The year 2025 delivered one of the most dramatic, unpredictable, and star‑driven sports calendars in recent memory. According to CBS Sports’ annual ranking of the top 25 stories and year‑end rundowns from The Big Lead, NY Mag New York Magazine, and MSN, fans witnessed record audiences, breakthrough championships, seismic coaching changes, and the rise of new superstars across every major league.
Below is a comprehensive look at the top sports stories that defined 2025.
Super Bowl LIX Becomes the Most‑Watched Broadcast in U.S. History
The Philadelphia Eagles’ 40–22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t just a championship — it became the most‑watched event in American television history, per NewsBreak and The Big Lead. Jalen Hurts and Nick Sirianni delivered a dominant performance that reshaped the NFL hierarchy and ended the Chiefs’ multi‑year dynasty run.
Shohei Ohtani and the Dodgers Deliver a Hollywood Ending
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star‑studded roster — Ohtani, Yamamoto, Betts, Sasaki — delivered a World Series title that captivated the baseball world. The Big Lead and MSN highlighted the Dodgers’ championship as one of the defining sports moments of the year.
Rory McIlroy Finally Wins the Masters
CBS Sports ranked Rory McIlroy’s long‑awaited Masters victory among the year’s top stories. After years of heartbreak at Augusta, McIlroy completed one of the most emotional major wins in golf history.
Alex Ovechkin Makes NHL History
Ovechkin’s pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all‑time goals record remained a headline all year, with CBS Sports placing his historic milestones among 2025’s biggest stories.
College Football’s Coaching Carousel Turns Seismic
CBS Sports reported that 2025 delivered one of the wildest coaching cycles ever, with major programs flipping coaches, conferences shifting power, and playoff expansion reshaping the sport.
Oklahoma City Launches the NBA’s Next Dynasty
NY Mag identified the Thunder’s rise — powered by Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and a deep young core — as one of the 10 most compelling stories of the year.
A Year Fans Will Never Forget
From record audiences to breakthrough champions, 2025 delivered a sports year packed with drama, emotion, and history. And with 2026 bringing the World Cup, Winter Olympics, and new media‑rights eras, the momentum isn’t slowing down.
