In short and simple terms, the phrase "tier team" refers to a group of people or a team that is ranked or classified according to their skill level or performance.
Would like to see him in a second tier team next season. (sbnation.com)
A third round cup exit against a third tier team would be a new depth to the crisis that has plagued the team this term. (latestchelseanews.com)
The second - tier teams in 2014, all of which had just one loss and at least a share of a conference title, were probably more qualified than most, however. (sbnation.com)