The last time the New York Knicks reached the NBA Finals, they faced the San Antonio Spurs in 1999. That series helped launch the Spurs’ dynasty, and now the two franchises are set to renew their rivalry in a long-awaited rematch.
Professional sports have featured countless championship rematches separated by years—or even decades. Some, like the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers, met repeatedly in a short span. Others took generations to come together again.
The most compelling championship rematches often involve history, tradition, and generations of passionate fans. These matchups reconnect old rivalries and revive memories that have endured for decades.
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Here are some of the most notable professional sports championship rematches separated by at least 10 years.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Jan 21, 1979; Miami, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers running back (32) FRANCO HARRIS scores on a 22 yard touchdown run in the 4th quarter against the Dallas Cowboys during Super Bowl XIII at the Orange Bowl. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys for a second time to win their 3rd Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK
The Steelers and Cowboys are arguably the defining franchises of Super Bowl history. Although neither team has appeared in a Super Bowl in nearly two decades, they were the first teams to establish a historic championship rematch.
They first met in Super Bowl X and squared off again in Super Bowl XIII. Seventeen years later, they renewed the rivalry in Super Bowl XXX. Pittsburgh won the first two meetings on its way to a dynasty in the 1970s, while Dallas claimed the most recent matchup as part of its own dominant run during the 1990s.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Boston Red Sox
Several Boston-Los Angeles rivalries appear on this list, but none can match the gap between the Dodgers and Red Sox. Their rematch took more than a century to arrive.
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The Red Sox defeated the Dodgers in the 1916 World Series, winning the series 4-1. One hundred and two years later, the franchises met again in the 2018 World Series, where Boston once again prevailed in five games.
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
June 17, 2010; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives past Boston Celtics defender Ray Allen (20) in game seven of the NBA Finals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
No championship rivalry in professional sports better defines greatness than Celtics-Lakers. The two franchises have met 12 times in the NBA Finals, with Boston historically holding the advantage.
The rivalry went dormant for 21 years before returning in the 2008 NBA Finals. Boston captured another championship, but Kobe Bryant and the Lakers responded two years later by defeating the Celtics in a dramatic seven-game series. Bryant’s 2010 title remains one of the defining achievements of his career.
This remains arguably the greatest championship rivalry in professional sports history.
New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Rams
Speaking of Boston-Los Angeles rivalries, the Patriots and Rams met again in Super Bowl LIII, 17 years after their first championship showdown.
Although the Rams were based in St. Louis when they appeared in Super Bowl XXXVI, the franchise has deep roots in Los Angeles. The Patriots’ dynasty under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick began with a victory over the Rams and fittingly ended with another one.
New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks
This rematch remains fresh in the minds of football fans. Eleven years after Malcolm Butler’s legendary goal-line interception denied Seattle a repeat championship, the Seahawks got their revenge.
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In Super Bowl LX, Seattle spoiled New England’s bid for history. The Patriots entered the game with a chance to become the first franchise to win seven Super Bowls.
New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Saturday February 4, 2018 Minneapolis, MN Super Bowl LII–New England Patriots vs Philadelphia Eagles Danny Amendola runs after a catch in the first quarter. [The Providence Journal/Bob Breidenbach]
The Patriots captured their third Super Bowl title by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. Thirteen years later, the Eagles returned the favor in Super Bowl LII.
Philadelphia denied New England another opportunity at a repeat championship while securing its first Super Bowl victory and first NFL championship since the 1960 season.
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees
The only championship rivalry that can truly challenge Celtics-Lakers for historical significance may be Dodgers-Yankees. The franchises have met 12 times in the World Series, creating one of sports’ most iconic postseason matchups.
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While they have faced each other numerous times, their most recent meeting came in 2024, when the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in their first World Series clash in 43 years—the longest gap between championship meetings in the rivalry.
Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
May 1978; Montreal, Quebec, CANADA; Boston Bruins defenseman Gary Doak (25) in action against the Montreal Canadiens during the 1978 NHL Stanley Cup Finals at Montreal Forum. The Canadiens defeated the Bruins 4 games to 2. Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-Imagn Images
This may be the forgotten championship rivalry, largely because of the NHL’s realignment during the 1990s.
The Bruins and Canadiens last met in the Stanley Cup Final in 1978. Before that, the franchises experienced a 19-year gap between championship matchups before facing each other in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals during the 1970s. Montreal won four of the six championship meetings between the legendary rivals.
Sugar Ray Leonard vs. Thomas Hearns II
One of the most controversial rematches in sports history came when Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns met for a second time.
Leonard defeated Hearns by TKO in their unforgettable first bout. Eight years later, they squared off again in a fight known simply as “The War.” After 12 dramatic rounds, the judges scored the bout 113-112 for Hearns, 113-112 for Leonard, and 112-112, resulting in a split draw.
Many boxing fans still believe Hearns deserved the victory despite Leonard’s remarkable performance in the final round.
What are the greatest championship rematches in professional sports history? Which rivalries deserve a spot on this list?
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