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) 73.9% of the time over Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball).
Across all battles:
New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox (Baseball) win rate: 68.8%
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Basketball) win rate: 54.1%
Fan FAQs
Who's currently the #1 contender in the Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time league on GoatWars?
As of now, the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox rivalry holds the top spot in the Greatest Sports Rivalries of All Time on GoatWars. Check out the full GOAT List to see how others compare!
What makes the Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry popular despite trailing in this matchup?
The Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry is iconic in the basketball world for its storied history and the multitude of legendary players who've battled it out on the court. This coast-to-coast showdown represents a clash of basketball titans and cultural powerhouses, continually drawing in fans who love the high stakes and intense gameplay.
Why is the rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox leading so substantially in votes over the Lakers vs. Celtics?
Fans seem to be deeply connected with the historical tension and dramatic moments between the Yankees and Red Sox. There's something about baseball's rich nostalgia and the East Coast bias that really pulls at the heartstrings, pushing this rivalry into the lead with a significant margin.