Sioux Falls Skyforce, Sioux Falls

When the Skyforce joined the Continental Basketball Association in 1989, it became the city of Sioux Falls's first-ever professional-sports organization. It wasn't until 1994 that the Skyforce truly established itself as a powerhouse, earning its first playoff berth to set off a string of six consecutive postseason appearances—highlighted by a CBA championship in 1995–96.

Over the next decade, the Skyforce remained a perennial playoff contender, including during a brief stint as part of the International Basketball League in 2001. The team won its second CBA title in 2005–06, then promptly stuffed its trophies and the entire Sioux Falls Arena into a carry-on suitcase for a move to the NBA Developmental League. Since the switch, the Skyforce has helped launch the careers of a dozen NBA players, bringing the organization's total to more than 40.