Entity Identification Guide

This guide provides an overview of the key identifiers used across our data systems, including PlayerID, GameID, TeamID, GRid, and distinctions between College and Professional league ID formats.

PlayerID

All PlayerIDs in the SportsDataIO API are completely unique. Each sport, with the exception of the NFL, uses a unique identifier prefix specific to that league (e.g., MLB: 100, NBA: 200, NHL: 300).

In the case of College Football and College Basketball, PlayerID's do not transfer to the professional level. When a college player becomes a draft prospect, a new PlayerID is created for their professional career.

GameID

GameIDs are unique within each individual league, but not across all leagues. For example, GameID 14620 may exist in both NBA and NFL, but not twice within the same league. If you need a globally unique game identifier across leagues, use the GlobalGameID field. 

To learn more regarding the nuances and intricacies about how we handle GameID's that are affected by Postponed and Rescheduled games, you can do so in our Postponed and Rescheduled Games article.

TeamID

Similar to GameID, TeamIDs are unique within each league but not across leagues. For example, TeamID 14 may appear in both MLB and NFL, but not twice in the same league. To reference teams across leagues, use the GlobalTeamID field.

GRid (Global Reference ID)

The GRid system offers a standardized set of unique IDs that map to commonly used identifiers across the sports technology ecosystem. This system simplifies data mapping and referencing across platforms, enabling more efficient development and collaboration. For more information, visit the SportsDataIO GRid page.