There are reasons for optimism for New York sports in 2026.
The Knicks are contenders in the wide-open Eastern Conference. The Yankees are set to get one of their biggest stars back. The World Cup is headed to MetLife Stadium.
As 2025 comes to an end, here’s what New York has to look forward to in 2026.
KNICKS IN THE MIX
This past year was kind to the Knicks, who advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
There’s reason to believe they can go even further in 2016.
The Knicks’ bench is deeper. The Eastern Conference is weaker. Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo could be traded before the February deadline, and his affinity for New York has been well-documented.
Whether they acquire Antetokounmpo or not, the Knicks have a chance to advance to their first NBA Finals since 1999 — and to win their first championship since 1973.
COLE COMEBACK
Gerrit Cole is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, but the Yankees’ ace is on track to return from Tommy John surgery during the season’s first half.
That will be a welcome sight for the Yankees, who envision an eventual rotation of Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Cam Schlittler and Luis Gil as a major strength.
Cole missed the entire 2025 season due to the elbow operation, but he is still just two years removed from a Cy Young campaign in 2023.
And while Cole is entering his age-35 season, he can take comfort in knowing Justin Verlander and Jacob deGrom returned to elite form after having Tommy John surgery at similar ages.
DART PART TWO
Jaxson Dart looked the part of a franchise building block during his rookie season, even if it didn’t result in many wins for the Giants.
The Giants now hope there’s a sophomore leap for the dual-threat quarterback, who should benefit from the returns of top receiver Malik Nabers and running back Cam Skattebo after this year’s season-ending injuries.
The ideal trajectory is that of the New England Patriots, who made a huge jump this year in Drake Maye’s second season.
Also sparking the Pats’ turnaround was the hiring of head coach Mike Vrabel. The Giants, of course, are now in the market for a new head coach following Brian Daboll’s midseason firing.
JET FUEL
The Jets find themselves in a similar position as last winter’s Giants, seeking a franchise quarterback without a clear-cut target at this point.
With five first-round picks over the next two drafts, the Jets have ample ammunition to trade up in the first round or to swing a deal for a veteran.
Heisman-winning Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore appear to be the top QB prospects in 2025, though the 2026 class is expected to be stronger if the Jets decide to wait.
And Jets fans will fantasize about Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow demanding a trade, though someone like Arizona’s Kyler Murray is more likely to become available.
WORLD CUP
For the second time ever, the U.S. is hosting the men’s World Cup, this time sharing those duties with Canada and Mexico.
And for the first time ever, the World Cup final will take place in New York/New Jersey.
Indeed, MetLife Stadium will host the final on July 19 — one of eight matches that will be played at the stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC
And the World Cup won’t be the only major international sports tournament in 2026.
While New York isn’t hosting any WBC games, the event should still be of interest to local fans, as the Yankees’ Aaron Judge is the captain of Team USA and the Mets’ Francisco Lindor is the captain of Team Puerto Rico.
The WBC is scheduled for March 5-17, with the final set to take place at Miami’s LoanDepot Park.
ST. JOHN’S ENCORE
After winning the Big East’s regular-season and conference tournament championships in 2025, St. John’s entered this season with sky-high expectations.
And while the Red Storm got off to a slow start, head coach Rick Pitino remains optimistic that his new-look roster can round into form in time to defend its conference crown.
What St. John’s does as an encore is a major storyline in 2026, and meetings with UConn on Feb. 6 and Feb. 25 should be particularly telling.
