Understanding the length of time and structure of different sports games is good to know for fans and sports bettors alike.
All sports have different formats that change the total game time.
Let’s take a look at the average game lengths for popular sports, offering insights into what to expect when watching or betting.
Different Sport Game Lengths
This table shows the average duration of the different sports, and the structures of the games.
| Sport | Average Length (Hrs) | Game Structure |
|---|---|---|
| NBA | 2.5 | 4 quarters of 12 mins |
| MLB | 3.0 | 9 innings, no time limit |
| NHL | 2.5 | 3 periods of 20 minutes |
| NFL | 3.5 | 4 quarters of 15 mins |
| Soccer | 2.0 | 2 halves of 45 mins |
| Rugby Union | 2.0 | 2 halves of 40 mins |
| Rugby League | 2.0 | 2 halves of 40 mins |
| AFL Football | 2.5 | 4 quarters of 20 mins |
| Cricket (T20) | 3.0 | 20 overs per side |
| Tennis (Grand Slam) | 3.0 | Best of 5 sets |
| Formula 1 | 2.0 | Race of ~2 hours |
| Golf (18 holes) | 4.5 | 18 holes |
| Boxing (Championship) | 1.0 | 12 rounds of 3 mins |
| MMA (Championship) | 1.0 | 5 rounds of 5 mins |
But How Much Action Is REALLY Taking Place?
You may be sitting down watching the games unfold, but have you ever wondered just how much action is taking place in the event?
This table below shows just how much true live ation is taking place on average for each sport.
| Sport | Total Duration | Live Action | % of Action | Commercials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Football | 3hr 10min | 11min | 5.79% | 75min |
| Baseball | 2hr 56min | 18min | 10.21% | 43min |
| Basketball | 2hr 18min | 48min | 34.78% | 45min |
| Hockey | 2hr 20min | 60min | 42.86% | 30min |
| Soccer | 1hr 55min | 57min | 50.09% | – |
Which Sports Are The Longest and Shortest in Time?
Here are examples of those with the shortest and longest average durations:
Shortest Average Duration:
- Boxing (Championship): 1 hour
- MMA (Championship): 1 hour
Longest Average Duration:
- Test Cricket: 5 days, approximately 30 hours of play over five days (6 hours per day)
- Golf (72-hole tournaments like The Masters): Approximately 16-20 hours over four days (4-5 hours per round)
NBA (Basketball)
An NBA game consists of four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes, totaling 48 minutes of playtime.
Including timeouts, commercial breaks, and halftime, the average NBA game length extends to approximately 2.5 hours.
Overtime periods add an additional five minutes each, potentially increasing the total duration.
MLB (Baseball)
Major League Baseball (MLB) games feature nine innings with no set time limit. Each inning can vary in length, leading to an average game duration of about 3 hours.
Extra innings are played if the game is tied at the end of the ninth inning, which can extend the game significantly.
NHL (Hockey)
National Hockey League (NHL) games consist of three periods, each lasting 20 minutes. With intermissions and stoppages, the total viewing time averages 2.5 hours.
If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime periods of five minutes (regular season) or sudden-death (playoffs) determine the winner.
NFL (American Football)
An NFL game is structured into four quarters of 15 minutes each, totaling 60 minutes of playtime.
Including numerous stoppages, timeouts, and commercial breaks, the average game duration is about 3.5 hours.
Overtime periods are added if the game is tied at the end of regulation.
Soccer
Soccer matches are divided into two halves of 45 minutes each, resulting in 90 minutes of playtime.
Including halftime and potential stoppage time added by the referee, the average duration of a soccer game is around 2 hours.
Extra time and penalty shootouts may extend this in knockout stages.
Rugby Union
Rugby Union games consist of two halves, each lasting 40 minutes.
Including a halftime break and potential stoppages for injuries and other delays, the total duration is approximately 2 hours.
Extra time may be played in certain knockout matches if scores are tied.
Rugby League
Rugby League matches also feature two halves of 40 minutes each. With halftime and stoppages, the average game duration is about 2 hours.
In case of a tie in certain competitions, extra time may be added to determine the winner.
AFL (Australian Football League)
AFL games are divided into four quarters, each lasting 20 minutes. Including stoppages, timeouts, and intermissions, the total duration averages 2.5 hours.
Additional time is added in case of a tie during finals to determine the winner.
Cricket (T20)
A T20 cricket match consists of 20 overs per side, with each over containing six deliveries. The game typically lasts around 3 hours, including a short break between innings.
This fast-paced format contrasts with the much longer durations of Test and ODI matches.
Tennis (Grand Slam)
Grand Slam tennis matches can vary significantly in length, with the men’s singles being best of five sets. Matches typically last around 3 hours but can extend much longer, especially in closely contested games.
Women’s singles are best of three sets, usually shorter in duration.
Formula 1
Formula 1 races usually last about 2 hours, depending on the circuit and race conditions. The race consists of a set number of laps or a two-hour time limit, whichever comes first.
Factors like weather, crashes, and safety car deployments can influence the total race time.
Golf (18 holes)
A standard 18-hole round of golf typically takes about 4.5 hours to complete. This duration includes walking between holes, setting up shots, and occasional delays.
Major tournaments and professional play can extend longer due to larger fields and course difficulty.
Boxing (Championship)
Championship boxing matches consist of 12 rounds, each lasting 3 minutes, with 1-minute breaks between rounds.
The total in-ring time is 36 minutes, but the overall event, including pre-fight and post-fight activities, usually lasts around 1 hour.
MMA (Championship)
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) championship fights are structured into 5 rounds of 5 minutes each, with 1-minute breaks between rounds.
The total fight time is 25 minutes, but including entrances, introductions, and potential stoppages, the event typically lasts about 1 hour.
