Longevity in Professional Sports
As Father Time relentlessly progresses, LeBron James proves to be a formidable opponent, extending his remarkable career well into its twilight years. The soon-to-be 2025-26 NBA season will witness James embark on his 23rd year in the league, an achievement that will surpass the legendary Vince Carter’s record as the player with the most seasons played in NBA history. Meanwhile, in Major League Baseball, veteran pitcher Rich Hill is making waves after being called up by the Kansas City Royals, marking the commencement of his 21st season in the big leagues.
Longest-Serving Players Across Major North American Sports Leagues
The landscape of professional sports is dotted with athletes who have demonstrated exceptional longevity. Below is a detailed compilation of some of the longest-serving players:
Major League Baseball (MLB)
- Nolan Ryan: 27 seasons (1966-1993)
- Cap Anson: 27 seasons (1871-1897)
- Rich Hill: 21 seasons (2005-present)
Major League Soccer (MLS)
- Kyle Beckerman: 21 seasons (2000-2020)
- Kei Kamara: 18 seasons (2006-present)
National Basketball Association (NBA)
- Vince Carter: 22 seasons (1998-2020)
- LeBron James: 22 seasons (2003-present)
National Football League (NFL)
- George Blanda: 26 seasons (1949-1975)
- Aaron Rodgers: 20 seasons (2005-present)
National Hockey League (NHL)
- Chris Chelios: 26 seasons (1983-2010)
- Gordie Howe: 26 seasons (1946-1971, 1979-1980)
- Brent Burns: 21 seasons (2003-present)
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
- Alyssa Naeher: 13 seasons (2013-present)
- Sydney Leroux: 13 seasons (2013-present)
Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)
- Diana Taurasi: 20 seasons (2004-2014, 2016-2024)
- DeWanna Bonner: 16 seasons (2009-present)
For further insights and updates on the world of sports, visit the ESPN homepage, where you can discover a wealth of features, rankings, and analysis.
