Player Headshots

SportsDataIO delivers licensed NFL headshots, MLB headshots, NBA headshots, and NHL headshots through seamless integration with our APIs, made possible by our partnership with USA Today. Please contact our sales team at sales@sportsdata.io for access to these endpoints. We recommend using the headshots with transparent backgrounds for maximum flexibility in your applications.

NFL Headshots

When – April - December
Source – In-Game Event Coverage
Endpoint – https://sportsdata.io/developers/api-documentation/nfl#player-headshots
Guide – OTAs and minicamps run from April to June; we process NFL headshots of drafted rookies from these events, updating them again during preseason once players are in uniform.

MLB Headshots

When – February - October
Source – MLB Spring Training Media Days + Event Coverage
Endpoint – https://sportsdata.io/developers/api-documentation/mlb#player-headshots
Guide – Most MLB headshots are sourced during Spring Training media days and updated throughout the season (trades, call-ups, etc.) with in-game photos, as media day access is only once per year.

NBA Headshots

When – September - June
Source – NBA Media Days + Event Coverage
Endpoint – https://sportsdata.io/developers/api-documentation/nba#player-headshots
Guide – Most NBA headshots come from team media days and are updated during the season for trades or roster changes with in-game photos.

NHL Headshots

When – October - April
Source – In-Game Event Coverage
Endpoint – https://sportsdata.io/developers/api-documentation/nhl#player-headshots
Guide – NHL headshots are sourced in-game throughout the season and updated as players move teams or lineups change.