The Sports Equinox 2025: When NBA, MLB, NHL and NFL come together

It doesn’t necessarily happen every year, but the Sports Equinox is always a special occasion for sports fans!

What is the Sports Equinox?

The Sports Equinox is a term that refers to a day when the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB all have games. Usually this happens in October, when the NBA has just begun it’s regular season at the same time the MLB is holding the World Series.

Other sports leagues like MLS, NWSL, and the WNBA can also get involved, although that is not necessary for it to be an Equinox.

As of 2024, there were 31 Sports Equinoxes. A 32nd is scheduled to occur in 2025.

What is the history of the Sports Equinox?

The first Sports Equinox took place on October 17, 1971. There were more in 1972 and 1973, before schedule changes led to a few years without them. The Equinox came back in 1978 through 1980.

Then, from 1981 to 2008, it was a very rare thing. There were only two Sports Equnioxes in that span. Since 2015, the Sports Equinox has essentially become a regular event, as MLB has pushed its postseason deeper into the year, allowing it to overlap with the beginning of NBA season.

Complete list of Sports Equinoxes

Sports Reference has compiled a list of every Sports Equinox! Note that, because the Sports Equinox is not an official term recognized by any league or body, this list is unofficial. We’ve included links to the games so you can see who played on each Equinox.

When will the 2025 Sports Equinox occur?

The 2025 Sports Equinox will occur on October 27. That day will be Game 3 of the World Series, Monday Night Football, and regular season action in the NHL and NBA.

Which games will be played on the 2025 Sports Equinox?

NBA Games

  • Cleveland Cavaliers @ Detroit Pistons
  • Orlando Magic @ Philadelphia 76ers
  • Atlanta Hawks @ Chicago Bulls
  • Brooklyn Nets @ Houston Rockets
  • Boston Celtics @ New Orleans Pelicans
  • Toronto Raptors @ San Antonio Spurs
  • Oklahoma City Thunder @ Dallas Mavericks
  • Phoenix Suns @ Utah Jazz
  • Denver Nuggets @ Minnesota Timberwolves
  • Memphis Grizzlies @ Golden State Warriors
  • Portland Trail Blazers @ Los Angeles Lakers

MLB Games

  • Toronto Blue Jays @ Los Angeles Dodgers (World Series Game 3)

NFL Games

  • Washington Commanders @ Kansas City Chiefs (Monday Night Football)

NHL Games

  • Boston Bruins @ Ottawa Senators
  • St. Louis Blues @ Pittsburgh Penguins