The NFL season may still be months away but the New York Jets have already been given the perfect motivation to end their play-off drought.
After 16 years of regular season heartache, the Sacramento Kings finally clinched a play-off spot on Wednesday night with a dominant 120-80 win over the already eliminated Portland Trail Blazers. The Kings just needed a single win to book their ticket to the postseason, and finally did so in style with a 40-point triumph over their opponents.
Until Wednesday night, the Kings held the longest active postseason drought across all major leagues in American sports. That's now been handed over to the Jets in the NFL, who haven't featured in a play-off game since 2010.
As if the Jets weren't determined enough already to get a deal for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers over the line, the Kings have fuelled their pursuit even more. Rodgers has already stated that he intends to play for the Jets next season, and the Packers are already preparing for life without him.
A deal is still yet to be formally completed, but it's likely that trade logistics are taking longer than expected, rather than the move being at any risk. With Rodgers in the side they have their best chance in over a decade to make it to the postseason, and they'll not want to extend their drought any longer.
Behind the Jets in the longest active play-off droughts across American spots are the Buffalo Sabres, who haven't qualified for the National Hockey League postseason since 2010/11. After sticking firm with star player Jack Eichel, they traded the former second overall pick in the Draft to rebuild, and they're as close as ever to breaking their drought this season.
The Sabres still need a lot of help from elsewhere to clinch a Wild Card spot, but they're on the cusp with nine games to go of the regular season. Should they miss out again then their woes will continue, although things are looking up for the future.
Behind the Sabres are the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels, who both haven't made the MLB play-offs since 2014. Even with the Angels boasting Shohei Ohtani they haven't made it, but they'll be looking to start the 2023 season well on March 30.
It's the Charlotte Hornets who now take over as the NBA side with the biggest drought, with their last appearance falling in the 2015/16 season. They almost made it in 2022, but 2023 has seen them closer to the number one Draft pick over contesting for the play-offs.
