The Sports Trends Everyone Will Be Talking About In 2026
It’ll be hard to ignore these.
Instagram/lindseyvonn
What will everyone be talking about in sports in 2026?
In this episode of Last Night’s Game, Amy and Scott look ahead to the biggest sports moments and trends shaping the year, not through scores or predictions, but through the conversations they’ll spark in real life.
From the Winter Olympics in Milan and the return of NHL players to Olympic hockey, to a World Cup hosted across North America and the global energy of the World Baseball Classic, 2026 is packed with once-every-four-years events that make sports impossible to avoid.
They also dig into why baseball’s momentum is growing, how international fan culture is influencing the game-day experience, and why a UFC fight planned for the White House lawn might be the most polarizing sports headline of the year.
If you want to know where sports stories are heading and how to sound confident jumping into the conversation, this episode gives you the context that matters.
The Last Night's Game podcast is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email us at theteam@lastnightsgame.com.
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From audibles to Omahas to helmets with the green dot, there is no need to break out your decoder rings. We're talking NFL play calling. How hard can it be? LISTEN
From The Court To Congress: Athletes Who Made The Leap To Politics
A new take during election season.
Instagram/schwarzenegger
Discover how the worlds of sports and politics intertwine in this week's episode of the Sports Curious podcast! Join Amy and Scott as they explore the journeys of athletes who have run for office, sharing stories that sidestep the usual political talk. This episode highlights athletes ' unique impact on public discourse, from the charismatic Manny Pacquiao to the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger. Plus, learn fun facts about presidents who were athletes! Tune in for a refreshing take on the upcoming election season.
With fun anecdotes, valuable insights, and a touch of family humor, this episode is packed with conversation starters for basketball fans and newcomers alike. Tune in and get all the info you need to join the basketball conversation this season!
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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We know you're busy, so we've added a short 1-3 minute podcast on Monday and Friday so you can catch us on the go wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE
Check out our Tailgate Treats for our fan favorites. GOOD STUFF
From audibles to Omahas to helmets with the green dot, there is no need to break out your decoder rings. We're talking NFL play calling. How hard can it be? LISTEN
When Worlds Collide: The Fascinating Connection Between Sports and Music
So much talent
Photo: Instagram/vanessabryant
(Podcast length - 24:59 mins)
Discover the captivating collision of sports and music as athletes showcase hidden musical talents and musicians immerse themselves in the world of sports. From NFL sensation Christian McCaffrey's classical piano skills to iconic musicians like Prince, who dominated on the basketball court, this blog post explores the unexpected talents that blur the lines between two distinct worlds. Dive into the fascinating stories of athletes turned musicians, musicians with sporting affiliations, and eccentric team owners who merge their passions for music and sports in an unforgettable way. Explore the boundless potential of human talent at the intersection of sports and music.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:21 Christian McCaffrey: Pianist and NFL Player
03:17 Athletes with Rap Albums: Kobe, Shaq, Deion Sanders
05:46 Deion Sanders on Saturday Night Live
07:37 Manny Pacquiao: Boxer and Vocalist
09:12 Oscar De La Hoya: Grammy-Nominated Singer
10:11 Justin Tucker: Opera Singer and NFL Kicker
11:37 Musicians Who Want to be Athletes: Garth Brooks, Justin Bieber
14:26 Justin Timberlake: Golfer and NBA Team Owner
15:46 Prince: Basketball Player and Musician
17:13 Rod Stewart: Soccer Player and Musician
19:46 James Dolan: Kazoo Player and NBA Team Owner
22:44 Jim Irsay: Singer and NFL Team Owner
23:57 Conclusion
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
Other posts you might enjoy
We know you're busy, so we've added a short 1-3 minute podcast on Monday and Friday so you can catch us on the go wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE
Check out our Tailgate Treats for our fan favorites. GOOD STUFF
These athletes give back in a big way to the communities that support them. LISTEN
Turkey Day Table Topics To Avoid Awkward Holiday Moments
Distract, deflect and succeed.
(Podcast length - 26:58 mins)
Steer clear from a flare-up at the Thanksgiving table by avoiding these conversation minefields and diverting to safer (and dare we say sportier?) ground.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
Other posts you might enjoy
We know you're busy, so we've added a short 1-3 minute podcast on Monday and Friday so you can catch us on the go wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE
Check out our Tailgate Treats for our fan favorites. GOOD STUFF
When you think you’re invincible, but you’re not. Let’s talk true crimes in sports and Sam Hurd. CRIME STOPPER
How To Survive The Awkward Holiday Moments
Easy ways to divert, deflect and dine in peace.
(Podcast length - 5:15 mins)
Steer clear from a flare-up at the Thanksgiving table by avoiding these conversation minefields and diverting to a safer (and dare we say sportier?) one.
Transcript
For any conversation involving politics
Plenty of political and Hollywood icons once ran the sidelines. Samuel L. Jackson, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Meryl Streep and four former U.S.A. Presidents (Eisenhower, Roosevelt, Reagan and George W. Bush) all had spirit. We'd be remiss if we didn't mention the marching band. In college, you would've found Halle Berry, Steven Spielberg, Alan Greenspan and Lionel Richie entertaining you in formation at halftime. Much safer than venturing into the political minefield at the dinner table.
Or, if you're feeling like taking a walk on the wild side, share a little something from our post about five athletes who turned their fame into a career in politics. Or there’s always COVID and the fact that the NFL is bringing back their mask mandate for all personnel, citing the Thanksgiving holiday. BREAK OUT THE HAND SANITIZER
When grandma asks you why you're not married…for the 10th time—that day.
Tell grandma that a long-lasting marriage isn't a sure bet, but you know what is? The Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys (NFL - National Football League) taking the field on Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving tradition started for the Lions in 1934 and 1966 for the Cowboys. So regardless of whether you're cheering for the winless Lions or the first-place Cowboys, one thing you can count on is these teams to play while you nap off your meal. EVERLASTING LOVE
Your dog-obsessed aunt joins you for Thanksgiving lunch and brings her dog that she feeds from the table.
For the dog who doesn't earn the title of best showing at the table, there's still hope to claim the title of "Best in Show." Thanksgiving also doubles as the date of the National Dog Show. And just like your uncle, who avoids anything with Cheez-Whiz, the judges have high standards too. They're not only looking for a dog with defined features, correct gait and fitness level but a happy dog that enjoys the competition, so each dog's expression and general demeanor receive extra scrutiny. WOOF
Your little sister keeps taking selfies, and all you can think about is how full you are.
Be thankful you don't have to pass a post-meal jiggle test. Some NFL team's cheer coaches conduct "jiggle tests" to assess the firmness of the cheerleaders' bodies during the season, and if they don't pass the test, they're benched. During a regular-season many make, on average less than $10/hour. With practices, appearances and games, they put in 30-40 hour weeks during the season, but most are required to have a full-time job elsewhere. Want more? Check out five things you never knew about NFL cheerleaders. DO YOU HAVE SPIRIT?
When your sibling throws a dinner roll at you (You know it's going to happen no matter how old you are).
Don't get caught up in the heat of the moment, unlike Kelly Stafford. Kelly Stafford and her QB husband, Matt, are new additions to the LA Rams roster this year. Matt and his team took a beating in last week's Monday Night Football game against the San Francisco 49ers. During the game, Kelly threw a pretzel at a taunting opposing fan. A neighboring Rams fan called her out on it, and she later apologized for her bad behavior on Instagram. FOOD FIGHT!
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Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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What You Didn't Know About Sports Teams Visiting The White House
The antics and the history around the tradition of celebrating for champions at the White House.
Photo: Instagram/LSU Football
(Podcast length 4:45 mins - the transcript is below)
What better way to talk politics but not really? Let’s discuss the antics when athletes head to the White House.
Transcript
1. The tradition of sports teams visiting the White House began in 1865, but it wasn’t until 1924 that President Calvin Coolidge celebrated the World Series Champion Washington Senators (baseball). Although the NBA (National Basketball Association) champs didn’t make their first visit until 1963, NFL (National Football League) in 1980 and NHL (National Hockey League) 1991. The regular tradition of welcoming the championship teams from professional, collegiate and Olympic sports really started with President Ronald Reagan.
2. Since you never show up to a party empty-handed, teams typically bring along their winning trophy and a gift for the president, usually a team jersey, or in Texas A&M’s case, a pair of A&M cowboy boots. When the New York Giants (NFL) visited, they brought their own snacks. The team dumped a cooler full of popcorn on President Reagan to honor the traditional merriment of pouring Gatorade on the head coach to celebrate a victory. A DREAM COME TRUE
3. Plenty of teams, especially collegiate teams, fly in and out on the same day, but others stay in hopes of leaving a lasting impression. When the Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL) visited the White House, the team and the president packed over 3,000 care packages for troops serving overseas. During their time in D.C., the San Antonio Spurs (NBA) visited wounded veterans and the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team put on a youth soccer clinic. DOING THE MOST GOOD
4. It’s not always warm and fuzzy as some players boycott the visit and use it as an opportunity to speak out against the president’s policies or the government. It used to be rare to decline the invitation, but we’ve seen a lot of that in President Trump’s presidency with partial rosters attending or entire teams declining to attend the visit. While there are still plenty of championship teams that visited the White House during his tenure, President Trump never extended an invitation to the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) champions. RAIN CHECK
5. No matter who the sitting president is, the overwhelming majority of athletes who visit the White House talk about the surreal and unbelievable experience. While most presidents avoid restricted areas of the White House, President Trump was known for throwing the Secret Service for a loop and bringing his athletic visitors into the Oval Office and other rooms usually not open to the public. A CASUAL HOME TOUR
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We breakdown what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table, or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.