New York-related sporting events in 2026

Jan. 2: Rangers in the Winter Classic

Outdoor hockey always looks cooler on television. This year's NHL Winter Classic will be in a baseball stadium, which isn't a new concept. However, it'll be in Miami as the Rangers play the Florida Panthers at loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins. Tune in at 8 p.m. on TNT and HBO Max.

Jan. 5: Craig Carton returns to WFAN

Our man Pots and Pans returns to afternoon drive on WFAN, the second such stint for Craig Carton and third overall for him at the radio station. He'll co-host with Chris McMonigle. The midday show now will feature Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber, and Tommy Lugauer moves to nights.

Feb. 11-22: Hockey in the Winter Olympics

Which Islanders and Rangers will have made the rosters as NHL players return for the Winter Olympics in Milan for the first time since 2014? Will any Long Islanders make the cut for Team USA when the rosters are announced around the start of the new year? Once the teams are announced, it's time to watch the games and cheer on your preferred country while openly hoping for no injuries to your favorite NHL team's players.

Feb.11-14: Pitchers and catchers report

Yes, it happens every year. Yes, it's not a surprise. And, yes, it still carries some cachet on the sports calendar and makes Mets and Yankees fans happy to know their teams are in Florida and starting to prepare for a new season. 

April 23-25: NFL Draft

As seems to be the case every season in recent memory, the Jets and Giants likely will have a very high pick in the NFL Draft on April 23 in Pittsburgh. So you've got a few months of "The Jets need a quarterback" and "The Giants need this, this and that" of debates to listen to and decide which way they should go.

June 15-21: U.S. Open at Shinnecock

The U.S. Open golf tournament returns to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton for the first time since 2018. It’s the sixth time the historic Long Island golf course has hosted golf’s toughest major. The tournament starts on Thursday, June 18, but practice rounds open to the ticketed public begin on Monday, June 15.

July 19: World Cup final at MetLife Stadium

"The Beautiful Game" wraps up its biggest international tournament at the home of the Jets and Giants. MetLife Stadium also will host group play matches on June 13, 16, 22, 25 and 27, plus a Round of 32 match on June 30 and a Round of 16 match on July 5. The final is at 3 p.m.

September: Belmont Park reopens

The redeveloped Belmont Park, a $455 million project that includes a new grandstand and tunnels leading to the infield for racegoers, is expected to reopen for racing this month after closing in 2023. The Belmont Stakes is expected to return to the track in 2027 after three years at Saratoga.