Is October the Best Month for Sports?

October 1, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

There has long been a debate about which month is the best for sports. March boasts March Madness, December has college football bowl games and NBA Christmas Day, and February has the Super Bowl. However, October might have them all beat. With college football, the NFL, the start of the NBA and NHL seasons, and the World Series, October presents a strong case. Here’s a breakdown of the top five months for sports.

5. March

Key Events: March Madness, Arnold Palmer Invitational, The Players Championship, NFL Free Agency, NBA Regular Season, NHL Regular Season, Indian Wells Championship

When you think of March, you think of March Madness. Arguably the greatest tournament ever constructed—with unbelievable buzzer beaters and Cinderella stories—March Madness is a top-tier event. Golf also has two huge tournaments, and although the NFL season just ended, free agency keeps fans engaged. Plus, the NBA and NHL regular seasons are nearing their conclusion. While March has a marquee event in March Madness, it lacks the depth needed to be ranked higher.

4. May

Key Events: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, NHL Playoffs, NBA Playoffs, MLB Regular Season, PGA Championship, Coca-Cola 600, Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500

May features some of the best racing events of the year, including two great horse races and three major motorsport races. With the NHL and NBA playoffs also underway, May is packed with action. Additionally, the PGA Championship is one of the premier golf events of the year. Although May lacks a clear-cut marquee event, it remains one of the top months on the sports calendar.

3. April

Key Events: The Masters, NFL Draft, NBA and NHL Playoff Push, MLB Opening Day, College Basketball Championships

April offers a wealth of exciting sports, starting with The Masters, which concludes on the second Sunday each year. This tournament is a premier event, drawing in both golf enthusiasts and casual viewers. The NBA and NHL seasons reach a critical point as teams push for the playoffs, while MLB begins its regular season. Additionally, April features the final games of March Madness. All these events make April an exhilarating month in sports.

2. June

Key Events: NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals, U.S. Open (golf), Belmont Stakes, NBA Draft, MLB Regular Season, College World Series, French Open, Men’s and Women’s World Cup** or European Championships*

June kicks off the summer with a string of outstanding events. The NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Finals headline the month, while a major golf tournament—the U.S. Open—adds to the excitement. The Belmont Stakes wraps up the Triple Crown series, and the NBA Draft provides an exciting close to the month. The College World Series is a sleeper hit, offering captivating baseball action. June is also host to major soccer tournaments, such as the World Cup or European Championships, making it a month filled with championship-level excitement.

1. October

Key Events: NFL Regular Season, College Football Regular Season, NHL and NBA Season Openers, MLB Playoffs, WNBA Finals, Premier League Matches

October is the best month for sports. With all four major professional leagues in action and college football, there are significant games throughout the month. The MLB playoffs, filled with walk-off home runs and pitcher duels, culminate in the World Series. The WNBA Finals also take place, and the Premier League is in full swing. On top of that, the NHL and NBA seasons begin, rounding out a jam-packed month. Fall is arguably the best season for sports, and October is the crown jewel.

Honorable Mention:

September

Key Events: U.S. Open (tennis), NFL Kickoff, College Football Regular Season, Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, MLB Regular Season

Which month is your favorite for sports? Now that it’s October, be sure to check our app daily for picks and predictions from all of this month’s great events!