Originally drawing players from defunct independent professional and semi-professional teams, they joined the fledgling National Football League (NFL) in 1930.

[1] The following year, Portsmouth residents agreed to fund the construction of a football stadium that was comparable to those in neighboring communities along the Ohio River.

In that game, Spartans coach Potsy Clark refused to make even a single substitution against the defending NFL champion Packers.

The Bears won the game 9–0, with a touchdown pass from Bronko Nagurski to Red Grange being the key play.

[1][6] The resulting interest led to the establishment of the Eastern and Western Divisions and a regular championship game beginning in 1933.

[1][5] During their final three years in Portsmouth, the Spartans posted a record of 23–9–4, a .718 winning percentage that was surpassed only by the Bears.