Federal League

baseball league

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Last updated

June 17, 2026

Quick Summary

The Federal League was a professional baseball league that operated in the United States from 1914 to 1915. It was formed as a rival to the established National and American Leagues. The league struggled to compete with the established leagues and faced financial difficulties. It was ultimately unable to sustain itself and disbanded after only two seasons. The Federal League's brief existence is notable for its attempt to challenge the existing baseball establishment and for introducing innovations such as a more liberal player contract system. The league's efforts to gain a foothold in professional baseball ultimately failed, but it remains a part of baseball history.1

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Kenesaw Mountain Landis
In 1915 the Federal League, a “third major league” operating outside the structure of organized professional baseball, brought suit against the American and National leagues. The case came before Landis, who neither granted nor denied the injunction that was requested but withheld his decision until the Federal League…
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In 1915 the Federal League, a “third major league” operating outside the structure of organized professional baseball, brought suit against the American and National leagues. The case came before Landis, who neither granted nor denied the injunction that was requested but withheld his decision until the Federal League…
Read More