Father Time may be undefeated, but LeBron James is certainly pushing the limits. The four-time NBA champion and MVP continues to perform at a high level late in his career. The 2024-25 season marks his 22nd, tying Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history.
As James extends his remarkable career, here are the players with the longest tenures across major North American sports leagues:
Contents
MLB
All time
- Nolan Ryan, 27 seasons (1966-1993)
- Cap Anson, 27 seasons (1871-1897)
Active
- Rich Hill, 20 seasons (since 2005)
MLS
All time
- Kyle Beckerman, 21 seasons (2000-20)
Active
- Kei Kamara, 18 seasons (since 2006)
NBA
All time
- Vince Carter, 22 seasons (1998-2020)
Active
- LeBron James, 22 seasons (since 2003)
NFL
All time
- George Blanda, 26 seasons (1949-1975)
Active
- Aaron Rodgers, 20 seasons (since 2005)
NHL
All time
- Chris Chelios, 26 seasons (1983-2010)
- Gordie Howe, 26 seasons (1946-71, 1979-80)
Active
- Brent Burns, 21 seasons (since 2003)
NWSL
All time and active
- Lauren Barnes, 12 seasons (since 2013)
- Jess Fishlock, 12 seasons (since 2013)
WNBA
All time
- Diana Taurasi, 20 seasons (2004-14, 2016-24)
Active
- DeWanna Bonner, 15 seasons (since 2009)
