How Long Is the MLB Baseball Season?
If you’re a new baseball fan or just curious about how Major League Baseball (MLB) operates, you may be wondering: How long is the MLB season? With 30 teams, 162 games per team, and postseason play, the MLB schedule is one of the longest in professional sports.
In this blog, we’ll break down how long the MLB season lasts, including the regular season, spring training, and MLB playoffs.
Contents
MLB Regular Season Length
The MLB regular season lasts approximately six months, starting in late March or early April and ending in late September or early October.
- Number of games: Each team plays 162 games.
- Game frequency: Teams typically play almost every day, with occasional rest days.
- Total duration: About 180 days (roughly 26 weeks).
This grueling schedule tests the endurance of players and is part of what makes baseball such a strategic sport.
What About Spring Training?
Before the regular season begins, MLB teams participate in Spring Training, which starts in mid-February and runs through late March.
- Purpose: Players get back into game shape, and coaches evaluate rosters.
- Duration: About 4 to 6 weeks.
- Locations: Held in Arizona (Cactus League) and Florida (Grapefruit League).
While Spring Training doesn’t count toward the official season, it’s a vital part of the baseball calendar.
How Long Are the MLB Playoffs?
After the regular season, the MLB postseason begins in October, often referred to as “October Baseball”.
- Format: Features 12 teams (6 from each league).
- Rounds: Includes the Wild Card Series, Division Series, League Championship Series, and World Series.
- Total duration: The playoffs last about one month, ending in late October or early November.
The World Series, MLB’s championship, usually wraps up by the first week of November.
Full Timeline of the MLB Season
| Phase | Timeframe | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Training | Mid-February to Late March | ~6 weeks |
| Regular Season | Late March to Early October | ~6 months |
| Postseason | October to Early November | ~1 month |
How MLB Compares to Other Sports
One of the reasons fans ask how long the MLB season is stems from its uniquely long schedule compared to other sports:
- NFL: 17 regular-season games over 18 weeks
- NBA: 82 games over ~6 months
- NHL: 82 games over ~6 months
- MLB: 162 games over ~6 months
Baseball’s daily game rhythm sets it apart from other leagues that typically play 2–3 games per week.
Final Thoughts
So, how long is the MLB season? From Spring Training in February to the World Series in early November, the entire MLB calendar spans about 8.5 months. The regular season alone lasts about 6 months, making it one of the most demanding schedules in all of sports.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into baseball, understanding the structure of the season helps you better appreciate the game’s pace, strategy, and excitement.
Looking to buy cheap MLB tickets without any hidden fees this season? Check out TickPick, where you’ll get the guaranteed best prices on all baseball tickets.
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