South Florida is about to have its biggest sports year ever. In 2026, nearly every major league, global tournament, and championship-caliber event is making a stop in our backyard—from NFL, CFP National Championship, and NHL milestones, to Formula 1, FIFA World Cup matches, world-class tennis, golf, polo, pickleball, and more.
And the best part? West Palm Beach and Palm Beach are perfectly positioned to enjoy all of it. Whether you’re planning your year around marquee matchups, bucket-list events, or local favorites, here’s everything to start bookmarking on your calendar now.
Major South Florida Teams & Leagues
Before we dive into the big events, let’s highlight the powerhouse lineup of home teams shaping the region’s sports identity:
- Miami Dolphins (NFL)
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Miami Marlins (MLB)
- Florida Panthers (NHL) – Back-to-back Stanley Cup champions going for a historic three-peat
- Inter Miami CF (MLS) – Reigning MLS Cup champions led by Lionel Messi; new stadium debuts April 2026
- Unrivaled (Women’s Basketball) – The world’s top women’s players in a 3-on-3 league hosted in Miami
- Palm Beach Royals (Major League Pickleball) – Palm Beach’s first pro sports team launching in 2026
Spring Training in The Palm Beaches
Home to four MLB teams:
- Miami Marlins – Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter
- St. Louis Cardinals – Roger Dean Stadium, Jupiter
- Washington Nationals – CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches
- Houston Astros – CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches
Golf’s Future in Palm Beach County
- TGL (The Golf League) – Competing at the new SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens
- Plus, Palm Beach County is widely regarded as one of the golf capitals of the world with the breadth of courses and players nearby.
College Sports
- University of Miami (UM)
- Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
- Florida International University (FIU)
- And, in West Palm Beach in particular, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBAU)
Major Events to Watch in 2026
South Florida is hosting some of the biggest sporting events on the planet in 2026, including:
January 2 – NHL Winter Classic
Florida Panthers vs. New York Rangers at loanDepot Park
Hockey’s premier outdoor showcase lands in South Florida with a historic matchup in MLB’s ballpark.
January 19 – College Football Playoff National Championship
Hard Rock Stadium
The biggest night in college football returns, bringing the nation’s top teams — and massive national attention — to Miami.
May 1–3 – Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix
Hard Rock Stadium
One of F1’s most glamorous races speeds back into Miami, drawing global fans, celebrities, and high-energy action.
June 15–July 18 – FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches
Hard Rock Stadium
The world’s biggest sporting event comes to South Florida with multiple World Cup matches, making Miami one of the tournament’s most important U.S. host cities.
Additional Big-Ticket Events in South Florida in 2026
In addition to the seasons for the major sports teams and leagues outlined above, South Florida is also home to the following events:
Late 2025 → Early 2026
- Dec 8 – Miami Invitational, featuring pro tennis for the 1st time at loanDepot Park, with Carlos Alcaraz, João Fonseca, Amanda Anisimova, and Emma Raducanu
- Dec 9–14 – APP Tour Pickleball Championships at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale
- Dec 13–14 – Palm Beaches Marathon
- Dec 19 – Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua at the Kaseya Center in Miami
- Dec 23 – Boca Raton Bowl
- Dec 31 – Mar 29 – Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington
January 2026
- Jan 1 – Orange Bowl
- Jan 2 – NHL Winter Classic: Panthers vs. Rangers at loanDepot Park
- Jan 19 – College Football Playoff National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium
- Jan 23–25 – Miami Marathon
- Jan 31 – Formula E Miami ePrix
February 2026
- Feb 9–14 – U.S. Open Golf Croquet
- Feb 11–Apr 26 – The Gauntlet of Polo
- Feb 13–22 – Delray Beach Open Tennis
- Feb 26–Mar 1 – PGA Tour Cognizant Classic
March 2026
- Mar 1–7 – Bacardi Cup Regatta
- Mar 2–8 – James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational in Boca Raton
- Mar 6–17 – World Baseball Classic in Miami (Pool D & Knockout Rounds)
- Mar 15–29 – Miami Open Tennis
April 2026
- Apr 3–5 – HYROX Miami Beach
- Apr 30–May 3 – PGA Tour Signature Event with the Miami Championship
May 2026
- May 1–3 – Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix
Summer 2026
- Jun 15–Jul 18 – FIFA World Cup 2026 Matches in Miami
Fall 2026
- Nov 6–8 – NASCAR Cup Series Championship Weekend, Homestead-Miami
- Nov 14–15 – E1 Powerboat Series – Miami GP
December 2026
- Palm Beaches Marathon
Why It Matters
South Florida isn’t just a vacation destination anymore — it’s evolving into one of the most complete sports regions in the country.
Where else can you find:
🏈 An NFL team
🏀 An NBA team
⚾ An MLB team plus four Spring Training teams
🏒 A Stanley Cup dynasty
⚽ An MLS team, plus Messi, plus the FIFA World Cup
⛳ PGA & TGL
🏁 Formula 1
🎾 Grand Slam-caliber tennis
🐎 World-class polo & equestrian
🌍 FIFA World Cup matches (had to say it twice because it is so MASSIVE)
🔥 And now, pro pickleball in Palm Beach
For fans, 2026 means unprecedented access to elite competition. For the region, it means global attention, tourism growth, investment, and a sports culture that rivals the biggest markets in the world.
Conclusion: A Sports Capital of the Future Is Right Here in South Florida
From Miami to Palm Beach, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where every major league, every major sport, and every global spotlight lands in our backyard. Whether you’re cheering from the stands, exploring new stadiums, following international tournaments, or supporting our local homegrown teams, South Florida is giving sports fans a year they’ll be talking about long after the final buzzer.
Get your calendar ready — it’s going to be unforgettable.
