Who are the longest-tenured players in every major league?

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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