Sarpsborg is one of the most successful teams in the Norwegian Football Cup, with six titles and twelve finals in total.

Sarpsborg played their first cup final as early as 1906, which they lost against Odd.

In 1917, in Sarpsborg's third final, the club won its first title after Brann was beaten 4–1.

With the exception of 1957 to 1962 and 1973, Sarpsborg played at the top tier from the inaugural season in 1937–38 till the club was relegated in 1974.

Former Scottish international forward Jim McCalliog played for Sarpsborg FK in 1979.