Best Sports Moments of 2016

“2026 is the new 2016” has been trending since the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2026. With this new trend gaining traction, it’s worth revisiting review some of the greatest defining sports moments from that year.

Chicago Cubs Break The Curse

One of the most iconic moments from 2016 came when the Chicago Cubs ended their 108-year-long championship drought and hoisted the Commissioner's Trophy.

The 2016 Cubs team was something special, featuring the dynamic trio of Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez. Chicago defeated the Cleveland Indians in a seven-game thriller after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit.

The unforgettable game seven featured a 17-minute rain delay before the start of the 10th inning with the game tied 6-6. The Cubs scored two runs in the top of the inning, and Cleveland answered with one run, but could not complete the comeback.

Chicago was finally able to break the “Curse of the Billy Goat” and come out on top as World Series Champions.

Cleveland Cavaliers First Taste of Glory

The year 2016 was defined by championship droughts coming to an end, and the Cleveland Cavaliers were no exception. The Cavaliers ended the city’s 52-year major professional sports championship drought by capturing their first NBA championship in franchise history.

The Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors roster in a 7-game NBA Finals series for the historybooks. Star LeBron James, unanimous finals MVP, played a key role in that deciding game seven 93-89 victory, leading his team to a title.

Similar to the Cubs, the Cavs trailed 3-1 in the series and made an unprecedented comeback, making them the first team to do this in the NBA finals.

Peyton Manning Retires with Superbowl Win

Another defining moment of 2016 came from none other than Super Bowl 50. Peyton Manning, one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks, ended his career in winning fashion as he led the Denver Broncos to a 24-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers in the Super Bowl.

Following his 18-year Hall of Fame career, Manning capped off his final season in the highest glory. He became the oldest quarterback in NFL history to win a Super Bowl and the first to win championships with two different teams.

Despite injuries limiting Manning’s play time and a challenging regular season, he persevered and rode off into the sunset a champion once again.

Kobe Bryant Retires

During his 20 year-long career, Kobe Bryant transcended the landscape of the NBA and brought the sport to unprecedented levels.

In 2016, Bryant decided to end his career after winning five championships and making appearances in 18 All-Star games.

The Black Mamba is the third-highest scorer in the NBA, securing 33,570 career points after entering the league straight out of high school. In his final game with the Los Angeles Lakers, he scored 60 points against the Utah Jazz.

Bryant’s legacy will live on forever within the NBA, and the iconic 2016 being his final chapter, cementing his place in basketball history.

Other Moments to Remember

There are so many key moments from the 2016 season, even coming from outside of the major professional sports.

Other momentous parts include: Villanova’s NCAA tournament buzzer beater, the most decorated Olympian Michael Phelps adding to his medals and breaking a 2,000-year-old record, Simone Biles leading USA women’s gymnastics to gold, and more.

Of course, we can’t talk about 2016 without remembering Colin Kaepernick kneeling on the sideline during the pre-game national anthem. This peaceful protest started off small, but became something bigger than anyone could have imagined, starting a national conversation.

Overall, 2016 was an incredible success in the world of sports. If 2026 is being considered the new 2016, perhaps some of these moments will be recreated, and if not, their value will continue to live on.

Gina Scarpa is a second-year student majoring in broadcast-journalism. To contact her, please email gfs5427@psu.edu.