The sports world is gearing up for a plethora of exciting events in 2026. For Chicago Bulls fans, there's hope on the horizon as Arturas Karnisovas is expected to make a franchise-altering deal before the NBA trade deadline arrives. However, those minutes won't be enough to distract from Karnisovas' birthday celebration in the breakroom.
In other news, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris were marred by controversy and lewdness. The opening ceremony was so racy that Pam Bondi has been dispatched to Milan to redact it. Fast-forward to the Winter Games, where Friday's opening ceremony is expected to be just as scandalous – but unfortunately for the producers, that won't stop people like Pam Bondi from doing their job.
The world of football is abuzz with predictions for Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks are a top contender, but Patriots coach Mike Vrabel's unanimous induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame should provide some much-needed levity during this lull before the NFL season kicks off.
Baseball fans will get their chance to rejoice when the White Sox hold their first full-squad workout at Camelback Ranch on February 15. Prized newcomer Munetaka Murakami, however, might not last long – after downing 74 meals in a row at Portillo's, it's only a matter of time before he suffers from acute intestinal distress.
In March, the Big Ten men's basketball tournament will come to Chicago, where champion Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg will be crowned the Greatest Coach Ever to Set Foot in the United Center. Think back to former Cubs player David Ross's legendary Game 7 escape route – it'll seem tame compared to what Team USA's bullpen coach has to endure when he wins a World Baseball Classic title on March 17.
As April approaches, the Big Ten will break its 26-year championship drought in men's basketball with Michigan emerging victorious from the Final Four. Joyful Wolverines will celebrate their win, but they'll also be the first to enter the transfer portal – because what's an NCAA tournament without a little drama?
The NBA play-in tournament is set to begin on April 14, and while it might not get the same hype as the real playoffs, there's still plenty to look forward to. In mid-May, crosstown-rivals Cubs and Sox will engage in epic battles at Rate Field and Wrigley Field – but fans know these are just different beasts.
NASCAR is taking a detour this year with its Chicago Street Race instead of Joliet, leaving some disappointed. However, the real excitement begins on July 13 when Pete Crow-Armstrong wins the Home Run Derby against his BFF Caleb Williams.
The World Cup will make headlines when Spain takes down England 2-1 to win in New Jersey – and it's hard not to draw comparisons to the Jets' explosive offense from last year. The WNBA All-Star Game is set for July 25, where players might get frustrated with Caitlin Clark dominating the weekend.
With baseball's trade deadline on August 3, fans can relax – or should they? In September, Northwestern will start its season against South Dakota State at Ryan Field – but it seems like that stadium won't be ready just yet. As for Halloween, Game 7 of the World Series is going to make this night unforgettable.
Finally, when Pope Francis writes a guest column for the Sun-Times next Christmastime, everyone might forgive your author for avoiding this whole article altogether – after all, you can predict one thing: that column will be a home run.
In other news, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris were marred by controversy and lewdness. The opening ceremony was so racy that Pam Bondi has been dispatched to Milan to redact it. Fast-forward to the Winter Games, where Friday's opening ceremony is expected to be just as scandalous – but unfortunately for the producers, that won't stop people like Pam Bondi from doing their job.
The world of football is abuzz with predictions for Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks are a top contender, but Patriots coach Mike Vrabel's unanimous induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame should provide some much-needed levity during this lull before the NFL season kicks off.
Baseball fans will get their chance to rejoice when the White Sox hold their first full-squad workout at Camelback Ranch on February 15. Prized newcomer Munetaka Murakami, however, might not last long – after downing 74 meals in a row at Portillo's, it's only a matter of time before he suffers from acute intestinal distress.
In March, the Big Ten men's basketball tournament will come to Chicago, where champion Nebraska coach Fred Hoiberg will be crowned the Greatest Coach Ever to Set Foot in the United Center. Think back to former Cubs player David Ross's legendary Game 7 escape route – it'll seem tame compared to what Team USA's bullpen coach has to endure when he wins a World Baseball Classic title on March 17.
As April approaches, the Big Ten will break its 26-year championship drought in men's basketball with Michigan emerging victorious from the Final Four. Joyful Wolverines will celebrate their win, but they'll also be the first to enter the transfer portal – because what's an NCAA tournament without a little drama?
The NBA play-in tournament is set to begin on April 14, and while it might not get the same hype as the real playoffs, there's still plenty to look forward to. In mid-May, crosstown-rivals Cubs and Sox will engage in epic battles at Rate Field and Wrigley Field – but fans know these are just different beasts.
NASCAR is taking a detour this year with its Chicago Street Race instead of Joliet, leaving some disappointed. However, the real excitement begins on July 13 when Pete Crow-Armstrong wins the Home Run Derby against his BFF Caleb Williams.
The World Cup will make headlines when Spain takes down England 2-1 to win in New Jersey – and it's hard not to draw comparisons to the Jets' explosive offense from last year. The WNBA All-Star Game is set for July 25, where players might get frustrated with Caitlin Clark dominating the weekend.
With baseball's trade deadline on August 3, fans can relax – or should they? In September, Northwestern will start its season against South Dakota State at Ryan Field – but it seems like that stadium won't be ready just yet. As for Halloween, Game 7 of the World Series is going to make this night unforgettable.
Finally, when Pope Francis writes a guest column for the Sun-Times next Christmastime, everyone might forgive your author for avoiding this whole article altogether – after all, you can predict one thing: that column will be a home run.
I mean, who doesn't love a good underdog story? like the Chicago Bulls are on the verge of making some major moves and Arturas Karnisovas is going to be celebrating his birthday in style 
in the breakroom 
but let's not forget about all the controversy surrounding the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris 
it'll be interesting to see how that plays out. And can we talk about Munetaka Murakami eating 74 meals in a row at Portillo's? that's just a recipe for disaster 
. It'll be a wild ride watching Team USA's bullpen coach go through all that stress on top of winning a World Baseball Classic title 
.
#SportsFrenzy2026 is gonna be lit! but seriously, who else is excited for the NBA trade deadline? Arturas Karnisovas is about to make some magic happen for the Chicago Bulls 
#BullsNation #NBATradeDeadline
Pam Bondi, you're a lifesaver, girl! #OlympicScandal #PamBondiSavesTheDay
but Mike Vrabel's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame is giving me all the feels 
#SeahawksNation #PFHOF
#WhiteSox #MunetakaMurakami
but I'm also lowkey worried about Team USA's bullpen coach's stress levels 
#BigTenBasketball #FredHoiberg
so there's this guy who thinks Pam Bondi is getting dispatched to Milan to redact some ceremony... like she even works in Milan? 
I'm dyinnnnggg for the White Sox to make some moves before the trade deadline!!! Munetaka Murakami is so hyped right now 