Monday brings a rare sports equinox, promising a thrilling day for dedicated sports enthusiasts.
For the first and last time this year, and the 32nd instance in history, the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL will all have games on the same day, with MLS adding two playoff matches to the mix. A total of 17 games will kick off within a span of four hours.
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The highlight of the evening will be Game 3 of the World Series, where the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays will battle for a series lead. The Dodgers brought the series level with a decisive 5-1 win on Saturday, bolstered by a remarkable complete game performance from starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. On Monday night, Tyler Glasnow and Max Scherzer will take the mound.
Alongside the NBA games, the Washington Commanders will face the Kansas City Chiefs, though they will be without their starting quarterback, Jaden Daniels.
These sports equinoxes have seen even busier schedules in the past, such as in 2021 when the NWSL was included, and in 2018 when five different leagues played in Los Angeles alone.
While it’s not ideal for leagues that have spent years avoiding overlap, it offers fans a unique experience. This crossover typically occurs on a Thursday, Sunday, or Monday in late October or early November (thanks to the NFL), when MLB playoffs are in full swing and NBA and NHL seasons are just starting.
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Fans should prepare their split screens.
NFL
Washington Commanders @ Kansas City Chiefs (8:15 p.m.)
MLB
Toronto Blue Jays @ Los Angeles Dodgers (8 p.m.)
MLS
Columbus Crew @ FC Cincinnati (6:45 p.m.)
Seattle Sounders @ Minnesota United (9 p.m.)
NBA
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Detroit Pistons (7 p.m.)
Orlando Magic @ Philadelphia 76ers (7 p.m.)
Atlanta Hawks @ Chicago Bulls (8 p.m.)
Brooklyn Nets @ Houston Rockets (8 p.m.)
Boston Celtics @ New Orleans Pelicans (8 p.m.)
Toronto Raptors @ San Antonio Spurs (8 p.m.)
Oklahoma City Thunder @ Dallas Mavericks (8:30 p.m.)
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Phoenix Suns @ Utah Jazz (9 p.m.)
Denver Nuggets @ Minnesota Timberwolves (9:30 p.m.)
Memphis Grizzlies @ Golden State Warriors (10 p.m.)
Portland Trail Blazers @ Los Angeles Lakers (10:30 p.m.)
NHL
Boston Bruins @ Ottawa Senators (7 p.m.)
St. Louis Blues @ Pittsburgh Penguins (7:30 p.m.)
As soccer fans, this moment showcases the growing presence of MLS alongside major North American sports leagues. It reflects the growing acceptance and excitement surrounding soccer in the U.S., potentially attracting new viewers to the sport.
