The Browns defeated the White Stockings, four games to two, capturing their first World's Championship Series.
The two open spots are filled by the newly enfranchised Kansas City Cowboys and Washington Nationals.
American Association Opening Day took place on April 17 featuring six teams, while National League Opening Day took place on April 29, also featuring six teams.
The American Association would see its final day of the regular season on October 15 with a doubleheader between the New York Metropolitans and Philadelphia Athletics, while the National League would see its final day of the season on October 11 with a game between the Kansas City Cowboys and Washington Nationals.
The 1886 season saw the following rule changes: Blue laws restricted Sunday activities in several localities, causing the Brooklyn Grays of the American Association (which was informally referred to as the "Beer & Whiskey League" due to its openness on alcohol, compared to the National League) to play at ballparks in a different locality.