Father Time may be undefeated, but LeBron James is certainly taking him to overtime.
The four-time NBA champion and four-time league MVP continues to stuff the stat sheet even in the latter years of his playing career. The 2025-26 NBA season marked the 23rd of James' storied career, breaking Vince Carter's record for the most in NBA history.
In the baseball world, pitcher Rich Hill was called up by the Kansas City Royals in 2025 and his first appearance ushered in his 21st MLB season.
Here's a look at the players who have logged the most seasons across the major North American sports leagues:
MLB
All time
Nolan Ryan, 27 seasons (1966-1993)
Cap Anson, 27 seasons (1871-1897)
Active
Rich Hill, 21 seasons (since 2005)
MLS
All time
Kyle Beckerman, 21 seasons (2000-20)
Active
Kei Kamara, 18 seasons (since 2006)
NBA
All time
LeBron James, 23 seasons (since 2003)
Active
LeBron James, 23 seasons (since 2003)
NFL
All time
George Blanda, 26 seasons (1949-1975)
Active
Aaron Rodgers, 21 seasons (since 2005)
NHL
All time
Chris Chelios, 26 seasons (1983-2010)
Gordie Howe, 26 seasons (1946-71, 1979-80)
Active
Brent Burns, 22 seasons (since 2003)
NWSL
All time and active
Alyssa Naeher, 13 seasons (since 2013)
Sydney Leroux, 13 seasons (since 2013)
WNBA
All time
Diana Taurasi, 20 seasons (2004-14, 2016-24)
Active
DeWanna Bonner, 16 seasons (since 2009)
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