Sports Conversation Starters for Your Workweek

It’s easier for people to join you when you’re moving at the same pace and going side by side. I’m not just talking about your stroll around the neighbor or racing through an airport. I’m thinking about conversations and small talk in particular.  

When you’re trying to make a connection and build relationships, it’s easier when you bring someone along in the conversation. It is also the way I approach every interview. I want the person I’m talking with to feel like we’re on the same page which is why I frequently give cues that indicate where we’re going with the interaction. 

Here are two examples of what that could sound like in conversations this week: 

I didn’t watch much of the NCAA Tournament this weekend. What’s the best game you saw? (Admitting up front that I didn’t watch much of the game sets the stage for an honest answer. There’s no pressure to say you watched games if you didn’t.)

If you had to pick the greatest NBA player of all-time would it be Lebron James? (If you’re not a hard-core fan, I could very easily be putting you on the spot by asking you to come up with a name off the top of your head. By providing an option I’m also providing an easy out and a way to easily continue the conversation about hoops or otherwise.) 

Bringing someone along in the conversation is adding the little bit of context that makes it easy to see where you’re taking them. You can use that idea along with these sports conversation starters this week. 

MLB

The regular season gets underway this week. The New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants play on Wednesday. Opening Day for the rest of the league is Thursday. It's the earliest scheduled traditional start (meaning not the games played overseas to start a season) in league history. 

NBA

LeBron James set another all-time NBA record by playing in a game Saturday night. That regular-season game appearance pushed LeBron past Robert Parish for most games played in NBA history. LeBron is in his 23rd NBA season, the most ever for any player.

Kevin Durant also made history on Saturday, passing Michael Jordan for No. 5 on the NBA's all-time scoring list. 

College Hoops

There will be no repeat for the Florida Gators as National Champions. No. 9 Iowa stunned No. 1 seed Florida on Sunday. Three of the four No.1 seeds remain:  Duke, Arizona and Michigan.

On the women's side all four No.1 seeds are in contention: UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina are No.1 seeds. 

PGA

Matt Fitzpatrick won the Valspar Championship and notched his third PGA Tour win. He's captured nine European titles previously.