit Red Wings have made the NHL Playoffs for 23-consecutive seasons, and the fact that they have done it through great drafting, extensive scouting and hard-nosed hockey makes the organization impossible not to have a great deal of respect for.

1. Arsenal

arsenal hate to love
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1. Arsenal

arsenal hate to love
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In an era when it seems like all big soccer clubs pay their way to the top, Arsenal still develops young players and doesn't spend money that the club structurally can't afford. This alone earns them my respect, which is only helped out by the fact they are one of the most successful clubs in Barclays Premier League history.

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