League mergers occur when two or more sports leagues combine to form a single organization. This can happen for various reasons, such as financial stability, increased competition, or broader market reach. Mergers can lead to a more extensive fan base and improved resources for teams and players. In a league merger, teams may need to adjust their schedules, divisions, and playoff formats. For example, the merger between the National Football League (NFL) and the American Football League (AFL) in 1970 created a unified league structure, enhancing the popularity of professional football in the United States.