As the MLB playoffs heat up, the annual conversation around which professional sport has the best playoff format arises. This week, Scout contributors give their takes on which playoffs reign supreme.
NBA
By: Jacob Hypke
The NBA playoffs are the best for two reasons. Determining series victories through seven games eliminates any doubt about who the better team was. While it makes sense for the NFL to only play one game, given the sport’s physicality, it leaves room for speculation if the winning team was the better team overall or only that day.
The MLB does a better job of determining the best overall team with its three-game format; however, it is still not as definitive as a seven-game series. Some complain about the unnecessary length of the NBA playoffs. While that opinion is valid, the process allows for the best product and most competitive games.
The second reason is that fans get more of their favorite sport to watch. From a business standpoint, seven games make the NBA and its sponsors more money. Overall, seven games increase league revenue, give fans more of the game they love and assure that the NBA Finals will be the definitive best team from the East and West.
MLB
By: Steffen White
Electricity is in the air this October.
Since the playoffs expanded in 2022, more teams and fan bases are playing meaningful games later in the season.
Every baseball game is a chess match, but the playoffs show just how vital every move is. Pitchers are on shorter leashes than ever, as a tiny mistake could lose the game and your season. The shorter rosters ensure every player will see action and feel the pressure.
What’s more, most sports see the cream rise to the top. Baseball always seems to have a team or two that gets hot at the end of the regular season, sneaks their way into the playoffs and keeps winning. Regular season performances mean nothing except for seeding purposes, which any other professional sport cannot say.
NFL
Umar Syed
Many professional sports have highly intense playoff formats; however, football has the best playoffs.
Every game is winner-takes-all and has the same level of excitement as a game seven in basketball and baseball.The NFL and college football playoffs create a different feeling of excitement, not just for the fans but also for the players. This is because, during the NFL and college football playoffs, many players who did not make much noise during the regular season make plays that affect the game’s outcome and sometimes even create history.
Not only that, but football playoffs attract more people because they are not a series and create anticipation. If an upset happens, there is no chance of a redo, and even the best teams get beaten. Lastly, football playoff games increase attendance and revenue and make people hungry for more.
