When Does the MLB Season End in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · September 17, 2050

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. The postseason begins shortly after, culminating in the World Series, which usually ends by early November.

When Does the MLB Regular Season End?

The MLB regular season traditionally spans approximately six months, starting in late March or early April and ending in late September. Each of the 30 teams plays 162 games during this period. For the 2025 season, the final regular-season games are set for Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Key Dates in the 2025 MLB Season

Opening Day: March 27, 2025
All-Star Game: July 15, 2025
Regular Season Finale: September 28, 2025
Postseason Start: October 1, 2025
World Series: October 25 – November 2, 2025 (estimated)

How the MLB Postseason Works

After the regular season ends, 12 teams advance to the postseason: six from the American League and six from the National League. The playoff format includes:

Wild Card Series: Best-of-three games
Division Series: Best-of-five games
Championship Series: Best-of-seven games
World Series: Best-of-seven championship round

The entire postseason lasts about four weeks, with the World Series concluding by early November.

Recent MLB Season End Dates

To understand trends in scheduling, here is a look at recent regular-season conclusion dates and corresponding World Series end dates.

Year	Regular Season End	World Series Start	World Series End	Champion
2021	October 3	October 26	November 2	Atlanta Braves
2022	October 5	October 28	November 5	Houston Astros
2023	October 1	October 27	November 1	Texas Rangers
2024	September 29	October 25	October 30 (est.)	TBD
2025	September 28	October 25 (est.)	November 2 (est.)	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that MLB has gradually shifted toward ending the regular season earlier, typically in late September. This adjustment allows for a more predictable postseason schedule and reduces overlap with other major sports seasons like the NFL. The 2025 season marks a return to a pre-October 1 finish after expanded formats in previous years.

Factors Influencing MLB Season Length

Several elements affect when the MLB season ends:

International Games: Occasional opening series played abroad can shift start and end dates.
Weather Delays: Rescheduled games due to inclement weather may extend the season slightly.
Playoff Format Changes: The addition of extra Wild Card teams in 2022 extended the regular season into early October.
Broadcast Scheduling: Networks like ESPN and Fox influence game timing and off-days.

Frequently Asked Questions About When the MLB Season Ends

Does the MLB season always end in September?

No, not always. While most seasons end in late September, some have extended into early October, especially since the expanded playoff format was introduced in 2022. However, the 2025 season is scheduled to end on September 28, returning to a traditional close.

How many games do MLB teams play in a season?

Each MLB team plays 162 regular-season games, one of the longest schedules in professional sports. This includes 19 games against each of their four division rivals and varying numbers against other teams in their league and interleague opponents.

When does the MLB postseason start?

The MLB postseason typically begins two days after the regular season ends. For 2025, the playoffs are expected to start on October 1, with the Wild Card Series.

What time does the World Series usually end?

The World Series generally concludes by the end of October or early November. Based on current scheduling, the 2025 World Series is projected to end by November 2, depending on how many games are needed.

Why did MLB extend the season into October in recent years?

The extension into early October occurred with the introduction of a 12-team playoff format in 2022, requiring additional regular-season games to accommodate bye weeks and ensure competitive balance. However, MLB adjusted the calendar again to avoid overlapping with the NFL’s prime viewing window.