Sports Overtime Rules, Ranked
Every sport has a different way of dealing with a game that ends in a tie. Some overtimes are wonderful and compelling, while others are boring and lame. Here’s Deadspin’s non-exhaustive ranking of sports overtime rules.
Baseball
Basketball
Hockey (full strength, 20-minute periods)
Tie
NCAA Football
Hockey (3 vs. 3)
Golf (sudden death holes)
Soccer (golden goal)
Replaying the whole game
Soccer (30 extra minutes followed by penalty kicks if still tied)
Hockey (4 vs. 4)
NFL (each team gets a possession unless the first team scores a TD)
Boxing and other judged sports (no overtime)
Tennis (tiebreaker)
Being hit by a zamboni
NFL (first team to score wins)
Photo via AP
E-mail: [email protected] | PGP key + fingerprint | DM: @kevinmdraper
Latest
Why the Tar Heels Made a $50M Gamble on Michael Malone
Fri Apr 10 2026
Why None of These NBA Play-In Teams Are True Contenders
Thu Apr 09 2026
Latest Betting
- Wednesday April 8th MLB Pitcher Props: Dylan Cease and Kyle Bradish Bet Picks
- MLB Picks Today: Best Bets for Diamondbacks vs Mets and Athletics vs Yankees
- Masters Betting Picks 2026: Best Value Bets Beyond Scottie Scheffler
- Best NBA Betting Picks and Predictions for Monday April 6th
- National Championship Bet Pick: Why Michigan Has the Edge Over UConn
- UFC Vegas 115 Betting Picks: Moicano vs. Duncan Headlines April 4th Card
- NBA Betting Picks April 4th: Three Best Bets for Saturday's Slate

