Stock Pick: Microsoft because of its "vision and dominant franchise."

It was replaced by the Celtics, who were the league's dominant franchise and brought the title to Brooklyn in the one year they were based there.

"Everybody wants to play their best games against Houston," Hammon said, noting that it has been the dominant franchise in the league.

The Jets were one of the most dominant franchises in the league's history, winning eight playoff championships and twelve division titles.

Jeff Poppenhagen, the fund manager since February 1996, says "dominant franchise" is the key concept in the fund's approach.

The team was one of the most dominant franchises in CBA/Eastern League history, winning eight playoff championships and twelve division titles.

In general, investment bankers wanted to sell stock for two kinds of companies: dominant, extremely profitable franchises or anything with a dot-com attached to it.

Throughout N.F.L. history, the dominant franchises have been dominated by football men with football knowledge.

The following year the Oilers became the dominant franchise.

With new competitors emerging daily and electronic networks changing the financial landscape, leaders of both markets emphasized that they must act quickly to preserve their dominant franchises.