The Sports Equinox 2026: 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! This year’s Sports Equinox will occur on Monday, October 26, 2026.

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 its regular season while, 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.

There have been 32 Sports Equinoxes, and 2026 will mark the 33rd Sports Equinox.

What is the history of the Sports Equinox?

The first Sports Equinox took place on October 17, 1971. There were four more in 1972 and 1973, before schedule changes led to a few years without an Equinox. The Sports Equinox returned 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 frequently overlap with the beginning of the 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 2026 Sports Equinox occur?

The 2026 Sports Equinox will occur on Monday, October 26. It will feature 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 2026 Sports Equinox?

NBA Games

  • Washington Wizards @ Charlotte Hornets
  • Minnesota Timberwolves @ Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics
  • Dallas Mavericks @ Miami Heat
  • Indiana Pacers @ Milwaukee Bucks
  • Phoenix Suns @ Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Atlanta Hawks @ Houston Rockets
  • Memphis Grizzlies @ Utah Jazz
  • Golden State Warriors @ Denver Nuggets

MLB Games

  • World Series Game 3

NFL Games

  • Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles (Monday Night Football)

NHL Games

  • Los Angeles Kings @ New York Rangers
  • Toronto Maple Leafs @ Calgary Flames
  • Detroit Red Wings @ Edmonton Oilers