California is currently grappling with devastating wildfires, and Los Angeles is among the cities most affected by the flames. These fires have led to widespread evacuations, impacting both residents and businesses in the region.
As expected, the sporting world has also been affected by this ongoing crisis, with games and schedules being altered or postponed. Here's how various sports leagues are dealing with the impact of the Los Angeles wildfires.
NFL Playoffs: Relocated Rams vs. Vikings Game
The 2025 NFL playoffs are set to kick off this weekend, but the wildfires in Los Angeles have forced a significant change in the NFL schedule. The Los Angeles Rams were originally scheduled to host the Minnesota Vikings for the wildcard round at SoFi Stadium, located in Inglewood, a city directly affected by the wildfires.
On Thursday, the NFL made the decision to relocate the game to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with the original 8 p.m. ET kickoff time remaining unchanged. The league worked closely with public officials, both teams, and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) before making this call, emphasizing the importance of public safety.
To show solidarity with Los Angeles during this difficult time, the NFL took out a fullpage advertisement in the city’s local paper, offering their support. The game will now take place at State Farm Stadium, where field preparations were underway, including the placement of Rams logos.
Los Angeles Chargers: Practice Schedule Affected
Although the Los Angeles Chargers are playing away this weekend against the Houston Texans, the wildfires have still impacted the team. Due to the poor air quality caused by the fires, the Chargers had to adjust their practice schedule to limit outdoor activities. The offense and defense held separate practice sessions to ensure safety.
NBA: Lakers and Clippers Postponements
In the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with the fallout from the wildfires. The team had been scheduled to host five consecutive home games starting on January 9. However, the Lakers’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets, originally set for Thursday night, has been postponed.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick shared his personal connection to the disaster, as his family was forced to evacuate from their home in Pacific Palisades. He expressed his support for others affected by the fires and offered thoughts and prayers for the community. Redick's rental home was among those destroyed by the flames, along with the childhood home of Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
In addition, the Lakers' upcoming game on Saturday, January 11, against the San Antonio Spurs has also been postponed.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers are on a twogame road trip, having lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this week. However, the wildfires have also impacted the team, as star player Kawhi Leonard is stepping away from the squad to be with his family, who have been forced to evacuate.
The Clippers were scheduled to return to Los Angeles for a matchup against the Hornets on Saturday, January 11, but that game too has been postponed.
NHL: Kings' Game Against Calgary Flames Postponed
In the NHL, the Los Angeles Kings had their game against the Calgary Flames postponed due to the fires. With Crypto.com Arena located in the heart of Los Angeles, the worsening conditions prompted the NHL to cancel the Wednesday night game. This was the final home game in a fivegame home stand for the Kings, who are scheduled to travel on a road trip next.
U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team: Camp Relocation
In the world of soccer, the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) was also impacted by the fires. U.S. Soccer made the decision to move both the USWNT January camp and Futures camp. The camps will now take place from January 1723 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at the Florida Blue Training Center at Inter Miami CF’s facility.
As the wildfires continue to wreak havoc on California, the impact on Los Angeles's sports events is undeniable. The NFL, NBA, NHL, and U.S. Soccer have all adjusted their schedules to ensure the safety of players, staff, and fans. The situation remains fluid, and more changes may occur as the wildfires continue to challenge the city.
Our thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragedy, both within the sports community and beyond.
