When Does MLB Season End? 2025 Schedule & Postseason Dates

By Sarah Miller · July 5, 2036

The Major League Baseball (MLB) regular season typically ends in late September or early October, with the 2025 season scheduled to conclude on September 28, 2025. This is followed by the postseason, which can extend into early November, depending on how long the World Series runs.

When Does the MLB Regular Season End?

The MLB regular season traditionally wraps up at the end of September. Each team plays 162 games, and the final weekend of games usually takes place during the last full week of September.

Key Dates for the 2025 MLB Season

Opening Day: March 27, 2025
All-Star Game: July 15, 2025
Regular Season End: September 28, 2025
Postseason Start: October 1, 2025
World Series: Late October to early November 2025

How the MLB Season Structure Works

Major League Baseball follows a structured calendar that includes spring training, the regular season, and the postseason. Understanding this structure helps fans plan viewing schedules and travel to games.

Season Phases Overview

Spring Training: Begins in mid-February; teams prepare in Florida and Arizona.
Regular Season: Starts in late March; 30 teams play 162 games each.
All-Star Break: Mid-July event featuring the best players from the American and National Leagues.
Postseason: Begins in early October with Wild Card Games, Division Series, League Championship Series, and the World Series.

Year	Regular Season End	World Series End	Total Season Duration (Days)
2021	October 3	November 2	244
2022	October 5	November 5	245
2023	October 1	November 1	245
2024	September 29	October 28	244
2025 (Projected)	September 28	November 2	249

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that MLB regular seasons consistently end in late September or early October. The 2025 season is projected to be slightly longer due to an earlier Opening Day. The World Series typically lasts up to seven games and can push the final game into early November, especially when scheduling delays occur.

Postseason Format and Timeline

The MLB postseason has expanded since 2022, now featuring 12 teams (6 from each league). This new format extends the playoff duration and increases viewer engagement.

Postseason Schedule Breakdown

Wild Card Series: Best-of-three series hosted by higher seeds; starts immediately after the regular season.
Division Series: Best-of-five; held in mid-October.
League Championship Series (ALCS & NLCS): Best-of-seven; determines league champions.
World Series: Best-of-seven between AL and NL champions; typically begins in late October.

Factors That Can Delay the Season's End

While the schedule is set in advance, several factors may shift the actual end date of the World Series.

Weather Delays: Rainouts, especially in northern cities, can push games back.
Game Length: Longer games due to extra innings or commercial breaks extend broadcast times.
Broadcast Scheduling: Networks like Fox and ESPN coordinate prime-time slots, sometimes affecting start days.
Tiebreaker Scenarios: If teams finish with identical records, additional games may be required before the postseason begins.

Frequently Asked Questions About When MLB Season Ends

Does the MLB season always end on the same date?

No, the MLB regular season does not end on the exact same date every year. It typically concludes on the last Sunday of September, but slight variations occur based on the calendar and special events like international openers or holiday scheduling.

When does the MLB postseason start?

The MLB postseason usually begins on the day after the regular season ends, around October 1st. The Wild Card Series marks the official start of the playoffs.

How long does the World Series last?

The World Series is a best-of-seven series and can last from four to seven games. It typically spans 10–14 days, starting in late October and potentially ending in early November.

What happens if the World Series goes to Game 7?

If the World Series reaches Game 7, it is played on the seventh day after the first game, unless weather or other factors cause delays. Game 7 is the final possible game and determines the champion.

Can the MLB season end in November?

Yes, the MLB season can extend into early November, particularly if the World Series goes to six or seven games. For example, the 2023 World Series ended on November 1, and the 2025 season is projected to conclude on November 2.