What does the team folded means?

Answer 1

Many times it means the team "folded" under the pressure. Likely is was a close game or they were winning and the pressure of being in that situation caused them to "fold". Fold meaning not being able to maintain the level of play they had been performing at.

Examples

• The Rams folded in the second half of the season.
• It was a close game and then the Tigers folded.
• The Bears folded like a cheap suit.

Answer 2

Well, it probably means that the team can no longer sustain itself financially. So when this happens, the team is usually foreced to sell or relocate to a market that can sustain a franchise.