Ever wonder why a game you love starts at 7 pm on your phone but feels like it’s already midnight at home? The answer lies in US time zones and daylight‑saving rules. This guide breaks down the basics so you can catch every kickoff without missing a beat.
The United States spans four main zones: Eastern (ET), Central (CT), Mountain (MT) and Pacific (PT). Most national leagues schedule their games in ET because it covers the biggest TV markets. That means a 7 pm ET kickoff is 6 pm CT, 5 pm MT and 4 pm PT. Knowing this helps you set reminders that match your local clock.
NFL – Sunday games usually start at 1 pm ET and 4:25 pm ET, with a prime‑time slot at 8:20 pm ET on Thursday and Sunday nights. NBA games often begin around 7 pm ET, though some West Coast matchups start at 10 pm PT to fit prime time. MLB has the most flexibility; day games can start as early as 1 pm ET, while evening games often tip‑off at 7 pm ET. MLS follows a similar pattern to the NBA, with many games kicking off at 7 pm ET or 8 pm PT for West Coast clubs. Finally, NHL games generally start at 7 pm ET on weekdays and 5:30 pm ET on weekends.
When a league announces its schedule, the official time is always listed in ET. If you’re on the West Coast, add three hours; if you’re in the Central zone, subtract one hour.
Daylight‑saving time (DST) adds another layer. From March to early November, clocks move forward an hour, so a 7 pm ET game feels like 6 pm CT. When DST ends in November, the gap widens again. Most leagues adjust their start times automatically, but it’s worth double‑checking the local listing during the transition weeks.
If you stream games, platforms like ESPN+, Hulu Live, or local network apps will usually show the kickoff in your device’s time zone. Still, a quick glance at the league’s official site can save you from a missed start.
Here’s a cheat sheet you can copy into your phone’s notes:
During DST (mid‑March to early Nov): same offsets, just remember clocks have moved forward.
Want to stay ahead of schedule changes? Follow the league’s Twitter or subscribe to a sports news alert. Most leagues push notifications a day before a major matchup, highlighting any time‑zone tweaks.
In short, the trick to mastering US kickoff times is simple: always start with the ET listed time, apply the zone offset, and keep an eye on DST. With this method, you’ll never be caught watching the pre‑game warm‑up while everyone else is already cheering.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks have published their complete 2025-2026 United Rugby Championship calendar, with kicks timed for U.S. viewers. The season opens against Glasgow Warriors on 26 September and includes key home games versus Scarlets and Saracens, plus a European clash with Toulouse. Travel will span four continents, testing the squad’s depth as they chase success in the expanded 16‑team competition.
