Sports Conversation Starters for Your Week
Aug 23, 2026
I spent Sunday afternoon prepping for the Seahawks preseason game with golf on in the background.
Here's what struck me while watching the BMW Championship - the fans watching from the tee box couldn't see where the ball landed in the fairway. Fans watching near the green couldn't see the tee shot that set up the short game. And yet, there was plenty for everyone to talk about.
It's also a reminder that you don't need to watch an entire sporting event or be an "all-knowing" sports fan to participate in a sports conversation. All you need is a willingness to connect and a few questions like the ones below to help you get going.
US Open
The US Open start this week in New York with singles play getting underway Sunday. Among the storylines to watch, World No. 1 and reigning Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner will not play due to a knee injury but reigning US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz returns to tournament play after missing four months with a wrist injury.
Aryna Sabalenka is trying to become the first woman to win three straight U.S. Open titles since Serena Williams from 2012-2014. Serena will play mixed doubles with Alcaraz instead of entering the singles draw.
Talk Sporty Convo Starter:
- What do you enjoy about the environment around the U.S. Open matches?
WNBA
The WNBA regular season wraps up in a month. Four teams have already clinched playoff berths. The Phoenix Mercury were eliminated from playoff contention Saturday. The 2026 Mercury team is the first to miss the playoffs after reaching the WNBA Finals the previous year since the 2008 Mercury team.
Talk Sporty Convo Starter:
- The WNBA will take a break from the regular season August 31-September 16 for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. How do you think the break will affect teams on the playoff bubble?
NCAA
The college football schedule starts Saturday with a small slate of games that includes North Carolina and TCU playing in Dublin, Ireland. Expect every team to be in action the following week.
Talk Sporty Convo Starter:
- Will you be watching college football this week or do you wait until the full slate of Week 1 games to get involved?
PGA
Through three rounds it looked like Wyndham Clark would be the runaway winner at the BMW Championship. He saw his five stroke lead evaporate on Sunday, but still pulled out a three stroke win over Patrick Cantlay. It's his third Tour win this season, which is tied for the most on tour this season.
Talk Sporty Convo Starter:
- How do you get back on track when you feel like you've lost your edge or advantage?
