List of sports rivalries

A sports rivalry is when two teams or athletes compete very fiercely. This rivalry affects everyone involved, including the players, coaches, and fans. One of the earliest known rivalries happened in the Roman Empire between chariot racing teams called the Blues and the Greens. Their races were not just about sports; they sometimes caused big problems in the city of Constantinople.

Today, owners of sports teams often encourage rivalries because they make games more exciting and draw bigger crowds on television. When teams are from the same area, their match is called a local derby or just a derby. This term started with horse racing but is now used for many sports, especially football. Even though most rivalries are fun and full of friendly teasing, sometimes they can get out of hand and lead to serious problems. Rivalries can happen for many reasons, not just because the teams are close by. For example, some rivalries grow from political differences between fans or from playing each other many times in important games.

International rivalries

Sports rivalries happen when teams from different countries compete fiercely. Some famous international rivalries include matches between Australia–England, India–Pakistan, Australia–New Zealand, Australia–United States, Canada–United States, and Japan–South Korea. These competitions are exciting for fans and players alike.

Association football

Main article: List of association football rivalries

Sports rivalries are strong competitions between teams or athletes. One of the oldest rivalries started in ancient Rome between groups called the Blues and the Greens, who raced chariots. Their rivalry became so big that it caused trouble, showing how much people cared about their teams.

Athletics

Individual

Team

Australian rules football

Main article: Rivalries in the Australian Football League

Australian rules football has many exciting rivalries between teams. These rivalries make the games even more fun for players and fans. Teams often play each other many times, and each match feels very important. The competition is strong, and both teams give their best effort every time they face each other.

Badminton

Individuals

International

Bandy

In Swedish bandy, special games called derbies are often played on Saint Stephen's Day. These matches create exciting competition between local teams.

Baseball

International

• Japan–South Korea baseball rivalry

Dominican Republic

Dominican Professional Baseball League

• Águilas Cibaeñas from Santiago de los Caballeros vs. Tigres del Licey from Santo Domingo on a game named “El Clásico Dominicano.”
• Santo Domingo rivals: Leones del Escogido vs. Tigres del Licey

Japan

Nippon Professional Baseball

Central League

• Yomiuri Giants vs. Hanshin Tigers on a game named "The Classic Series" (伝統の一戦 in Japanese).
• Yomiuri Giants vs. Tokyo Yakult Swallows on a game named "Tokyo Series".

Pacific League

Mixture

• Hanshin Tigers vs. Orix Buffaloes on a game named "Kansai Derby".

South Korea

KBO League

• KIA Tigers vs. Samsung Lions on a game named "88 Expressway Series".
• Doosan Bears vs. LG Twins on a game named "Jamsil Series".
• Lotte Giants vs. NC Dinos on a game named "Nakdonggang Derby".
• Kiwoom Heroes vs. Doosan Bears or LG Twins on a game named "Seoul Series".

Taiwan

Chinese Professional Baseball League

• CTBC Brothers vs. Wei Chuan Dragons on a game named "Dragon–Elephant Derby" (龍象大戰 in Chinese).
• CTBC Brothers vs. Fubon Guardians on a game named "Bank holding Derby" (金控大戰 in Chinese).

Mexico

Mexican Baseball League

• Diablos Rojos del México (Mexico City Red Devils) vs. Tigres de Quintana Roo (Tigers) on a game named "Civil War Derby" ("Guerra Civil" in Spanish).
• Saraperos de Saltillo (Saltillo Sarapemakers) vs. Vaqueros Laguna (Torreon Lagoon Cowboys) on a game named "Coahuila's Metropolitan Derby" ("Clásico metropolitano de Coahuila" in Spanish).
• Pericos de Puebla (Puebla Parrots) vs. Rojos del Águila de Veracruz (Veracruz Red Eagles) on a game named "Center rivalry" ("Rivalidad del centro" in Spanish).
• Diablos Rojos del México (Mexico City Red Devils) vs. Péricos de Puebla (Puebla Parrots) on a game named "Anahuac Derby" ("Clásico de Ánahuac" in Spanish).
• Saraperos de Saltillo (Saltillo Sarapemakers) vs. Sultanes de Monterrey (Monterrey Sultans) on a game named "North of Mexico Derby" ("Clásico del Norte" in Spanish).

Mexican Pacific League

• Naranjeros de Hermosillo (Hermosillo Orange Growers) vs. Tomateros de Culiacán (Culiacan Tomato Growers) on a game named "Derby of the Pacific Coast" ("Clásico del Pacífico" in Spanish).
• Charros de Jalisco (Jalisco Charros) vs. Venados de Mazatlán (Mazatlan Deers) on a game named "Rivalry of the west" ("Rivalidad de Occidente" in Spanish).

United States/Canada

Major League Baseball

Main article: Major League Baseball rivalries

Minor League Baseball

• Mercer Cup: Bluefield Blue Jays vs. Princeton Rays

Venezuela

Venezuelan Professional Baseball League

• Leones del Caracas (Caracas Lions) vs. Navegantes del Magallanes (Magellan Navigators)
• Leones del Caracas (Caracas Lions) vs. Tiburones de La Guaira (La Guaira Sharks)

Cuba

Cuban National Series

• Industriales from La Havana vs. Avispas from Santiago de Cuba nicknamed "El Clásico de la Pelota Cubana."

Basketball

Argentina

Some famous basketball rivalries in Argentina include Ferro Carril Oeste vs Atenas, San Lorenzo vs Ferro Carril Oeste, and San Lorenzo vs Boca Juniors.

Australia

In Australia, there is a rivalry called the Derby of Distance between Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers, and another between Melbourne United and Sydney Kings.

Croatia

Croatia has the Croatian Derby between Cibona and Split, and a Classic derby between Cibona and Zadar.

China

China has several basketball rivalries, such as the Northeastern Derby between Liaoning Flying Leopards and Jilin Northeast Tigers, and the Beijing Derby between Beijing Ducks and Beijing Royal Fighters.

France

France's basketball rivalries include Le Classique between Pau-Orthez and Limoges, and the Greater Paris Derby between Nanterre and Metropolitans 92.

Germany

Germany's main basketball rivalry is the German Classic between Alba Berlin, Bayern Munich, and Brose Bamberg.

Greece

Greece has the Derby of the eternal enemies between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos, and the Derby of Northern Greece between Aris and PAOK.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong's basketball rivalries include the Derby of Classics between South China and Winling, and the South–East Clash between Eastern and South China.

Israel

Israel has the Tel Aviv derby between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv, and the Derby of Israel between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem.

Italy

Italy's basketball rivalries include the Bologna Derby between Fortitudo Bologna and Virtus Bologna, and the Lombardy Derby between Olimpia Milano, Varese, and Cantù.

Japan

Japan has the Tohoku Derby (basketball) between Akita Northern Happinets and Sendai 89ers.

Korea Republic

Korea Republic's basketball rivalries include the S-Derby between Seoul Samsung Thunders and Seoul SK Knights, and the Daegu Derby between Daegu KOGAS Pegasus and Goyang Orion Orions.

Lebanon

Lebanon has the Beirut derby between Al Riyadi and Sagesse.

Lithuania

Lithuania's main basketball rivalry is between Rytas and Žalgiris.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia has the Skopje basketball derby between Rabotnički and MZT Skopje.

Philippines

The Philippines has several basketball rivalries, such as the SMC–MVP rivalry between teams under the San Miguel Corporation and teams under the Manny V. Pangilinan Group, and the Manila Clasico between Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia.

Poland

See the main article for a list of basketball derbies in Poland.

Russia

Russia's basketball rivalries include the Moscow derby between Khimki and CSKA Moscow, and the Moscow region derby between Khimki Moscow and Triumph Lyubertsy.

Slovakia

Slovakia has the Miners' Derby between Handlová and Prievidza.

Slovenia

Slovenia's main basketball rivalry is the Slovenian Classic between Krka and Olimpija.

Serbia

Serbia has the Eternal Derby between Crvena zvezda and Partizan.

Spain

Spain's basketball rivalries include El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and the Basque derby between Baskonia and Bilbao.

Taiwan

Taiwan has the New Taipei Series (Xinzhuang Derby) between New Taipei CTBC DEA and New Taipei Kings.

Turkey

Turkey's basketball rivalries include the Istanbul Derby between Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş, and others, and the Ankara Derby between Türk Telekom and TED Ankara Kolejliler.

United Kingdom

See the main article for local derbies in the United Kingdom, including basketball rivalries in Scotland.

United States and Canada

See the main article for a list of NBA rivalries.

Individuals

Bobsleigh

Bodybuilding

See also: Pumping Iron

Boxing

Individual

Team

Chess

College sport

Main article: University and college rivalry

College sports have many exciting rivalries between teams from different schools. These rivalries can become very intense, with fans and players feeling strong emotions about their teams. Some of the most famous rivalries happen between schools that are close to each other, making the competition even more thrilling for everyone involved.

Cricket

See also: Category:Cricket rivalries

International

Domestic

Australia

Bangladesh

England

India

New Zealand

Pakistan

Sri Lanka

Cue sports

Curling

Cycling

Darts

Diving

Esports

Field hockey

Figure skating

Golf

Gridiron football

Main article: Comparison of American and Canadian football

American football

Main article: List of NFL rivalries

Individual

College football

Mexico

ONEFA/CONADEIP (National College Association of American Football/National College Sports Commission of Private Institutions)

• Clásico Estudiantil (Student Derby): Pumas Dorados de la UNAM vs Águilas Blancas del IPN
• Clásico Estudiantil Regiomontano (Monterrey's Student Derby): Borregos Salvajes ITESM vs Auténticos Tigres

United States

Main article: List of NCAA college football rivalry games

Canada

• Panda Game: University of Ottawa Gee-Gees versus Carleton University Ravens
• Shrum Bowl : University of British Columbia Thunderbirds versus Simon Fraser University Clan

Canadian football

Further information: Labour Day Classic

High school football

Main articles: List of high school football rivalries more than 100 years old, List of high school football rivalries less than 100 years old, and American football on Thanksgiving § High school football

Gymnastics

Handball

In handball, teams often have strong rivalries, especially when they are from the same city or region. These rivalries make the games more exciting for fans.

Here are some famous handball rivalries from around the world:

• In Austria, Bregenz Handball and Alpla HC Hard have a big rivalry called the Bregenz derby.
• Belarus has several derbies in Minsk, with teams like Dinamo Minsk, SKA Minsk, and Arkatron Minsk competing against each other.
• Belgium has many derbies, such as in Liège, where teams like ROC Flémalle and Union Beynoise face off.
• In Croatia, Zagreb has exciting matches between RK Dubrava Zagreb, RK Medveščak Zagreb, and Zagreb, with another rivalry against Nexe.
• Denmark features Copenhagen derbies with teams like FC Copenhagen, AG København, and KIF Kolding Copenhagen.
• France has derbies in Val-de-Marne between US Créteil and US Ivry, and in Languedoc between Montpellier HB and USAM Nîmes.
• Germany has several derbies, including the Ostderby between SC Magdeburg and Füchse Berlin, and Schleswig-Holstein derbies like THW Kiel versus SG Flensburg-Handewitt.
• Israel has a Rishon LeZion derby between Hapoel Rishon LeZion and Maccabi Rishon LeZion.
• Hungary features a Hungarian derby between Veszprém and Szeged, and another between Ferencváros and Győri ETO.
• Macedonia has a Macedonian derby between RK Vardar Skopje and Pelister Bitola, and a Skopje derby between RK Metalurg Skopje and Vardar.
• In Poland, Lomza Vive Kielce plays against Orlen Wisla Plock.
• Portugal has the Derby de Lisboa between Sporting CP and Benfica.
• Romania features a rivalry between Steaua București and Dinamo București.
• Russia has a Moscow rivalry between CSKA Moscow and MAI Moscow.
• Serbia has a Belgrade derby between Red Star and Partizan.
• Slovenia has derbies like the Styrian derby between RK Maribor Branik and RK Celje Pivovarna Laško.
• Spain features a Catalan derby between Barcelona and Granollers.
• Sweden has derbies in the Gothenburg region between Redbergslid and Sävehof, and the Ystad derby between IFK Ystad and Ystads IF.
• Tunisia has a Tunis derby between Club Africain and Espérance Sportive.
• Ukraine features a Zaporizhzhia derby between HC ZTR Zaporizhzhia and HC Motor Zaporizhzhia.

Horse racing

Sports rivalries are strong competitions between teams or athletes. They can affect everyone involved, including the players, managers, and fans.

One of the earliest known rivalries happened in the Roman Empire. It was between chariot racing teams called the Blues and the Greens, along with smaller teams known as the Reds and the Whites. They all raced at a big stadium in Constantinople. This rivalry became so big that it even caused political problems and a big riot.

Ice hockey

Multinational

Kontinental Hockey League

Main article: Rivalries in the KHL

North America

National Hockey League

Main article: List of NHL rivalries

ECHL

• Fort Wayne Komets vs. Indy Fuel

Junior

• Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) vs. Wenatchee Wild (BCHL)

Canadian Hockey League

• Brandon Wheat Kings vs. Winnipeg Ice (WHL)
• Calgary Hitmen vs. Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL)
• Cape Breton Eagles vs. Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
• Everett Silvertips vs. Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)
• Flint Firebirds vs. Saginaw Spirit (OHL)
• Guelph Storm vs. Kitchener Rangers (OHL)
• Kamloops Blazers vs. Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
• Kelowna Rockets vs. Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
• Kitchener Rangers vs. London Knights (OHL)
• Lethbridge Hurricanes vs. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
• London Knights vs. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
• Moncton Wildcats vs. Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)
• Moose Jaw Warriors vs. Swift Current Broncos (WHL)
• Niagara IceDogs vs. Hamilton Bulldogs (OHL)
• Niagara IceDogs vs. Oshawa Generals (OHL)
• Niagara IceDogs vs. Barrie Colts (OHL)
• Niagara IceDogs vs. North Bay Battalion (OHL)
• Niagara IceDogs vs. Mississauga Steelheads (OHL)
• Oshawa Generals vs. Peterborough Petes (OHL)
• Prince Albert Raiders vs. Saskatoon Blades (WHL)
• Regina Pats vs. Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
• Quebec Remparts vs. Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL)
• Sarnia Sting vs. Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
• Saskatoon Blades vs. Regina Pats (WHL)
• Saskatoon Blades vs. Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
• Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. Sudbury Wolves (OHL)
• Tri-City Americans vs. Spokane Chiefs (WHL)
• Vancouver Giants vs. Victoria Royals (WHL)
• Sarnia Sting vs London Knights (OHL)

College

See also: NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament

• Air Force vs. Army
• Alaska vs. Alaska–Anchorage
• Battle for Pikes Peak: Air Force vs. Colorado College
• Battle for the Gold Pan: Colorado College vs. Denver
• Battle of Whitney Avenue: Quinnipiac vs. Yale
• BU–Maine Rivalry: Boston University vs. Maine
• Border Battle: Maine vs. New Hampshire
• Clarkson vs. St. Lawrence
• Cornell–Harvard rivalry: Cornell vs. Harvard
• Dartmouth–New Hampshire rivalry: Dartmouth vs. New Hampshire
• Green Line Rivalry: Boston College vs. Boston University
• Harvard–Yale rivalry: Harvard vs. Yale
• Holy War on Ice: Boston College vs. Notre Dame
• Michigan vs. Michigan State
• Michigan vs. Notre Dame
• Michigan vs. Ohio State
• Michigan Tech vs. Northern Michigan
• Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
• RPI vs. Union

Europe

See also: List of ice hockey leagues

Austria

• Carinthian Derby: Klagenfurter AC vs. Villacher SV

Czech Republic

• Prague derby: Slavia Prague vs. Sparta Prague
• LHK Jestřábi Prostějov vs. AZ Havířov
• LHK Jestřábi Prostějov vs. Zubr Přerov
• LHK Jestřábi Prostějov vs. Draci Šumperk
• HC Olomouc vs. LHK Jestřábi Prostějov
• HC Pardubice vs. HC Hradec Králové
• HC Poruba vs. Zubr Přerov
• HC Vítkovice vs. Oceláři Třinec
• Sparta Prague vs. Rytíři Kladno
• VHK Vsetín vs. Berani Zlín

Finland

• Satakunnan derby: Ässät Pori vs. Lukko Rauma
• Stadin derby: HIFK Helsinki vs. Helsinki Jokerit
• Tampereen derby: Tampere Ilves vs. Tampere Tappara
• Savon derby: KalPa vs. Jukurit
• Kasitien derby: Ässät vs. Sport
• Länsirannikon derby: HC TPS vs. Lukko
• Järvi-Suomen derby: KalPa vs. JYP

France

• Gothiques d'Amiens vs. Dragons de Rouen
• Brûleurs de Loups vs. Ours de Villard-de-Lans
• Diables Rouges de Briançon vs. Rapaces de Gap

Germany

• Düsseldorfer EG vs. Kölner Haie vs. Krefeld Pinguine
• Löwen Frankfurt vs. Kassel Huskies
• ERC Ingolstadt vs. Augsburger Panther

Italy

• Hockey Club Torino vs. Hockey Club Valpellice

Norway

• Vålerenga vs. Stavanger Oilers
• Østfold-derby: Stjernen vs. Sparta Warriors
• Mjøs-derby: Storhamar vs. Lillehammer IK
• Oslo-derby: Vålerenga vs. Furuset
• Klassikern: Vålerenga vs. Storhamar

Poland

Main article: List of derbies in Poland § Ice Hockey

Romania

• Steaua București vs. Sport Club Miercurea Ciuc

Slovakia

• HKm Zvolen vs. MsHK Zilina
• MsHK Žilina vs. MHC Martin

Sweden

• Stockholm derby – AIK vs. Hammarby IF vs. Djurgårdens IF
• Western derby – Färjestad vs. Frölunda
• Daladerby: Leksands IF vs. Mora IK
• Southwest derby: Rögle BK vs. Malmö Redhawks
• Västerbotten derby: IF Björklöven vs. Skellefteå AIK
• Timrå IK vs. IF Sundsvall
• Västernorrland derby: Timrå IK vs. Modo Hockey

Switzerland

• Derby of Switzerland – HC Davos vs. EHC Kloten
• Ticino derby: HC Lugano vs. HC Ambri-Piotta
• Zähringen derby: HC Fribourg-Gottéron vs. SC Bern
• Zuricher derby: Kloten Flyers vs. ZSC Lions
• Berner derby : SC Bern vs. EHC Biel
• Gotthard derby: EV Zug vs. HC Ambri-Piotta
• Zürisee derby: ZSC Lions vs. Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
• Romandy derby: HC Fribourg-Gottéron vs. Servette Geneva
• Bündner derby: EHC Arosa vs. EHC Chur vs. HC Davos
• Lemanic derby: Servette Geneva vs. Lausanne HC
• Valais derby: HC Sierre-Anniviers vs. EHC Visp

United Kingdom

International

See also: Big Six

Individual

Lacrosse

Luge

Mixed martial arts

Other martial arts

Lethwei

Judo

Sumo

Motorsport

Mountaineering and rock climbing

Netball

Rugby league

Australia

National Rugby League

See also: Rivalries in the National Rugby League

State of Origin

Main article: State of Origin series

United Kingdom

Main article: Derbies in the Rugby Football League

International Rugby League

Individual

Rugby union

Club Rugby Union

Australia

Argentina

Costa Rica

France

Ireland

Italy

Spain

South Africa

New Zealand

Poland

Main article: List of derbies in Poland § Rugby union

United Kingdom

Main article: Local derbies in the United Kingdom § Rugby union

International Rugby Union

See Also: List of international rugby rivalries

Sailing

Short-track speed skating

Skiing

Alpine skiing

Biathlon

Cross-country skiing

Ski jumping

Motorcycle Speedway

Poland

Main article: List of derbies In Poland § Motorcycle Speedway

Scotland

Scottish Speedway Derby: Edinburgh Monarchs vs. Glasgow Tigers

Surfing

Swimming

Tennis (Open era only)

See also: List of tennis rivalries and Big Three (tennis)

Volleyball

Croatia

• Zagreb vs. Kaštela

Libya

• Misurata derby: Al-Sweihli vs. Al-Etihad Misurata

Philippines

• F2 Logistics Cargo Movers vs. Petron Blaze Spikers (defunct)
• BaliPure Purest Water Defenders vs. Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors (defunct)
• Creamline Cool Smashers vs. Petro Gazz Angels (rivalry; defunct)
• Choco Mucho Flying Titans vs. Creamline Cool Smashers (rivalry)

South Korea

• V-Classic match: Daejeon Samsung Fire Bluefangs vs. Cheonan Hyundai Capital Skywalkers

Turkey

• Eczacıbaşı vs. VakıfBank S.K.

Vietnam

• Bộ Tư lệnh Thông tin – FLC vs. VTV Bình Điền Long An