Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (Baseball) or Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball)
Pick Your Favorite
VS
Your GOAT List
Why This Battle Matters
Why does this clash of titans feel like the final round every time they face off? In one corner, the historic baseball rivalry of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, steeped in decades of epic showdowns and heartbreaks. In the other, the storied basketball feud between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, a battle that’s defined eras and transcended the sport itself. This isn’t just about who hits harder or scores more; it’s a battle of cultural juggernauts, each bearing the weight of their city's pride and history. Which legacy resonates more with you today? The choice might just reveal what you value most in a rivalry: legacy or dynastic dominance.
🔥 Fan Takes
How Fans Are Voting
In this battle:
Fans currently prefer New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (Baseball) over Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball) when it comes to the greatest Sports Rivalries of all time. In head-to-head matchups, fans pick New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (Baseball) 74.0% of the time over Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball).
Across all battles:
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (Baseball) win rate: 68.2%
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball) win rate: 54.7%
Fan FAQs
Who's the #1 contender on GoatWars in the Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time league?
The New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox rivalry tops the list as the number one contender in the Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time on GoatWars. Check out the full GOAT List to see how other rivalries stack up.
What makes the Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry so iconic in sports?
The Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry encapsulates a bi-coastal clash of titans with a rich legacy of epic NBA Finals confrontations. Fans are drawn to the dramatic personalities and the high stakes that historically come with their matchups.
Why is the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox leading so strongly over the Lakers vs. Celtics?
The Yankees vs. Red Sox rivalry is steeped in deep history and intense moments that resonate with baseball fans. This storied matchup often swings on dramatic plays and legendary games, which might explain why it's currently dominating the vote over the Lakers vs. Celtics.