Sports fans rarely agree on much, but almost everyone follows at least one of these four leagues. The NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL each fill a different part of the year with games, playoffs and championships. This One Gotta Go card asks which league you would shut down for good.
Think about the games you watch every week, the season you count down to, and the league you only notice during the playoffs. Then make your pick, and get ready for every sports fan at the table to make their case.
NFL vs NBA vs MLB vs NHL
A. NFL
The NFL turns Sundays into a weekly event and the Super Bowl into one of the most watched nights of the year. Fans plan their weekends around it. The case against it is that the season is short and much of each game is spent waiting between plays.
Keep it if: Football Sundays, fantasy leagues and Super Bowl parties are your favorite parts of the year.
B. NBA
The NBA is known for star players, highlight dunks and a long season that ends with the playoffs and Finals. Fans love the nonstop action. The case against it is that many regular season games feel less important than the playoffs.
Keep it if: You love star players, buzzer-beaters and following every trade and storyline in the league.
C. MLB
MLB has the longest season on the card, with 162 games for each team, and it's known for summer afternoons at the ballpark. The case against it is the slow pace, so people who want constant action often pick baseball to cut.
Keep it if: Summer isn't the same without baseball, and you love a long afternoon at the ballpark.
D. NHL
The NHL brings speed, skill and the Stanley Cup playoffs, which many fans call the best postseason in sports. The case against it is that it has the smallest fan base of the four in many parts of the US, which makes it a common cut.
Keep it if: You love fast, physical hockey and think the Stanley Cup playoffs are the best in sports.
Our take
We'd cut the NHL, only because it has the smallest following of the four in much of the United States, while the NFL, NBA and MLB each fill a big part of the calendar for millions of fans. Hockey fans will tell you the playoffs are the best in sports, and they have a point. Expect the most fun debate between the NFL and NBA crowds. For a bonus round, ask everyone which league has the best championship moment they have ever watched.
How to play this card with friends
- Read the four choices out loud.
- Everyone picks the one they'd eliminate at the same time.
- Explain your pick. This is where the fun starts.
- Use the follow-up questions below to keep it going.
Follow-up questions to keep the debate going
- Which league has the most frustrating officiating?
- Which championship is the most fun to watch: the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the World Series or the Stanley Cup?
- Which sport is the best to watch in person?
- Which league deserves a spot on this card instead?
Want more debates like this? Get the One Gotta Go card game for game night, family dinners and road trips. Shop the decks.
Sports Leagues: quick answers
What is the most popular sports league in America?
The NFL is generally considered the most popular sports league in the United States, and the Super Bowl is one of the most watched events every year. The NBA, MLB and NHL all have large, loyal fan bases too, which is why this card gets every sports fan talking.
How many games are in an MLB season?
Each Major League Baseball team plays 162 regular season games, which makes it the longest season of the four major US sports leagues. The NBA and NHL each play 82 regular season games per team, while the NFL regular season is 17 games.
