Sports Conversation Starters for Your Week

Every week I look for big wins while tracking small habits. It’s everything from meal prep to scheduling my workouts and preparing for conversations. Knowing I have a few topics in my back pocket help me prepare for small talk and give me confidence I can take advantage of the conversations that come my way.

These are the sports topics I’ll be using this week, along with a few questions you can use to get the ball rolling.

PGA Championship

Aaron Rai won the PGA Championship beating out an incredibly crowded leaderboard. He is the first English-born golfer to win the PGA Championship in more than a century. A record-setting 22 players were within four shots of the lead heading into the final round. The previous tournament record was 18. 

Talk Sporty Convo Starter: What did you like about the number of golfers in contention throughout the tournament and especially on Sunday? 

NFL

The Aaron Rodgers question of "will he or won't he play this year" has been answered. The 42-year-old quarterback signed a 1-year deal to return to Pittsburgh. It will be his 22nd year in the league. 

Talk Sporty Convo Starter: The move reunites Rodgers with his former coach Mike McCarthy. How much do you think the Steelers will benefit from that familiarity? In what ways do you think Rodgers age (and physical limitations as a result) will impact the roster and style of play? 

NBA

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earned MVP honors for a second straight season. He is just the fifth active player to be named MVP in consecutive seasons. The Thunder face the San Antonio Spurs and MVP finalist Victor Wembanyama in the Western Conference Finals starting Monday night.

Talk Sporty Convo Starter: How do you define an MVP? What factors carry more weight? 

NHL

The Buffalo Sabres forced a Game 7 against Montreal. The winner-takes-all matchup is set for Monday night in Buffalo. The winner faces a well-rested Carolina team that will have had a 12-day break by the time the conference finals start Thursday.

Talk Sporty Convo Starter: In the playoffs, is it more of an advantage to have a quick turnaround or time to rest?

The Preakness

Napoleon Solo won The Preakness after trailing most of the race. It was a surprising outcome considering Napoleon Solo finished fifth in his previous two races this year. The final Triple Crown race - the Belmont Stakes - takes place June 6. 

Talk Sporty Convo Starter: Do you root for the favorite or for the upset?

French Open

The opening rounds of the French Open start Sunday. Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are ranked No. 1 in the world and are the favorites heading into the tournament. 

Talk Sporty Convo Starter: Jannik Sinner needs a win at Roland Garros to complete a career Grand Slam. Do you think he can do it without 2-time defending French Open Champion Carlos Alcaraz in the field?